Do you have a bit extra in the abdominal area? Would you like to remove excess skin and fat for a flatter, more attractive waistline? Before you get that tummy tuck make sure you know the facts. There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about this cosmetic surgery procedure. Knowing the truth from the fiction will help you make an informed and educated decision about whether a tummy tuck is right for you.
Tummy Tuck Myth #1- Skip the Tummy Tuck and Just Exercise Instead
While diet and exercise are an important part of a healthy lifestyle, they aren’t an alternative to a tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty). Stretched out or excess skin isn’t going to disappear through exercise alone. Only a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles. If you have excess skin in the abdominal area you may need a tummy tuck to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Tummy Tuck Myth #2- Only Women Get Tummy Tucks
Although women often opt for a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover, they aren’t the only ones that can benefit from the procedure. A tummy tuck is also often performed as part of post bariatric surgery on both men and women. Losing a substantial amount of weight is a lot of work; a tummy tuck can help you finally achieve the result you’re after by removing extra skin and fat after weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Myth #3- Abdominoplasty is Always Performed in the Hospital
Many of our patients are surprised to learn that you don’t have to sign up for a long hospital stay to enjoy the benefits of a tummy tuck. Dr. Sato performs this surgery is our on-site surgical facility. General anesthesia isn’t used, rather IV sedation and local anesthetic. After surgery you will be bandaged and given instructions for recovery. You can recover from the comfort of your own home and you’ll be carefully monitored during follow-up visits. Most patients take 1-2 weeks off of work while they heal.
Tummy Tuck Fact #1- It Isn’t Always the Right Time for a Tummy Tuck
If you’re healthy and over the age of 18, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Women who are planning future pregnancies may want to wait for an abdominoplasty as pregnancy can ruin the results of the procedure. Patients that are planning on losing large amounts of weight should also wait for surgery. During your consultation Dr. Sato will help you determine if you’re a good candidate, and if it’s the right time for you to consider surgery.
Tummy Tuck Fact #2- Partial Abdominoplasty May Benefit Some Patients
Not all patients need a full tummy tuck. If your fat and excess skin are only located below the navel, a mini tummy tuck may work for you. This surgery is similar to a full abdominoplasty, but treats only the area below the belly button.
Give us a call today to schedule your abdominoplasty consultation with Dr. Sato.