Myths and Facts About Tummy Tucks

Every year, more than 170,000 Americans turn to tummy tuck surgery (or abdominoplasty) to help slim their belly area and tone their core. While tummy tucks are obviously popular, a lot of people don’t understand what they do or how they “work,” which could be preventing some women and men from improving their appearance and their self-confidence.

Rishi Jindal, MD, is a leading provider of state-of-the-art abdominoplasty surgeries, helping patients at Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery achieve their aesthetic goals and enjoy slimmer, sleeker, sexier contours. In this post, he dispels some of the most common myths that could be preventing you from exploring tummy tuck surgery.

Myth: Tummy tucks are only for women who’ve been pregnant

Fact: Tummy tuck surgery is indeed popular with women whose bodies — and particularly bellies — have been dramatically changed by pregnancy. But abdominoplasty is also very popular among women who’ve never given birth and among plenty of men, too. 

In fact, thousands of men turn to tummy tuck surgery every year to battle bulging bellies that become even more common with age. Tummy tuck surgery addresses stubborn fat along with loose skin left behind by weight loss (and pregnancy) while also tightening up weak, flabby core muscles, consecutively earning it a spot in the top five cosmetic procedures performed in the United States.

Myth: Tummy tucks only offer cosmetic benefits

Fact: Although tummy tuck surgery might be classified as a cosmetic surgery, the benefits often go far beyond appearance. By tightening the abdominal muscles and repairing muscle separation (a condition called diastasis recti), tummy tuck surgery can improve your core strength and your posture, too, potentially leading to less back pain. 

Myth: Tummy tuck scars are really visible

Fact: Tummy tuck surgery uses an incision in your lower belly and leaves a scar. However, Dr. Jindal typically locates the incision below the “panty line,” just above the pubic area. This makes it easier to hide when wearing underwear and swimwear. With proper healing and care (like sun protection), the scar eventually fades becoming much less visible.

Myth: You can get the same results with liposuction

Fact: These two procedures can both address belly fat, but they’re very different in most respects. Liposuction eliminates stubborn fat deposits from the tummy and waist areas, but it doesn’t do anything for loose skin or flabby muscles. 

Tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens and repairs the abdominal muscles, and it can remove a small amount of fat in the surgical area. The good news: Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are highly compatible, often used together to achieve comprehensive results that improve your entire tummy and waist area.

Myth: Tummy tuck surgery involves a long recovery process

Fact: Recovery from a tummy tuck does take time, but most people are surprised to learn they can resume light activities within 1-2 weeks, returning to more strenuous activities, like lifting objects and working out, after about 4-6 weeks. Following post-op instructions closely is the key to recovering as quickly as possible.

Myth: Eventually, your tummy will get flabby again

Fact: Tummy tuck surgery permanently removes excess skin and fat and tightens and tones your belly muscles for sleek, smooth contours. However, if you have significant weight gain or become pregnant following your surgery, you could “undo” at least some of those results. 

Ideally, you should plan for tummy tuck surgery once you’re done having kids, and adhere to a healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain optimal results (and improve your health, too).

Get the tummy you want

Tummy tuck surgery can play a big role in helping you tone up your tummy, improve your core strength, and feel more confident, too. To learn more about abdominoplasty and other treatments to help you look and feel your best, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Jindal and the team at Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery in San Diego, California, today.