According to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), tummy tucks have made a comeback. The number of tummy tuck procedures saw a 2 percent increase in 2017, making it one of the top five most popular cosmetic surgical procedures.
Despite its popularity, there are still a lot of misconceptions about tummy tuck, especially about what it accomplishes. Louisville plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Maguire clears up the confusion on what tummy tuck can and cannot do in this blog post.
Tummy Tuck Can Remove Excess Skin and Fat
The main purpose of tummy tuck is to remove loose, excess abdominal skin that does not conform to the body’s contours. The procedure can also repair damaged or separated muscles by suturing them together, and eliminate stubborn fat deposits using liposuction techniques. Following tummy tuck, the abdomen is tighter and smoother.
Keep in mind that no two tummy tucks are alike. What works for one patient may not work for you. Your plastic surgeon will customize your treatment plan based on your unique aesthetic needs and goals.
Tummy Tuck Cannot Correct Stretch Marks
Tummy tuck does not correct stretch marks. What it can do, however, is remove stretch marks located on the lower abdomen (below the navel), thereby improving the overall appearance of stretch marks and the abdomen.
Tummy Tuck Cannot Prevent Future Weight Gain
The slimming and toning effects of tummy tuck can be reversed with future weight gain. For this reason, patients are advised to maintain a stable weight and practice healthy lifestyle habits including eating right, exercising regularly and not smoking. Your plastic surgeon can provide more tips on how to maintain your tummy tuck results during an in-office consultation.
Tummy Tuck Can Promote a Healthier Lifestyle
Many patients use tummy tuck and other body contouring procedures as a way to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. Some of Dr. Maguire’s patients have reported feeling motivated to maintain their slimmer and more toned abdomen by exercising regularly and eating healthily. Without loose, hanging skin, mobility becomes easier and exercise becomes more comfortable and enjoyable.
Are you interested in finding out whether tummy tuck is right for you? Dr. Maguire would gladly meet with you to discuss the procedure and your aesthetic needs in detail. To schedule a consultation, contact Center for Beauty by sending us an email or calling (502) 897-7546 today.
