A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is an effective way to remove saggy skin and stubborn fatty deposits to create the firm, flat midsection most people covet. A toned midsection adds to the overall contouring of your body and gives you a sleeker silhouette. If you’re looking to get a tummy tuck in the Richmond, VA, area, let’s cut through the noise and debunk some myths surrounding the procedure.
Myth #1: Only Women Can Benefit From a Tummy Tuck
Many women are drawn to the tummy tuck procedure to correct a protruding or saggy midsection after pregnancy. However, men of all ages can benefit from a tummy tuck, especially those struggling with “dad bod” issues. As men get older, it is harder to slow fat cell deposits in the midsection and improve sagging abdominal muscles, which creates the dreaded “pooch.”
The truth is, both men and women who are frustrated by sagging abdominal skin and pockets of fat can benefit from tummy tuck surgery. Whether you are a man or woman interested in a tummy tuck procedure, though, it is important to pick an experienced plastic surgeon who can answer all your questions and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Myth #2: A Tummy Tuck Can Help With Weight Loss
While you may equate a tummy tuck with fat removal, the goal of a tummy tuck is to flatten the midsection by tightening saggy skin. Some stubborn fat may be removed from the abdomen during a tummy tuck, but the surgery is not meant to be a weight loss procedure. A tummy tuck can merely give you results you can’t get from diet and exercise alone. Individuals at a healthy weight looking to reduce stubborn fat deposits can also benefit from safe procedures such as liposuction or CoolSculpting® for body fat or KYBELLA® for chin and neck fat.
Myth #3: You Can Get the Same Results as a Tummy Tuck From Diet and Exercise
Those who want a tummy tuck are often shamed and told to simply diet and exercise to reduce abdominal fat. While a healthy diet and consistent exercise can tone your midsection to some extent, it will not remove certain stubborn fat or help with sagging abdominal skin. The stubborn fat deposits and stretched-out skin need to be surgically removed for optimal contouring of the midsection.
Myth #4: Only Certain Age Groups Are Suitable for Tummy Tuck Procedures
While most people who have tummy tuck surgery are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, the procedure is effective for adults of nearly any age. Older individuals might shy away from the procedure due to age or other health issues. However, any healthy non-smoker looking to tighten their midsection is usually a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure.
Whatever your reasons for getting a tummy tuck, it is important to have realistic expectations about the procedure and its recovery time and results. To see examples of the flat, firm midsection you can expect after a tummy tuck, visit our before-and-after photo gallery. To discuss your tummy tuck procedure with an experienced surgeon, please request a consultation or call us at (434) 924-1234 to schedule an appointment.
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