The best tummy tucks are those that leave patients slimmer, more contoured and happier with their appearance. Despite the popularity of tummy tucks in general, however, there are still a few very persistent myths surrounding this plastic surgery that need to be corrected.
Myth #1: Enough exercise will flatten my tummy.
Although the instincts that tell you to start with conventional weight loss methods are correct, that doesn’t mean that it’s always just a matter of how many crunches you do before your figure meets your expectations. The C.L.A.S.S. tummy tuck, a drain-free abdominoplasty procedure that also incorporates lipo, actually delivers the best results in patients who are already close to their target weight.
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat that can’t be corrected through diet or exercise efforts, as well as repairing the underlying separated or stretched abdominal muscles that may contribute to the appearance of a saggy belly.
A large number of tummy tucks are performed after drastic weight loss, because excess fat deposits can stretch out the skin and muscles. Any excess skin remaining after reaching your ideal weight will need to be resolved surgically, and stretched muscles may need to be retightened surgically as well.
Myth #2: I can get a tummy tuck at the same time as my C-section
Although it certainly is tempting to think that a C-section is the perfect time for further abdominal surgery, this couldn’t be further from the truth. At the end of a pregnancy, your body weight is higher than normal, and the skin and muscles of your abdomen are very stretched. If a surgeon were to start surgically tightening muscles and removing excess skin before your body has a chance to regain its former contours on its own, the results would be completely unpredictable.
Most Denver plastic surgeons recommend waiting for several months following the birth of your child before considering any cosmetic procedures, just to get back to your ideal target weight and give your body some time to recover naturally on its own. At that point, a C.L.A.S.S. tummy tuck should be able to give you the extra bit of help you need to take you the rest of the way.
Myth #3: Tummy tucks are just for women.
While it’s true that more women than men undergo abdominoplasty, that doesn’t mean that tummy tucks are just for women. Cosmetic surgery procedures of all types are on the rise in male patients, and a tummy tuck is no exception.
Women experience dramatic changes to the abdominal area often as the result of childbearing, since pregnancy puts an enormous strain on the skin and muscles within that region. However, men can definitely see similar changes in their own bodies, especially for those who have struggled with large swings in weight gain over the years.
Just like women, a C.L.A.S.S. tummy tuck for men removes the excess skin and fat deposits that remain behind even after reaching their target weight, while incorporating liposuction for fine-tuned body sculpting. And, just like in female patients, plastic surgery is really the only way to resolve the issue of excess skin and lax abdominal muscles. With a C.L.A.S.S. tummy tuck, men can enjoy a more streamlined profile following drastic weight loss, or to resolve age-related changes in their body that have appeared as they’ve grown older.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
