With almost 98,000 performed last year in the United States alone, tummy tucks are one of the most common plastic surgical procedures in the world (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). While thousands of patients seek tummy tuck procedures and see remarkable results, there are still many misconceptions about this surgery. These myths often stand between potential patients and the aesthetic results they desire.
Dr. Cat Begovic is a renowned plastic surgeon specializing in the tummy tuck in Beverly Hills. With decades of experience and patients from all over the world, Dr. Cat aims to dismantle some of the most common misconceptions about tummy tucks. Read the complete guide below to learn more about this innovative procedure and the truth behind the myths.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a plastic surgical procedure that aims to improve the abdomen’s appearance. Excess loose skin around the midsection is removed and tightened during a tummy tuck to give the patient a flatter, slimmer appearance. Underlying abdominal muscles are also repaired and tightened to create a more sculpted look.
Dr. Cat briefly describes the tummy tuck procedure here,
“I will make a low curved incision that is marked together with you before surgery. I encourage my patients to bring underwear or bikini bottoms they like to wear so I can try to hide the incision under it. The skin and fat is then lifted off the abdominal wall up to the edges of your ribs. When I get to the belly button, I cut a small circle around our belly button (it stays in place) and lift the skin around it. This exposes loose tissue covering the abdominal muscles. Loose, stretched-out muscles are tightened with sutures, and excess skin and fat are removed. The skin is lowered over the abdomen, and the new belly button is reconstructed.”
The tummy tuck is not a weight loss surgery. This procedure is not ideal for patients with moderate to significant excess weight in their midsection. Instead, patients who seek tummy tucks are individuals within their ideal weight range. This is often mothers who were left with loose skin and stretched muscles on their stomachs after pregnancy. Patients with excess weight must have liposuction in addition to their tummy tuck procedure to see the best results.
7 Common Tummy Tuck Myths Dismantled
Are you apprehensive about getting a tummy tuck due to myths you may have heard about the procedure? There are many misconceptions when it comes to tummy tuck surgery that may keep some patients from seeking the procedure. To find out why these ideas are not true, read on as we dismantle seven common tummy tuck myths.
1. “Tummy tucks are a weight loss procedure.”
One of the biggest misconceptions about tummy tucks is that they can help patients lose weight. The tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. It’s also not a treatment option for obesity. Instead, a tummy tuck simply removes and tightens loose skin around the midsection and enhances underlying muscle in the abdomen.
During this procedure, doctors do not remove the pinch of fat under the skin or any internal (visceral) fat. If a patient has excess fat around their abdominal area, they will not benefit solely from a tummy tuck procedure.
These patients would be better suited for weight loss procedures like liposuction, which removes excess fat from the body.
2. “Only lazy people who don’t want to exercise get tummy tucks.”
Some people assume that tummy tucks are for lazy patients who want to get in better shape without sticking to a diet or going to the gym. While diet and exercise are essential for weight loss and staying in shape, there is little that those measures can do for excess skin or underlying muscles that have been stretched during extreme weight gain or pregnancy.
Even the thinnest patients can struggle with loose skin around the abdomen, which a tummy tuck can resolve. Patients who have excess weight on the stomach would need liposuction along with their tummy tuck. If the mons pubis is also hanging, a public lift can be performed in addition to a tummy tuck.
3. “Liposuction and tummy tucks are the same thing.”
Many people believe that tummy tucks and liposuction procedures are the same. However, that is not the case. A tummy tuck repairs and tightens the abdominal wall muscles while removing excess skin around the midsection, creating a tighter appearance. Liposuction is a weight loss procedure that aims to remove excess fat from various areas of the body.
A patient’s desired outcome and current anatomy will dictate what procedure they choose. A consultation with Dr. Cat is the best way to determine whether you need liposuction or a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills. Dr. Cat explains the importance of having a pre-surgical consult here,
“As I’ve mentioned before, plastic surgery is not an exact science. Every person has unique anatomy and their own idea of what their body goals should be. This is why consultations are vital so we can work together to create the best possible plan, customized for your personal needs and goals.”
4. “The tummy tuck recovery is long and painful.”
While any surgical cosmetic procedure involves a recovery process, many people are concerned that tummy tuck recovery is extensive and painful. Dr. Cat has developed a gentle tummy tuck technique with minimal pain and a much shorter recovery time. Most of her patients do not need any pain medication after their procedure and can manage any discomfort with Tylenol.
5. “Tummy tuck scars are thick, dark, and jagged.”
A common worry that patients have about tummy tucks is that there will be visible scarring after they have healed from surgery and that this scarring will not only be unsightly but reveal the work they had done.
Dr. Cat has created a unique incision closure technique that results in virtually invisible scars to eliminate that concern. Dr. Cat takes extreme pride in her attention to detail, going above and beyond to make an incision that will not leave any bunching, irregularities, or step-offs.
6. “It’s not safe for women to get pregnant after a tummy tuck.”
Female patients seeking tummy tuck procedures are often concerned about how pregnancy may affect their surgery. For this reason, many wait until after they have had children to get a tummy tuck.
Patients can have a tummy tuck surgery and get pregnant afterward, but this will stretch the tissues and potentially leave loose skin remaining. If this happens, a revision tummy tuck can be performed after pregnancy. Dr. Cat will advise you on all of your options during your initial consultation.
7. “I’m too old to get a tummy tuck.”
Some patients believe they cannot have a tummy tuck due to their age. There is no age limit for this cosmetic procedure. As long as you are healthy and receive full medical clearance, you can get a tummy tuck.
Dr. Cat explains how a tummy tuck procedure can benefit patients of any age,
“Tummy Tuck Surgery is one of the most life-changing surgeries that I do! My patients feel that they can finally fit into clothes that they like without the extra hanging skin getting in the way. They feel much more confident in a bathing suit or bikini. Also, many patients can exercise better – in addition to cosmetic benefits, abdominoplasty strengthens the core, helps with back pain, and helps support the pelvic floor. It gives me so much joy to hear many of my patients tell me they finally can walk and exercise without back pain or that they are able to do certain activities that they couldn’t.”
The Best Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills
If you are interested in a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills, look no further than Dr. Cat Begovic. Dr. Cat is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in a wide variety of cosmetic procedures. Her long lineup of treatments includes non-invasive outpatient options like ThermiSmooth to more extensive surgical procedures like “Mommy Makeovers.”
With decades of experience, Dr. Cat has developed an advanced approach to plastic surgery that results in minimal pain, shorter recovery times, and the best possible results. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cat, please contact us online or by phone today.
