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Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures available. In fact, numerous celebrities have had tummy tucks. However, there is often a misconception that tummy tuck surgery and liposuction (which often accompanies a tummy tuck) offer easy options for patients to shed pounds quickly.
The truth is that neither tummy tuck surgery nor liposuction are weight loss procedures. Instead, they are procedures that help trim and tone the aesthetic of your body.
During the pandemic, many people gained weight, especially around their midsections. One of the most frustrating things with this weight is that it is often made up of stubborn subcutaneous fat, and that type of fat doesn’t always respond to diet and exercise.
Ultimately, this means the fat hanging around your waist can only be removed by plastic surgery. But, if plastic surgery isn’t a weight loss procedure, why is it the only way to remove this type of fat?!
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that contours the midsection by addressing muscle laxity and sagging skin around the waistline. These techniques, plus additional liposuction, remove stubborn fat deposits in and around the abdomen for a slimmer and more contoured appearance.
The thing to remember is that the amount of fat removed does not always affect a patient’s weight. So, yes, with a tummy tuck, the fat will be eliminated, and you will look healthier and more defined, but it won’t necessarily drop many pounds from the scale.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
You will be given general anesthesia before the procedure to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort.
Your surgeon will then make the incision. The size and location of the incision are dependent on the type of tummy tuck you are having.
- For a standard tummy tuck, the incision will run along the lower pubic area, stretching from hip to hip, and another incision will be made around the belly button.
- For a mini tummy tuck, a much smaller incision is made in the bikini line, and there is no additional incision around the navel.
- And for an extended tummy tuck, the incision is longer than a standard tummy tuck, extending around the hips.
After the incision is made, your surgeon will tighten the skin and underlying muscles. For a standard or extended tummy tuck, liposuction removes stubborn fat. The belly button will also be repositioned with a standard or extended tummy tuck. Lastly, the incisions will be closed, and you’ll be on the road to recovery.
Are There Any Procedures That Eliminate Fat and Let Me Lose Weight?
While many cosmetic procedures eliminate fat from the body, it is important to understand that this removed fat will not factor significantly into your total weight.
These are body sculpting procedures. Their results will be much more visible to the naked eye than they will be to the scale.
What Should I Do?
The best way to ensure that your tummy tuck surgery gives you the results you want is to be close to your ideal weight before your procedure. This means sticking to a diet and exercise routine that works for you.
While you may only lose a few pounds from the removal of the fat, the look and feel of your midsection will be improved dramatically. Maintaining that healthy lifestyle after your procedure will ensure long-lasting results that you will be proud of for years to come.
Interested in Learning More?
If you want to know more about our tummy tuck surgery, contact our office at (909) 291-4900 or schedule a consultation online today!
You can also visit our tummy tuck before and after photo gallery to see how Dr. Andreasen has helped his previous patients.
