Most people tend to carry a little extra fat around their stomach. When dieting and exercise alone prove ineffective to lose those few stubborn pounds and excess fat on the abdomen, a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty can help. By trimming excess skin and fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles, the tummy tuck provides a comprehensive solution for enhancing the abdominal region. Despite its substantial benefits, however, there are some things that the tummy tuck can’t do. Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery and Dr. David Lo want to make sure you have realistic expectations for your procedure, find out what the tummy tuck can and can’t do.

 

CAN:

1. It CAN create a flatter & toned abdomen

A tummy tuck can leave you with a flatter stomach as the excess fat around your midsection is removed. You can look forward to a more contoured, lean physique when you have been unsuccessful at eliminating that excess fat through dieting and exercise alone. Additionally, the tummy tuck procedure tightens the abdominal muscles, which can further enhance the appearance of the abdominal region.

 

2. It CAN remove excess skin

Excess skin is often left behind after weight loss or pregnancy. This can also happen as part of the aging process. As skin loses collagen, it loses its elasticity and can begin to sag. If you have excess skin that sags and is unsightly, a tummy tuck can address that problem.  The tummy tuck lifts and tightens the underlying tissue, removing any excess skin that’s present.

 

3. It CAN repair weakened and separated ab muscles

Pregnancy and childbirth often damage stomach muscles, leaving you with a belly that’s impossible to get rid of. A tummy tuck can repair and suture these muscles to produce a less flabby silhouette.

 

CAN’T:

1. It CAN’T prevent future weight gain

It’s important to remember that the tummy tuck cannot prevent future weight gain. The procedure is not meant to replace weight loss efforts such as eating a healthy diet and working out. Future weight gain could distort or reverse your results from your tummy tuck, so make sure you’re dedicated to a healthy lifestyle prior to choosing the tummy tuck.

 

2. It CAN’T remove most stretch marks

Weight gain and pregnancy often cause stretch marks to appear on the abdomen. A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks, but only if they are located in areas where excess skin is being trimmed. It is not possible for a tummy tuck to completely remove all stretch marks in the stomach. However, it will most likely change the position and width of the stretch marks. 

 

3. It CAN’T give you six-pack abs

The purpose of a tummy tuck is to smooth your abdomen, but it doesn’t create muscle tone. After your abdominoplasty, you’ll need to exercise and eat right if you hope to maximize the results.

 

To learn more about what a tummy tuck can and can’t do for you, SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION with our Plastic Surgeon, Dr. David Lo, at  our Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery Office in Knoxville!  Call (865) 306-5680 or book online at:  https://www.premiersurgicalplasticsurgery.com/request-a-consultation/