Busting the Top Myths About Tummy Tucks
Many people in Charlotte want to change the appearance of their stomach and abdominal area. Along with age, childbearing and other factors, however, people may develop stubborn fat deposits and changes to the abdomen that are difficult or impossible to address with diet and exercise alone. The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that can help women and men in Charlotte obtain a flat, sculpted stomach, addressing years of body changes and boosting confidence and pride.
A tummy tuck is one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery. At Queen City Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Enam Haque performs tummy tuck procedures on women and men of all ages, producing beautiful, natural results. As the procedure has become more common, many myths about tummy tucks have also developed. Here are some of the more common myths along with key facts about abdominoplasty.
Myth 1: If you diet and exercise enough, you can achieve the same results as a tummy tuck
Of course, diet and exercise are powerful tools for achieving the changes to your body that you desire. Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you stay healthy, build muscle, and lose weight. However, weight loss does not address the same concerns as a tummy tuck. In fact, some people opt for a tummy tuck after significant weight loss to address loose skin and stretched muscles that remain.
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure, nor does it focus on removing fat. Instead, an abdominoplasty may tighten or remove excess or stretched skin in the abdominal area. Inside the abdomen, muscles and connective tissues can be stretched through childbirth and other physical changes. This means that even very slender patients with a strong commitment to diet and exercise may struggle with a protruding or bulging abdomen, concerns that a tummy tuck can address.
Myth 2: A tummy tuck helps you lose weight.
Others believe that tummy tucks are a substitute for weight loss or bariatric surgery. While a tummy tuck can produce a taut, toned appearance in the abdomen, it is not a weight-loss procedure. In reality, it is best to be at or near your sustainable goal weight when opting for a tummy tuck, and many people choose abdominoplasty after significant weight loss. Keeping your weight stable after a tummy tuck can help to ensure long-lasting results.
Of course, you can also address areas of stubborn or excess fat during a tummy tuck. Dr. Haque may advise combining abdominoplasty with liposuction in order to address resistant pockets of fat. In the end, a tummy tuck is unlikely to decrease your weight, but this procedure can help you restore youthful contours and appearance to the stomach.
Myth 3: Tummy tucks are just for women.
Because of the changes that can take place in the abdomen due to pregnancy and childbirth, it is true that many women opt for a tummy tuck in order to reverse those changes and restore their taut, flat stomachs. However, tummy tucks are just as effective for men. Both men and women want to address loose skin, stubborn fat pockets, or the appearance of a protruding stomach. At Queen City Plastic Surgery, Dr. Haque regularly performs abdominoplasty for men and women in Charlotte to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.
Myth 4: Tummy tucks are only for young people.
Abdominoplasty can be a great choice for healthy people of any age who want to enjoy a firmer, flatter stomach. Certain criteria can make you a stronger candidate for a tummy tuck. You should be in good health, a nonsmoker, and maintain a healthy, stable weight for best results. However, you can opt to improve the appearance of your abdomen at any age.
If you want to learn more about abdominoplasty and how it may help you to achieve your aesthetic goals, contact the conveniently located Charlotte office of Queen City Plastic Surgery for a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Enam Haque. He will review your medical history, address your questions, and discuss tummy tuck options in Charlotte that may be right for you. Contact our offices at 704-859-2382 or use our secure online form to request a consultation.