Pros And Cons Of Getting A Tummy Tuck
Patients considering abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) typically have lost a significant amount of weight, either after having a baby, making lifestyle changes, or undergoing weight loss surgery. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and, in some cases, repairs diastasis recti (a condition in which abdominal muscles are separated.) Liposuction is commonly combined with the procedure to remove pockets of fat and ensure smooth, natural-looking contours.
The plastic surgeon performing the tummy tuck makes a horizontal incision that stretches from hip to hip just above the pubic area. An incision is also made around the belly button, which is repositioned as part of the procedure. Some patients may be good candidates for modified abdominoplasty surgery, such as a mini tummy tuck or an extended tummy tuck.
Pros And Cons Of Getting A Tummy Tuck
Pros:
-Reduces the appearance of stretch marks and loose skin
-Lifts and tightens your abdomen, resulting in a more toned and flat tummy
Cons:
-It is major surgery that requires general anesthesia, so there are risks associated with surgery such as blood clots, infection, or excessive bleeding (although these are very rare).
-The recovery period is longer than other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction or breast augmentation. You must follow a strict schedule of rest and healing for about two weeks after your surgery. You may need to wear an abdominal binder for a few months after your surgery to help prevent swelling or muscle separation in the surgical area.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on reasons not to get a tummy tuck, benefits of tummy tuck. Read on to learn more.
What is a tummy tuck procedure?
Before we talk about the pros and cons of a tummy tuck procedure, it’s important to understand what exactly a tummy tuck is. A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the shape and appearance of the abdominal area. During this procedure, a surgeon will remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen to help you achieve a thinner and more toned look.
The majority of patients who opt for a tummy tuck are women who want to restore their body shape after giving birth (these are often called Mommy Makeovers). However, this procedure is not exclusive to women; many men also seek to improve the look of their abdominal area. Tummy tucks are also commonly performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and want to remove excess hanging skin around the tummy area.
Pros and Cons of a Tummy Tuck Procedure
Now that you know what a tummy tuck is, let’s explore some of the pros and cons of a tummy tuck procedure. If you are considering this procedure, be sure to do plenty of research and speak with a qualified cosmetic surgeon about your options. If you have any questions or want to learn more about tummy tucks, feel free to reach out to the office of Dr. Rimma Finkel at (480) 963-3034.
Pros of a Tummy Tuck
Tummy tucks are safe and effective procedures that can be customized to help you achieve your specific goals. Here are some of the most notable benefits of a tummy tuck procedure.
Tummy tucks can create a slimmer, flatter waistline by removing loose skin and excess fat from the abdominal area.
A tummy tuck procedure can also repair weak or separated abdominal muscles. This can help correct a protruding belly (which is sometimes called a “pooch”).
This procedure can remove or reduce stretch marks from pregnancy. It may also help improve the look of scars from C-sections or hysterectomies.
The surgery can be used along with other methods like liposuction to increase the benefits.
You may notice that your clothes fit better than they did before the procedure.
Tummy tucks offer a solution for those who are unable to achieve the look they want with diet and exercise alone.
Tummy tucks often help patients feel more confident in their appearances.
Some patients may notice an improvement in certain medical issues, such as lower back pain or urinary incontinence.
Cons of a Tummy Tuck
As with any cosmetic procedure, tummy tucks come with their share of drawbacks. Here are some of the cons to consider if you are thinking about getting a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck is a major operation. As such, it has a considerable recovery time. You will need to hold off on strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks.
Post-operation swelling can take several months to recede. Because of this, it may take a while to see the results you were expecting.
All tummy tuck procedures leave a scar on the lower abdomen, However, this scar will be well hidden within the bikini area. You can improve the look of your scar with silicone scar sheets or other scar treatments.
Because it is a cosmetic procedure, not all insurance companies will cover a tummy tuck. Be sure to ask your surgeon about financing options.
Gaining weight or becoming pregnant after getting an abdominoplasty may result in unwanted results. (This is why we recommend that women wait until they are done having kids before getting a tummy tuck.)
Although there are several drawbacks, most people experience positive results following a tummy tuck. Be sure to discuss any concerns and risks with your surgeon.
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
There are a few different types of tummy tuck procedures that are suitable for different goals. Your board-certified surgeon will determine which type of tummy tuck can help you achieve your goals while minimizing scarring. Here are some of the most common types of tummy tuck procedures.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is designed to improve the appearance of both the upper and lower abdominal regions. This procedure is a good solution for patients looking to flatten and contour the areas above and below their belly buttons.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck procedure only addresses the lower abdomen, which is the area below the belly button. This is suitable for patients who are concerned with having a protruding “pooch,” as well as for those who have loose skin or stretch marks below their belly button.
Very often, patients who opt for a mini tummy tuck are those who are close to their ideal weight but cannot get rid of the remaining stubborn fat through diet and exercise alone.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck combines a full tummy tuck with the addition of improving a patient’s flanks. This procedure is suitable for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight are looking to refine the contours of their bodies. Patients who get this procedure may also benefit from liposuction, which is usually performed on their hips, love handles, and flanks during the tummy tuck procedure. Extended tummy tucks can also help strengthen and repair weak abdominal muscles.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure?
Almost anyone can receive a tummy tuck, and there are a variety of reasons why someone might be considering this procedure. You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if…
There is extra skin on your abdomen due to pregnancy, aging, prior surgery, or sudden weight loss
You have already lost weight through diet and exercise. (Tummy tucks are not recommended as weight loss options for those who are considered clinically obese.)
You maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and remain from harmful activities like smoking or drug use.
You have a positive attitude and realistic expectations about the results.
Be sure to talk with your board-certified surgeon to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure. We encourage you to ask your surgeon plenty of questions and find out if this procedure can help you achieve your goals.
Tummy tuck complications years later
In 2017, Americans spent more than $6.5 billion on cosmetic surgery. From breast augmentation to eyelid surgery, procedures to change our appearance are becoming increasingly common. However, these surgeries don’t come without risks.
- Hematoma
Hematoma is a pocket of blood that resembles a large, painful bruise. It occurs in 1 percent of breast augmentation procedures. It’s also the most common complication after a facelift, occurring in an average of 1 percent of patients. It occurs more commonly in males than females.
Hematoma is a risk in nearly all surgeries. Treatment sometimes includes additional operations to drain the blood if the collection of blood is large or growing rapidly. This may require another procedure in the operating room and sometimes additional anesthetic.
- Seroma
Seroma is a condition that occurs when serum, or sterile body fluid, pools beneath the surface of the skin, resulting in swelling and sometimes pain. This can occur after any surgery, and it’s the most common complication following a tummy tuck, occurring in 15 to 30 percent of patients.
Because seromas can become infected, they’re often drained with a needle. This effectively removes them, although there’s a chance of recurrence.
- Blood loss
As with any surgery, some blood loss is expected. However, uncontrolled blood loss can lead to a drop in blood pressure with potentially deadly outcomes.
Blood loss can happen while on the operating table, but also internally, after surgery.
- Infection
Though postoperative care includes steps to reduce the risk of infection, it remains one of the more common complications of plastic surgery.
For instance, infections occur in 1.1 to 2.5 percentTrusted Source of people who undergo breast augmentation.
The skin infection cellulitis may occur after surgery. In some cases, infections can be internal and severe, requiring intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
- Nerve damage
The potential for nerve damage is present in many different types of surgical procedures. Numbness and tingling are common after plastic surgery and can be signs of nerve damage. Most often the nerve damage is temporary, but in some cases it can be permanent.
Most women experience a change in sensitivity after breast augmentation surgery, and 15 percent experience permanent changes in nipple sensation.
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the leg. When these clots break off and travel to the lungs, it’s known as pulmonary embolism (PE).
These complications are relatively uncommon, affecting only 0.09 percent of all patients undergoing plastic surgery. However, these clots can be fatal.
Abdominoplasty procedures have a slightly higher rate of DVT and PE, affecting just under 1 percent of patients. The risk of clots is 5 times higher for people having multiple procedures than it is for people having only one procedure.
- Organ damage
Liposuction can be traumatic for the internal organs.
Visceral perforations or punctures can occur when the surgical probe comes into contact with internal organs. Repairing these injuries can require additional surgery.
The perforations may also be fatal.
- Scarring
Surgery typically results in some scarring. Since cosmetic surgery seeks to improve the way you look, scars can be particularly troubling.
Hypertrophic scarring, for instance, is an abnormally red and thick raised scar. Along with smooth, hard keloid scars, it occurs in 1.0 to 3.7 percent of tummy tucks.
- General appearance dissatisfaction
Most people are satisfied with their postoperative outcomes, and research suggests most women are satisfied with breast augmentation surgery. But disappointment with the results is a real possibility. People who undergo breast surgery may experience contouring or asymmetry problems, while those undergoing facial surgeries could simply not like the result. - Complications of anesthesia
Anesthesia is the use of medication to make you unconscious. It allows patients to undergo surgery without feeling the procedure.
General anesthesia can sometimes lead to complications. These include lung infections, stroke, heart attacks, and death. Anesthesia awareness, or waking up in the middle of surgery, is very rare but also possible.
More common anesthesia risks include:
shivering
nausea and vomiting
waking up confused and disoriented
The takeaway
On the whole, plastic surgery complications are rare. According to a 2018 review of over 25,000 cases, complications occur in fewer than 1 percent of outpatient surgeries.
As with most surgeries, plastic surgery complications are more common in certain people. For example, smokers, older adults, and people who are obese are more prone to complications.
You can reduce your risk of unwanted side effects by fully vetting your doctor and their credentials. You should also investigate the facility where your surgery will take place.
Educating yourself about the procedure and possible risks, and discussing your concerns with your doctor, will also help you manage your expectations and reduce the risk of complications
Patients considering abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) typically have lost a significant amount of weight, either after having a baby, making lifestyle changes, or undergoing weight loss surgery. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and, in some cases, repairs diastasis recti (a condition in which abdominal muscles are separated.) Liposuction is commonly combined with the procedure to remove pockets of fat and ensure smooth, natural-looking contours.
The plastic surgeon performing the tummy tuck makes a horizontal incision that stretches from hip to hip just above the pubic area. An incision is also made around the belly button, which is repositioned as part of the procedure. Some patients may be good candidates for modified abdominoplasty surgery, such as a mini tummy tuck or an extended tummy tuck.
Pros:
-Reduces the appearance of stretch marks and loose skin
-Lifts and tightens your abdomen, resulting in a more toned and flat tummy
Cons:
-It is major surgery that requires general anesthesia, so there are risks associated with surgery such as blood clots, infection, or excessive bleeding (although these are very rare).
-The recovery period is longer than other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction or breast augmentation. You must follow a strict schedule of rest and healing for about two weeks after your surgery. You may need to wear an abdominal binder for a few months after your surgery to help prevent swelling or muscle separation in the surgical area.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on reasons not to get a tummy tuck, benefits of tummy tuck. Read on to learn more.
What is a tummy tuck procedure?
Before we talk about the pros and cons of a tummy tuck procedure, it’s important to understand what exactly a tummy tuck is. A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the shape and appearance of the abdominal area. During this procedure, a surgeon will remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen to help you achieve a thinner and more toned look.
The majority of patients who opt for a tummy tuck are women who want to restore their body shape after giving birth (these are often called Mommy Makeovers). However, this procedure is not exclusive to women; many men also seek to improve the look of their abdominal area. Tummy tucks are also commonly performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and want to remove excess hanging skin around the tummy area.
Pros and Cons of a Tummy Tuck Procedure
Now that you know what a tummy tuck is, let’s explore some of the pros and cons of a tummy tuck procedure. If you are considering this procedure, be sure to do plenty of research and speak with a qualified cosmetic surgeon about your options. If you have any questions or want to learn more about tummy tucks, feel free to reach out to the office of Dr. Rimma Finkel at (480) 963-3034.
Pros of a Tummy Tuck
Tummy tucks are safe and effective procedures that can be customized to help you achieve your specific goals. Here are some of the most notable benefits of a tummy tuck procedure.
Tummy tucks can create a slimmer, flatter waistline by removing loose skin and excess fat from the abdominal area.
A tummy tuck procedure can also repair weak or separated abdominal muscles. This can help correct a protruding belly (which is sometimes called a “pooch”).
This procedure can remove or reduce stretch marks from pregnancy. It may also help improve the look of scars from C-sections or hysterectomies.
The surgery can be used along with other methods like liposuction to increase the benefits.
You may notice that your clothes fit better than they did before the procedure.
Tummy tucks offer a solution for those who are unable to achieve the look they want with diet and exercise alone.
Tummy tucks often help patients feel more confident in their appearances.
Some patients may notice an improvement in certain medical issues, such as lower back pain or urinary incontinence.
Cons of a Tummy Tuck
As with any cosmetic procedure, tummy tucks come with their share of drawbacks. Here are some of the cons to consider if you are thinking about getting a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck is a major operation. As such, it has a considerable recovery time. You will need to hold off on strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks.
Post-operation swelling can take several months to recede. Because of this, it may take a while to see the results you were expecting.
All tummy tuck procedures leave a scar on the lower abdomen, However, this scar will be well hidden within the bikini area. You can improve the look of your scar with silicone scar sheets or other scar treatments.
Because it is a cosmetic procedure, not all insurance companies will cover a tummy tuck. Be sure to ask your surgeon about financing options.
Gaining weight or becoming pregnant after getting an abdominoplasty may result in unwanted results. (This is why we recommend that women wait until they are done having kids before getting a tummy tuck.)
Although there are several drawbacks, most people experience positive results following a tummy tuck. Be sure to discuss any concerns and risks with your surgeon.
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
There are a few different types of tummy tuck procedures that are suitable for different goals. Your board-certified surgeon will determine which type of tummy tuck can help you achieve your goals while minimizing scarring. Here are some of the most common types of tummy tuck procedures.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is designed to improve the appearance of both the upper and lower abdominal regions. This procedure is a good solution for patients looking to flatten and contour the areas above and below their belly buttons.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck procedure only addresses the lower abdomen, which is the area below the belly button. This is suitable for patients who are concerned with having a protruding “pooch,” as well as for those who have loose skin or stretch marks below their belly button.
Very often, patients who opt for a mini tummy tuck are those who are close to their ideal weight but cannot get rid of the remaining stubborn fat through diet and exercise alone.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck combines a full tummy tuck with the addition of improving a patient’s flanks. This procedure is suitable for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight are looking to refine the contours of their bodies. Patients who get this procedure may also benefit from liposuction, which is usually performed on their hips, love handles, and flanks during the tummy tuck procedure. Extended tummy tucks can also help strengthen and repair weak abdominal muscles.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure?
Almost anyone can receive a tummy tuck, and there are a variety of reasons why someone might be considering this procedure. You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if…
There is extra skin on your abdomen due to pregnancy, aging, prior surgery, or sudden weight loss
You have already lost weight through diet and exercise. (Tummy tucks are not recommended as weight loss options for those who are considered clinically obese.)
You maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and remain from harmful activities like smoking or drug use.
You have a positive attitude and realistic expectations about the results.
Be sure to talk with your board-certified surgeon to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure. We encourage you to ask your surgeon plenty of questions and find out if this procedure can help you achieve your goals.
Tummy tuck complications years later
In 2017, Americans spent more than $6.5 billion on cosmetic surgery. From breast augmentation to eyelid surgery, procedures to change our appearance are becoming increasingly common. However, these surgeries don’t come without risks.
- Hematoma
Hematoma is a pocket of blood that resembles a large, painful bruise. It occurs in 1 percent of breast augmentation procedures. It’s also the most common complication after a facelift, occurring in an average of 1 percent of patients. It occurs more commonly in males than females.
Hematoma is a risk in nearly all surgeries. Treatment sometimes includes additional operations to drain the blood if the collection of blood is large or growing rapidly. This may require another procedure in the operating room and sometimes additional anesthetic.
- Seroma
Seroma is a condition that occurs when serum, or sterile body fluid, pools beneath the surface of the skin, resulting in swelling and sometimes pain. This can occur after any surgery, and it’s the most common complication following a tummy tuck, occurring in 15 to 30 percent of patients.
Because seromas can become infected, they’re often drained with a needle. This effectively removes them, although there’s a chance of recurrence.
- Blood loss
As with any surgery, some blood loss is expected. However, uncontrolled blood loss can lead to a drop in blood pressure with potentially deadly outcomes.
Blood loss can happen while on the operating table, but also internally, after surgery.
- Infection
Though postoperative care includes steps to reduce the risk of infection, it remains one of the more common complications of plastic surgery.
For instance, infections occur in 1.1 to 2.5 percentTrusted Source of people who undergo breast augmentation.
The skin infection cellulitis may occur after surgery. In some cases, infections can be internal and severe, requiring intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
- Nerve damage
The potential for nerve damage is present in many different types of surgical procedures. Numbness and tingling are common after plastic surgery and can be signs of nerve damage. Most often the nerve damage is temporary, but in some cases it can be permanent.
Most women experience a change in sensitivity after breast augmentation surgery, and 15 percent experience permanent changes in nipple sensation.
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the leg. When these clots break off and travel to the lungs, it’s known as pulmonary embolism (PE).
These complications are relatively uncommon, affecting only 0.09 percent of all patients undergoing plastic surgery. However, these clots can be fatal.
Abdominoplasty procedures have a slightly higher rate of DVT and PE, affecting just under 1 percent of patients. The risk of clots is 5 times higher for people having multiple procedures than it is for people having only one procedure.
- Organ damage
Liposuction can be traumatic for the internal organs.
Visceral perforations or punctures can occur when the surgical probe comes into contact with internal organs. Repairing these injuries can require additional surgery.
The perforations may also be fatal.
- Scarring
Surgery typically results in some scarring. Since cosmetic surgery seeks to improve the way you look, scars can be particularly troubling.
Hypertrophic scarring, for instance, is an abnormally red and thick raised scar. Along with smooth, hard keloid scars, it occurs in 1.0 to 3.7 percent of tummy tucks.
- General appearance dissatisfaction
Most people are satisfied with their postoperative outcomes, and research suggests most women are satisfied with breast augmentation surgery. But disappointment with the results is a real possibility. People who undergo breast surgery may experience contouring or asymmetry problems, while those undergoing facial surgeries could simply not like the result. - Complications of anesthesia
Anesthesia is the use of medication to make you unconscious. It allows patients to undergo surgery without feeling the procedure.
General anesthesia can sometimes lead to complications. These include lung infections, stroke, heart attacks, and death. Anesthesia awareness, or waking up in the middle of surgery, is very rare but also possible.
More common anesthesia risks include:
shivering
nausea and vomiting
waking up confused and disoriented
The takeaway
On the whole, plastic surgery complications are rare. According to a 2018 review of over 25,000 cases, complications occur in fewer than 1 percent of outpatient surgeries.
As with most surgeries, plastic surgery complications are more common in certain people. For example, smokers, older adults, and people who are obese are more prone to complications.
You can reduce your risk of unwanted side effects by fully vetting your doctor and their credentials. You should also investigate the facility where your surgery will take place.
Educating yourself about the procedure and possible risks, and discussing your concerns with your doctor, will also help you manage your expectations and reduce the risk of complications