Not everyone is okay with their saggy belly fat caused due to the aging process, weight fluctuations, or even childbirth, and that’s totally fine. The good news is that a tummy tuck can help to give you a much flatter, smoother, and firmer stomach.

So, what exactly does this surgical procedure entail? During a tummy tuck, the loose or sagging skin of your belly is removed. The abdomen is tightened for a flatter and toned look.

You may consider getting a tummy tuck for various reasons, including:

To improve the shape and contour of your abdominal area
To repair muscles that have become separated or weakened due to pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations
To remove excess skin or fat from the abdominal area that has not responded to diet and exercise
To improve comfort with clothing and bathing suits
To restore your self-confidence

Many myths and misconceptions regarding tummy tucks make people hesitate to get this procedure. Thus, we are going to bust some myths in this article. Now let’s start.

Myth #1: Tummy tuck is a weight loss procedure

Many people relate tummy tuck with weight loss. But that’s not true at all.

A tummy tuck is not a bariatric procedure, and it is not meant to help patients lose a lot of weight. Tummy tuck surgery is intended for people who want to get rid of their saggy or loose protruding tummy and who are otherwise active and healthy. Of course, this surgery will make you lose some weight, but it is a minimal amount and so a tummy tuck can’t be considered a weight loss procedure. In fact, before getting a tummy tuck, patients are required to reach their ideal body weight or to be close to it. And after the procedure, they must maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, or else the surgical result will be ruined.

Myth #2: Tummy tuck and liposuction are the same procedures

Tummy tucks are not the same as liposuction. Liposuction is a technique that removes fat deposits from targeted areas of the body, including the stomach, arms, thighs, hips, and buttocks.

Although liposuction and tummy tuck are both plastic surgery procedures that can help to make your stomach area look better, these two procedures are not the same. Liposuction targets fat deposits, while a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles. Liposuction only targets small pockets of stubborn fat; it does not remove excess, saggy skin.

However, liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck procedure, as each procedure targets different issues. The combination of liposuction and a tummy tuck can offer optimal results in terms of both body contouring and skin tightening. Thus, the patient gets a more toned and tightened tummy.

Myth #3: Tummy tucks are only for women

Many women choose to undergo tummy tuck surgery. This is because women often have more excess skin and fat in their abdominal area after pregnancy or weight loss. For many women, a tummy tuck is the best solution for this problem.

Due to this, many people assume that tummy tuck is a procedure exclusively for women, but this is not true. Men can benefit from this procedure as well.

Men also struggle with saggy tummies and excess fat deposits in the abdomen. This stubborn belly fat or loose skin can be caused by diet, aging, or physical inactivity, and a tummy tuck can help to correct these issues. Men can also benefit from a tummy tuck if they have had significant weight loss and have excess skin that needs to be removed.

Regardless of your gender, a tummy tuck can help to tighten and tone the area around your stomach for a firm, toned belly that you’ll be thrilled to show off.

Myth #4: Tummy tucks are only for younger adults

This is one of the most popular misconceptions about tummy tuck surgery. While younger adults are certainly good candidates for the procedure, it can also be beneficial for older individuals who have a sagging stomach and loose or sagging skin due to age and lifestyle factors.

Tummy tuck surgery is a safe and effective procedure for patients of all ages who want to get rid of sagging skin and excess fat in the abdominal area. A board-certified plastic surgeon will take into account other criteria while ascertaining whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. It is not how old you are but rather your general well-being that indicates if a tummy tuck would be appropriate.

Here are some of the factors a surgeon will consider when trying to determine if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck:

Your overall health: The doctor will want to make sure you don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions that could interfere with your surgery.
Your weight: You should be at or near your ideal weight before having a tummy tuck. A healthy diet and exercise regimen is important for getting the best results from this procedure.
Smoking: Smoking can impede healing and increase the risk of complications, so you must quit at least for some time before having a tummy tuck.
Your expectations: It is important to have reasonable expectations about the results of a tummy tuck and how it will change your appearance.

Who is an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery?

Dr. Santosh Bhatia, Director of Vanity Cosmetic Clinic, Mumbai, lists the criteria for an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery here.

Myth #5: Tummy tucks leave a noticeable scar

Normally, your body will have a scar after any kind of surgery, and a tummy tuck is no different.

Tummy tuck surgery does involve an incision, which will leave a scar after the area has healed. However, if performed by a skilled surgeon, the scarring will be minimal and easily hidden under clothing. You must make sure to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to minimize the visibility of the scar. Scars from tummy tuck surgery also fade over time.

An experienced plastic surgeon can help you to accomplish your desired aesthetic goals while making sure that scarring is minimized.

We have tried our best to bust a few common tummy tuck myths today, and we hope you found it eye-opening.

Remember that not all information spread on the internet regarding tummy tuck surgery might be true. It is highly important to follow and seek advice and information from an expert. Dr. Santosh Bhatia, Director of Vanity Cosmetic Clinic, is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who has been performing tummy tuck and other surgical procedures for many years. He is extensively trained in cosmetic surgery and can provide you with the best possible results. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Santosh Bhatia today to get answers to all your tummy tuck questions and find out if it is right for you.

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Santosh Bhatia

Dr Santosh Bhatia is Mumbai’s most-sought-after Plastic Surgeon. Founder and Director at Vanity Cosmetic Clinic, Dr Bhatia is also associated with some of the best hospitals in Mumbai such as Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Breach Candy Hospital.

Dr Bhatia has a vast global experience working with Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery hospitals in New York, Toronto, London, Chicago, Miami, Pune, and Mumbai.

Dr Santosh Bhatia’s focus lies in performing minimally invasive, state-of-the-art plastic surgeries that yield natural-looking and gorgeous results. He is a cosmetic surgeon with the vision of an artist. Dr Bhatia pays keen attention to details which makes the patient’s transformation graceful and aesthetically pleasing.

Dr Santosh Bhatia has happy patients including celebrities, socialites, and everyday women from all over the world. His surgical skills, experience and high-regard for safety has earned him a reputation not only in Mumbai but all over the world.

“Surgeon’s skill and experience, quality of care, infrastructure and facilities, and your comfort with the surgeon are just as important as the final cost of the surgery"