Tummy tucks are a popular surgery in the United States to achieve a flatter-looking stomach. Still, the procedure may not be for everyone.

If you want to consult with professionals about whether a tummy tuck is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Baumholtz. Otherwise, browse the information below to learn more about the pros and cons of the procedure.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) is a procedure that produces a flatter, slimmer abdomen. It occurs by eliminating extra skin, reducing fat pockets, and tightening weak abdominal muscles. The surgery is popular with those who have had multiple pregnancies, experienced dramatic weight loss, or seek a more aesthetically-pleasing torso.

Many seek the procedure to bring confidence back to their appearance. But like all plastic surgeries, the tummy tuck has its benefits and drawbacks 

Here Are the Pros and Cons of Getting a Tummy Tuck

So should you get a tummy tuck? We outline the pros and cons of the surgery to help weigh up the decision.

Pros:

Let’s start with the widespread advantages of tummy tuck surgery.

1. The surgery is available to both genders.

Tummy tucks have been typically associated with a procedure for women who’ve had multiple pregnancies. Still, the reality is that it’s just as suitable for men. Both genders can achieve a desired body shape with a tummy tuck surgery.

1. A tummy tuck’s success can lead to the permanent elimination of stretch marks.

Stretch marks caused by pregnancies and weight loss are critical concerns for many women. Tummy tuck surgeries can remove those blemishes permanently, including C-sections and hysterectomy scarring.

1. Tummy tucks can have other bodily benefits.

Tummy tucks don’t only deliver flatter stomachs and tightening of abdominal muscles. The surgeries can also benefit the internal body, such as improved bladder function, repairing ventral hernias, and decreased back pain.

1. You can achieve better posture with a tummy tuck.

Because the soft tissues are eliminated, and muscles tightened in a tummy tuck, you’re likely to experience better posture. The procedure ultimately helps support your spine, also decreasing back pain.

1. It’s a surgery that helps achieve the body image you want

The primary reason why both men and women undergo a tummy tuck procedure is to regain body confidence lost in unforeseen events or weight gain. Sometimes you could spend all the time in the world in the gym with no luck eliminating stubborn fat deposits around your belly.

So what are the disadvantages of a tummy tuck surgery?

Cons:

See the cons that are commonly associated with the procedure below.

1. Tummy tuck surgeries are not for weight loss.

There’s often a misconception that tummy tucks are designed to help with weight loss. While there are surgical options to help lose weight, a tummy tuck’s purpose is to create flatter and slimmer waistlines after you’ve shed the weight you’ve wanted.

1. You could be in recovery for a long time after the surgery.

The scale of a tummy tuck shouldn’t be underestimated, as it is considered major surgery with all the factors of the procedure involved. Patients should expect to be out of action for 8-12 weeks in recovery. The surgery may not be ideal for a highly active, busy person.

1. There will be visible scars from a tummy tuck surgery.

One of the leading concerns when considering tummy tuck surgery is whether there will be any visible scarring from the procedure. The answer is yes, there will be blemishes, but they are usually well-hidden and fade after a few years.

1. The results of tummy tucks can be reversed by weight gain and pregnancy.

Just because a tummy tuck surgery has left you looking and feeling great doesn’t mean there’s no more work to do post-procedure. It’s highly recommended that the patient follow a diet and exercise regimen to ensure the results aren’t reversed.

1. You’ll have some discomfort following the tummy tuck surgery.

You’ll likely experience a fair bit of discomfort during your recovery period as the surgery heals. Pain, bruising, swelling, and numbness are common symptoms post-procedure, leaving patients quite uncomfortable for a while.

So those are all the advantages and disadvantages of the tummy tuck procedure. At this point, you might be asking whether the surgery is right for you. 

Is a Tummy Tuck Right For You?

A tummy tuck is a major surgery, which means there’s a big decision on your mind about whether to have one done. If unsure whether the pros outweigh the cons, you can contact Dr. Baumgholtz, a trusted surgeon decide if the procedure is for you.

Baumholtz Plastic Surgery performs many successful tummy tucks annually. The doctor’s guidance can provide insightful information on whether the surgery is right for you.