Tummy Tuck: 3 Bad Reasons for Getting This Operation

If you are considering a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, because you want a flatter stomach, you are not alone. This is usually an effective surgery that can improve the appearance of the abdomen. However, you should know that it cannot get rid of all issues related to the stomach. Consider some reasons not to get an abdominoplasty as it cannot solve certain problems.

You might have heard that a tummy tuck can get rid of certain scars on the stomach. For example, some women are interested in having this surgery to make a c-section scar disappear, as well as stretch marks. Others might want this operation in order to get rid of a birthmark. This procedure can eliminate scarring on the lower abdomen in many cases, but this should not be your only reason for getting it done. It is just an additional benefit to a tummy tuck, as this surgery involves tucking the skin under or cutting off the excess. Therefore, some scars on the lower abdomen may happen to become hidden or cut off during the operation, but it is not the entire point of the procedure, so do not go into it assuming that you can get rid of scarring.

Many people are of the mistaken belief that this procedure is meant to help people lose weight. While it can certainly result in a flat stomach, it cannot take off pounds from the body, even from the abdominal area. In fact, you are supposed to be at an ideal, healthy weight before getting the procedure, which is why you cannot count on it to get rid of extra pounds. Instead, only use it when you cannot eliminate flab on the stomach, despite a good diet and regular exercise. For example, if you have lost lots of weight and are generally in shape, but have a small pouch of flab in the abdominal area, you are likely a good candidate for a tummy tuck. If you still have lots of weight to lose, not only will this operation not help you, but you will probably be turned down for it since you are not an ideal candidate.

Finally, do not get an abdominoplasty thinking that it will do anything other than flatten your stomach. Some people assume that others will like them more, or they will become famous. While a tummy tuck can certainly make you feel better about your appearance, which is an appealing result, it cannot directly lead to fame or likeability. If your doctor thinks you are getting this operation for these reasons, you will likely be barred from it since these are unrealistic expectations.

If you are considering an abdominoplasty for any of these reasons, reconsider, especially since you will probably not be allowed to get the operation if you go into it with these expectations. Doctors do not want to be held accountable for certain aspirations not coming true after the surgery, so they do not tend to take on patients who assume that an abdominoplasty will make their dreams come true. Talk to a surgeon to find out whether your goals for this surgery are realistic.