Apr 22, 2014

In 2012, there were 2,989 tummy tucks performed in the UK. 107 men and 2,882 women had the operation, making it the UK’s sixth-favourite procedure. Yet, nevertheless, the facts about abdominoplasty are still shrouded in myth, with many prospective patients put off by mixed messages and strange stories.

Consequently, we’ve brought together a selection of the most common myths and misconceptions which surround the tummy tuck procedure, in order to present you with the facts.

 Myth 1: Tummy Tucks are for Unhealthy People: Tummy tuck surgery is specifically designed for those who are healthy, but who either cannot exercise due to excess weight around the abdomen, or cannot shift the excess skin which remains after pregnancy and dramatic weight loss. No amount of exercise can remove excess skin, and for those who are forced to carry it around, surgery is the only option.

Smokers are advised to cut down on or stop smoking at least six weeks before their operation, as it can affect the post-operative healing process significantly. Smoking puts patients at greater risk of chest infections and other complications.

Myth 2: Tummy Tucks are just for Women: Although just 107 abdominoplasties were performed upon British men in 2012, the number of men turning to plastic surgery has risen significantly over the last ten years. Whilst men don’t have surgery to return to their pre-pregnancy figures, significant weight loss can result in a collection of fat and excess skin around the abdomen, making men equally good candidates for tummy tucks.

Myth 3: Liposuction is always a Part of the Tummy Tuck Procedure: Occasionally, abdominoplasty is accompanied by liposuction to the hips, thighs, and other areas, to create a more svelte silhouette overall. The liposuction may also be done as a separate procedure some months after the tummy tuck. However, tummy tucks do not automatically come with liposuction, so if you are hoping to undergo both procedures, you should speak to your surgeon.

Myth 4: Tummy Tucks Always Require a Drain: Some patients do not require a drain, especially when the procedure involves just a small amount of fat and skin and is accompanied by liposuction. After the operation, other patients do experience a collection of fluid or a more problematic build up of blood, both of which will need to be drained. However, this is certainly not the case for all patients, and many will go through the surgery without any issues of this kind.

Myth 5: Tummy Tucks Will Remove All of My Stretch Marks: Abdominoplasty will only take away the stretch marks which are found on the excess skin removed during the procedure.

If you have any further concerns, Austingraces offers free second consultations to all its patients. We like to make sure that every question is asked, and all of your worries are alleviated before you undergo surgery with us.

Call us today for a consultation on 0845 020 621