A tummy tuck is a good option for individuals who have excess skin and fat on their abdomen. When dieting and exercise alone prove ineffective to lose those few stubborn pounds and excess fat on the abdomen, a tummy tuck procedure can help. Just like with other cosmetic surgery procedures, there are certain misconceptions about tummy tucks and what they can or can’t do for you.

It’s important to speak with a skilled cosmetic surgeon who has experience performing tummy tucks. If you are in Utah, you can consult with Dr. Nicholas K. Howland at Howland Plastic Surgery. Dr. Howland can answer all of your questions and ease any concerns you might have if you are interested in getting a tummy tuck. We also have out of town patient consults options as well!

What Can a Tummy Tuck Do?

There are certain things a tummy tuck can do for you. You should be aware of these benefits if you are considering getting this type of procedure.

Can Create a Flatter Stomach

A tummy tuck can leave you with a flatter stomach as the excess fat around your midsection is removed. You can look forward to a more contoured, lean physique when you have been unsuccessful at eliminating that excess fat through dieting and exercise alone. It can also work to fix abdominal muscles that have been weakened due to pregnancy and childbirth. However, don’t expect to get a washboard stomach.

Can Remove Excess Skin

If you have excess skin that sags and is unsightly, a tummy tuck can address that problem. You can have it removed by your plastic surgeon through certain safe techniques used during a tummy tuck surgery. The muscles and skin are pulled taut and sleek as the incisions are closed after the removal of excess fat.

What Can’t a Tummy Tuck Do?

It’s important to understand what you cannot achieve when you get this procedure.

Can’t Prevent Future Weight Gain

A tummy tuck is a great option for women who have been unable to lose those few stubborn extra pounds after having children or for those who have lost a lot of weight but have excess, loose skin. However, a tummy tuck cannot prevent you from gaining weight again in the future. This means that after you have undergone a tummy tuck procedure, you should work diligently to retain your new, slimmer figure. Ideally, the best candidates for the procedure are people who make a commitment to retaining a healthy lifestyle and women who do not plan on getting pregnant again.

Can’t Remove Most Stretch Marks

Many patients have stretch marks due to their skin being pulled when they have gained excess weight. Stretch marks are unsightly and can be stubborn when it comes to removing them. While a tummy tuck can provide you with a sleeker, slimmer and more toned physique, it cannot remove all stretch marks. However, it will most likely change the position and width of the stretch marks.  You can speak with the doctor about other options for addressing stretch marks.

Talk To Dr. Howland

To learn more about what a tummy tuck can and can’t do for you, talk to Dr. Howland during an in-person consultation appointment. To set up an appointment call the office or fill out an online form.