People get tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty, a term by which the procedure is  also known, for a variety of reasons. Some are seeking a flatter, tighter tummy so they look better after having a baby. Others may have lost a significant amount of weight and cannot lose the excess skin without surgery. There are yet others who choose to have this procedure done because they are experiencing back pain related to weak stomach muscles, or urinary incontinence related to having one or more vaginal deliveries.

It is important to understand that a tummy tuck, no matter why you are having one, is a surgical procedure for which you must qualify. In fact there are strict considerations for abdominoplasty candidacy that must be strictly adhered to, both for patient safety and the possibility of achieving the best surgical outcome.

What You Need to Know About a Tummy Tuck

There are misconceptions about why people choose to have tummy tucks that need to be dispelled. First of all, healthy individuals of all ages and genders, provided they meet surgical criteria, can have a tummy tuck. There has been a prevailing belief that the procedure is limited by age and reserved only for women, but that is not the case. Second of all, there still exists a belief that abdominoplasty is simply weight loss for the lazy. That quite frankly, could not be further from the truth.

With tummy tuck myths and confusion that abounds, here are three important things you need to know about abdominoplasty, particularly if you or someone you know is considering getting one.

Tummy Tucks are For Everybody

Despite what you may have heard, tummy tucks are not just for women, and in particular, women who do not plan on having any more children. Your age, reproductive plans, and gender do not determine whether or not you can get this procedure. While most surgical candidates are women, there are indeed plenty of men who get them, too.

Basic requirements for an an abdominoplasty include being in good health, unhappy with your appearance, and realistic about possible surgical outcomes. Smokers are discouraged from having this procedure, as smoking increases the risk of complications.

Different types of tummy tucks are available in order to meet the individual needs of each surgical patient. 

Three Types of Tummy Tucks

1. Mini-Tummy Tuck

This type of tummy tuck is best for people who have a little bit of belly overhang, or pooch. Mini- tummy tucks tighten loose skin and muscle, create a thin scar, and require less downtime than other, more involved procedures.

2. Extended Tummy Tuck

Extended tummy tucks best serve individuals with sagging, excess skin as a result of weight loss or multiple pregnancies. This procedure focuses on skin that hangs above and below the umbilicus and leaves incision scars that, while likely to remain, are often a welcome trade off for a tighter tummy.

3. Classic or “Full” Tummy Tuck

A more complex abdominoplasty, a full tummy tuck involves the removal of skin in and around the abdomen and belly button, as well as the tightening of abdominal muscle. This procedure leaves a visible scar, but reduces the amount of detectable stretch marks.

Tummy Tucks Are Not a Weight Loss Procedure

Despite the weight loss that results from the removal of excess skin during this procedure,  tummy tucks are not considered weight loss surgery. Abdominoplasty deals with the skin and muscles of the abdomen, while it is liposuction that is used to remove fat. Patients are generally encouraged to lose whatever weight they can prior to having this surgery, but losing weight is not a requirement across the board.