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Is A Tummy Tuck Worth It?

Is A Tummy Tuck Worth It

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgery that helps patients regain a flatter, more toned stomach after pregnancy or significant weight loss

In this article we will explore why abdominoplasty is a worthwhile surgical procedure for both men and women, including all the information you need to know about the vast array of benefits associated with the treatment. 

Our head surgeon at the CREO Clinic, Dr. Omar Tillo, has extensive experience performing all types of tummy tuck surgery. With hundreds of procedures under his belt, the double board-certified plastic surgeon has both the skills and expertise to design a bespoke treatment plan according to each patient’s specific needs.  

Is A Tummy Tuck Worth It? Medically reviewed by Dr. Omar Tillo MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast)

Reasons Why a Tummy Tuck is Worth It

Opting for a tummy tuck is beneficial for a wide range of aesthetic and functional reasons. The procedure not only enables patients to regain a flatter, more toned abdomen, it can also help to strengthen the core and significantly improve posture

We will now take a closer look at some of the most important benefits of abdominoplasty; all of which highlight the value of the procedure. 

Removes Excess Skin

A tummy tuck is an effective way to have excess skin removed from around the stomach to provide a more aesthetically pleasing, flatter abdomen. This is perhaps the most prominent benefit of the surgery, helping patients feel comfortable in form-fitting clothing and confident in engaging in exercise

Defines Abdominal Muscles

Abdominoplasty removes unwanted, loose skin that can often conceal the muscles in the abdominal wall. Therefore, once postoperative swelling has dissipated, patients are able to enjoy a more contoured tummy with greater definition for the abs

Relieves Urinary Incontinence 

After pregnancy, many women find that their weakened abdominal muscles cause associated health issues such as stress urinary incontinence. This condition can lead to uncontrolled leakages when sneezing, laughing, or coughing. 

A tummy tuck with abdominal muscle repair can help to reduce these uncomfortable issues by strengthening the stomach muscles in this area.

Improves Posture And Back Pain

A tummy tuck with muscle repair can provide much-needed support for the spine. In turn, this can help to reduce associated back pain. By giving additional support to the spine, many patients also benefit from an improvement in their posture.

Removes Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are commonly found on the skin of the lower abdomen. A traditional tummy tuck procedure removes the remaining skin in the abdomen, which helps to also remove stretch marks in that area.

Why you might hesitate to get a tummy tuck

There are a few common concerns that may give you pause before deciding to undergo a tummy tuck. Here we will explore these in more detail so you can have a clearer picture of everything your tummy tuck entails.

Time to Heal

Some people may feel that a tummy tuck requires a long period of downtime that could interfere with work or their daily routine.

It is important to remember that most tummy tuck patients feel able to return to work after 1-2 weeks, and can return to most day-to-day activities, light exercise included, after 3-4 weeks.

Permanent Scarring

It is understandable to be averse to the idea of permanent scars after any plastic surgery. Even a mini tummy tuck does result in some scarring, but Dr.Tillo is always extremely careful to try to create subtle, carefully positioned incisions that follow the natural contours of your body. In addition, any tummy tuck scar should fade over time, particularly when aftercare instructions are followed. 

Surgical Drains

The thought of having to wear uncomfortable surgical drains after a tummy tuck is a concern for many patients. 

Surgical drains are used in some clinics to help remove excess fluid from the incision sites after a procedure. However, the CREO Clinic does not use surgical drains for tummy tuck recovery, as many studies have proven drains to be ineffective at reducing hematomas.

Dr. Tillo employs the more advanced Brazilian Tummy Tuck technique, which uses fascia preservation and specialised sutures to give protection from hematomas without the need for drains.

Is the CREO Clinic right for me? 

Choosing the right clinic to plan and perform your tummy tuck is an important decision — one that is worthy of careful consideration. A useful starting point for your journey is to find a clinic that prioritises your safety and has a record of providing the highest standard of aesthetic outcomes.

The CREO Clinic provides conscientious, personalised treatments designed to meet your aesthetic needs holistically, working to achieve your body goals through meticulous planning, thorough after-care, and the applied expertise of experienced surgeons.

Our Medical Director, Dr. Omar Tillo, is a double board-certified surgeon who has performed countless successful tummy tucks throughout his career. He lives and works in London, making him available for regular monitoring of your progress when needed. 

With Dr. Tillo as your surgeon, you can be sure your procedure will become part of a his well-balanced agenda, one that is carefully constructed to ensure he is well rested and fully focused on your needs. 

The People Agree: Research Shows Tummy Tucks are “Worth It”

In a study titled “Self-Reported ‘Worth It’ Rating of Aesthetic Surgery in Social Media”, Mark Domanski and Naveen Cavale published their findings on which plastic surgeries were deemed “worth it” by respondents. 

Their research found that tummy tuck surgery dominated the “worth it” rating amongst aesthetic procedures, with 93% of respondents who underwent the tummy tuck procedure saying it was worthwhile. 

Who is A Candidate for A Tummy Tuck?

Your surgeon will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine your eligibility for a tummy tuck. In general, a tummy tuck is ideal for any man or woman looking to contour and flatten their abdomen. 

Furthermore, patients should be in good health and within a suitable BMI range (below 30), with women waiting until after their final pregnancy to have the surgery. To check your BMI and target weight for a tummy tuck, please use our BMI calculator. 

What to Consider Before Getting a Tummy Tuck

Before proceeding with tummy tuck surgery, it’s important to consider the recovery requirements and potential complications of the procedure. 

  • Be at a stable weight – A tummy tuck is not a replacement for weight loss, therefore it is important that you are close to your desired weight and have a healthy BMI (below 30) before undergoing surgery. 
  • Expect significant downtime – The surgical technique includes an incision running from hip to hip, so patients should expect their initial recovery to take 2-3 weeks. During this time you will experience swelling and soreness, so make sure you take a couple of weeks off work and organise some help with household chores and children. 
  • Scarring – Depending on the surgical technique used, there will be scarring after tummy tuck surgery. While these will fade over time, they may remain visible for years to come. Experienced surgeons carefully place the incisions, ensuring the majority of scars can be well-concealed under clothing, underwear, and swimwear.  

Combining the Treatment with Other Procedures

While a tummy tuck is effective in removing excess skin around the abdomen, patients that also require the removal of excess fat may need to combine abdominoplasty with liposuction. This is a cosmetic procedure known as lipoabdominoplasty, which suctions out significant amounts of excess fat that are resistant to both diet and exercise. 

A tummy tuck can also be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) or breast augmentation. This combined procedure can sometimes be referred to as a “mummy makeover” and provides a comprehensive transformation of the upper body, adding contours to the abdomen and giving breasts a fuller and perkier appearance

Schedule a Consultation Today

For further information on tummy tuck surgery, schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Tillo. With extensive experience performing this highly intricate and individualised procedure, he will be able to provide bespoke solutions to your body’s needs.