Undeniably, a great tummy tuck can create excellent results. We’ve all seen before-and-after photos, news stories, and celebrity glamor shots that show the possibilities in detail. But for most of my patients, the bigger question is: “is the physical improvement really worth the time and energy, and the normal level of risk, that surgery always involves?”
For my patients, the answer is definitely “yes”; here are some reasons why.
The Results
For women experiencing the aftereffects of pregnancy, weight loss, or time, the benefits of a tummy tuck seem obvious: less abdominal fat; a smoother, flatter abdomen; and a bikini-flattering belly button are all big improvements. Less obvious factors my patients often tell me about often include an increase in confidence, greater enjoyment in choosing and wearing flattering clothes, and even improved satisfaction in social and romantic activities.
The Risks
This seems like a strange ‘positive’ to emphasize, but the fact is that many women worry about surgical risks and scarring, when good candidates for surgery will actually find these downsides are very minimal. Scarring will vary depending on the extent of your procedure, but most of my patients find that after 8-12 months visible scars have flattened and faded dramatically, and will continue to smooth and pale over time. Normal surgical risks are always a possibility, but a reliable surgeon will employ excellent staff, superior facilities, current techniques and – importantly – consistent follow up to help ensure safe and fast healing after your abdominoplasty.
It’s important to be realistic about the downsides and inconvenient aspects of surgery. Surgical drains are a possibility with some surgeons, recovery places limitations on activity and exercise, and some pain and discomfort are normal during healing. Depending on the patient, healing can temporarily change your day-to-day routine in large and small ways; for example, back pain and difficulty standing up straight are two common issues during the first week. But without a tighter, fitter-looking tummy and no excess skin and flab to impact your appearance and self-confidence, most women find the “new you” is entirely worth it.
Dr. Alexander received his Medical Degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, one of the country’s first medical schools, and then had five years of intensive general surgery training at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, serving as chief resident in 1993-1994. There he was one of two residents honored “Outstanding Teacher” by the Whitehead Society.
After becoming Board Certified in General Surgery, Dr. Alexander attended the University of California San Francisco, one of the premiere Plastic Surgery programs in the United States. There he completed two additional years of residency training in Plastic Surgery. Dr. Alexander is double board certified in Surgery and Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Alexander specializes in facial rejuvenation, and was the first surgeon in California to perform the QuickLift,™ a revolutionary surgical procedure that takes years off the face with less downtime than traditional facelifts. He is a specialist in chemical peels and laser surgery and was selected to author the chapter “Facial Resurfacing” in Plastic Surgery, the premiere textbook of the specialty. He also specializes in facial cancer reconstruction and endoscopic, minimally-invasive procedures, publishing his own original research about endoscopic plastic surgery. He lectures in medical forums and has presented his results at both national and international surgical meetings.