When people think of cosmetic procedures to enhance the abdominal area, one of the most well-known options is a tummy tuck. Chicago-based plastic surgeon Lawrence Iteld, MD, eplains that the surgery removes excess skin and fat while also correcting weakened or separated muscles.

A flat stomach and six-pack abs are considered by many to be the pinnacle of health and fitness. That is why so many people strive to lose excess fat and sculpt their core — which is made up of the muscles in your lower back, hips, abdomen, and pelvis. Doing abdominal work tones the underlying muscles and gives them a more sculpted appearance. But more than just looking good, strengthening these muscles has many functional benefits. Unfortunately, some people neglect to work on the muscles in this area of the body when they’re exercising.

Strong core muscles improve your balance and stability, making daily activities easier. They also improve the performance of athletes by increasing endurance, helping them avoid injuries, and making them less fatigued. Not to mention, they make you less susceptible to back pain and poor posture.

Of course, while you can always do core exercises on your own, sometimes having separated muscles due to pregnancy, a layer of stubborn fat, or skin that hides them can make it difficult if not impossible for many people to get the visibly toned abs they want. That’s one of a tummy tuck’s many benefits. Unfortunately, many supposed benefits have also circulated over the years. While abdominoplasty surgery can accomplish many things, there are a few untruths that have developed.

Here are five myths about tummy tucks, debunked:

1. Tummy Tucks Help You Lose Weight

It’s likely that you’ll end up losing some fat and maybe inches from your waistline after a tummy tuck, but one of the most common misconceptions about the surgery is that it’s a weight loss treatment. A tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction for removal of some fat cells from below the skin. However, tummy tucks won’t help you lose a significant amount of weight from the abdominal area nor promote overall weight loss. They’re not intended to be a weight loss or bariatric procedure.

2. Tummy Tucks Are Meant For “Lazy People”

Tummy tucks shouldn’t be thought of as a “quick fix” or an “easy way out.” In fact, ideal candidates for this procedure are people who are already healthy and in good shape while also having maintained a stable weight for a significant amount of time. It’s best to be close to your ideal weight before choosing this procedure since weight fluctuations can affect the results in the future and a tummy tuck can’t prevent you from gaining more weight on the abdomen. The ideal strategy for preserving results is maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the years to come.

3. The Same Results Can Be Achieved with Diet and Exercise

It goes without saying that traditional lifestyle habits — like exercising regularly and maintaining a balanced diet — will promote overall health and help you to build muscle. However, many patients still have stubborn fat on the belly area even after losing weight from all over the body. Also, exercise and diet won’t correct excess sagging skin or separated muscles.

4. This Surgery is Only Meant for Women

False. Tummy tucks are indeed one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery for women—mainly due to the stretched skin and abdominal muscle separation that often occur after pregnancy. However, men can have the surgery, too. It’s beneficial for anyone who hopes to correct loose skin or diet-resistant fat on the stomach.

5. You Can’t Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck

Although it’s generally best to wait until after having children for a tummy tuck — because pregnancy can undo the results by stretching the skin again, separating abdominal muscles, and causing new stores of fat to develop—the surgery won’t interfere with your ability to get pregnant.

For more information about tummy tuck surgery, contact Iteld Plastic Surgery. Call 312.757.4505 or submit a contact form if you’re interested in setting up a consultation.