Tummy Tuck
At Atlantic Coast Aesthetics, we get a lot of questions from our current and prospective patients about the latest “gee-whiz” gizmos and gadgets that claim to deliver the exact same results as cosmetic surgical procedures “for a fraction of the cost!” The problem with
these devices is that almost invariably, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Our Question of the Week was answered by Dr. Thomas Pane, ACA’s Chief Medical Officer and founder, and asked “Can the tummy tuck belt really work?” Dr. Pane chose this question because he feels it’s important for patients to understand exactly what they’re really getting when they choose this type of device over cosmetic surgery performed by a licensed professional.
*Read our latest blog about Tummy Tuck Revision
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a procedure where the patient’s stomach area is shaped and sculpted by removing excess skin and subcutaneous fat. In some cases, a tummy tuck may also require tightening the abdominal muscles to create a more toned appearance. This is a common cosmetic surgical procedure, but in this case the key word is “surgical.” It is an invasive procedure and may require a little to a lot of work by the surgeon, depending on the patient and the desired results.
By contrast a “tummy tuck belt” wraps around the abdomen from the outside, much like a girdle or corset. Any shaping it does is achieved by compression of the area, in the same way that these garments function. While a compression garment is often employed after a tummy tuck to help support and strengthen the abdomen and facilitate healing, it is not by itself a substitute for a tummy tuck procedure. Therefore, Dr. Pane notes, the answer to this question is unfortunately “no.” While with continuous, extended wear it is possible to mimic some of the effects of an abdominoplasty, it will not eliminate the subcutaneous fat that is still present, instead forcing it elsewhere in the abdomen. In addition, the belt cannot duplicate the overall shaping and sculpting of the area that an actual tummy tuck performed by a skilled professional can achieve.
In many cases, a compression garment similar to a so-called tummy tuck belt is worn after surgery, but this is only temporary. It is rare that a patient will need this garment for more than a week or two. However, this garment, while it may help somewhat with shaping in the immediate aftermath of a surgery, is not intended for this purpose and may not be appropriate for every patient or needed with every procedure. A tummy tuck belt, while operating on somewhat similar principles, may actually cause more problems for the patient than the procedure itself would pose and is likewise not a replacement or substitute for a post-surgical compression garment.
One of the biggest problems with a tummy tuck belt is that many people try to use it without being under the guidance and care of a cosmetic surgeon. This can lead to problems like internal organ compression, bone brittleness, abdominal muscle weakness and even cardiovascular and respiratory problems over time. Because of the hazards associated with these garments, many medical professionals advise patients to either stick to the old tried-and-true standbys of diet and exercise or augment their results with surgical intervention.
Every patient’s body is different, meaning that no two procedures are ever precisely the same. A double-board-certified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Pane has a level of experience that can help more closely realize the ideal results the patient expects, but each person has a different pain threshold, contour and shape that needs to be considered before, during and after surgery. In addition, adherence to aftercare guidelines can also make or break the success of a given procedure, largely because this is one of the most crucial factors in assuring a satisfactory outcome to the procedure and achieving the aesthetic result the patient is looking for from this type of surgery.
If you have a question for Dr. Pane or ACA, we encourage you to send us an email through our website at https://acplasticsurg.com, call us at 561-422-4116 or send us your question on our Facebook page! It’s possible that your question might be the next Question of the Week, meaning it will be answered by Dr. Pane live and in-person on our weekly Google Hangout. An informed patient is the first and best line of defense against potential medical problems arising from cosmetic surgery, and ACA and Dr. Pane are committed to delivering the best results and patient education available. Remember, the only bad question is the one you don’t ask!
Dr. Thomas A. Pane, MD
Atlantic Coast Aesthetics
(561) 422-4116