Being a woman is an amazing and rewarding gift. Women have the ability to create life and naturally give nourishment to children, they are a creative masterpiece unlike any other. With the special abilities women have, there are always downfalls. Pregnancy can have an adverse affect on the abdomen creating stretch marks, muscle separation, and an irrepressible pouch. However this may not be the only leading factor that may cause a woman to be unhappy with her appearance. Extreme weight loss, hormones, and genetics may also cause the development of extra weight around the abdomen that does not diminish no matter how much one diets or exercises. Feelings of frustration, disgust, and embarrassment may accompany the uneasiness felt by these women causing many to consider having a tummy tuck operation.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin while restoring weakened or separated muscles. The scars associated with this operation are one around the belly-button and a horizontal-oriented scar that stretches from hip to hip that can usually be hidden by normal panties. Depending on the amount of skin and fat that needs to be removed, a patient may undergo either a full or mini tummy tuck or a lipoabdominoplasty (full abdominal liposuction followed by an immediate tummy tuck). A mini tummy tuck will not have a scar around the navel and the horizontal scar above the pubic bone will be shorter. Also, the abdominal muscles under the navel only will be tightened.
A tummy tuck operation is a serious procedure and is not for everyone. When one considers having a tummy tuck, it is important that there are no outside forces antagonizing the patient to do so. If a patient is being pressured by friends or loved one or is feeling pressured to fit a particular ‘norm’, it is not advised for that person to undergo the procedure. For a patient with realistic expectations and proper reasons to go through with the procedure, having a tummy tuck can be a life changing experience. It can bring back lost confidence, make one feel better in clothes or naked, and can make the abdomen proportionate with the rest of the body. Many patients who undergo this type of procedure report much happiness, confidence, and pride in themselves. Feeling good in your own skin, and being happy with the way you look and feel are traits most women want to have. If a tummy tuck is going to help one with confidence and bring joy to their life, who is to say they should not have the operation?
Some may argue that changing the body through cosmetic surgery is wrong. However, making oneself feel better in their own skin through cosmetic surgery can arguably be compared to a person shopping for new clothes, putting on makeup, getting their hair done, etc. All these things bring confidence to a person, as does a tummy tuck. Though bad press and social stigmas are attached to cosmetic surgery, it is important for one to consider all facts and be open minded to individual reasoning for undergoing a certain procedure before any judgement is passed. Having a tummy tuck is beneficial for some people but not all. It is up to each person to decide for themselves if it is right for them. It can truly be a life changing and wonderful experience for individuals who have the right intentions.
Being informed by more than the web is a good start, consultations are free of charge at Cosmetic Surgical Arts. Being evaluated and having questions answered by Dr. Wortham is easy – an educated patient will be able to make the best decision!
