Why You Should Think Twice Before Getting a Tummy Tuck

How often have you seen someone with an obviously botched tummy tuck and asked yourself the question, Can tummy tuck gone wrong? These days, cosmetic surgery seems like it’s almost on demand—if it’s not breast augmentation or rhinoplasty, then it’s liposuction or a tummy tuck. But even with all of the positive benefits that come from cosmetic surgery, there are still risks involved, so make sure you know what you’re getting into before choosing to undergo one of these procedures for yourself.

Do it for your love life

A tummy tuck is intended to flatten your abdomen and give you a flat stomach. While some people will definitely find great satisfaction in achieving that aesthetic goal, it’s important to consider whether or not that kind of focus on your body image is truly something you want to devote time and money to. Some might argue that there are much better ways to spend time, money, and energy on yourself than going under the knife in pursuit of an idealized body image. And even if you do decide it’s right for you, realize that getting surgery is not always an instant fix—it takes time for your body to heal!

If you want to get pregnant

Unless you’re actually planning to get pregnant (with, perhaps, donor sperm), don’t expect abdominal or vaginal surgery to improve your chances of getting pregnant. While it’s true that many women become more fertile after having their tubes tied or uteruses removed, research shows that many of these women have been trying to conceive for years; they are not likely to conceive on their own. If you are actively trying to conceive, talk with your doctor about how you can boost your chances. Options include hormone treatments and artificial insemination.

If you have skin issues

Did you know that 75% of skin problems are related to your gut health? That’s why many researchers are now saying, Don’t look at my problem; it’s your issue. If you eat better, I will feel better. And if I feel better, my problem won’t be an issue anymore. ( source ) It makes perfect sense: We tend to focus on what’s going on topically when in reality our issues often come from below (or above) us. So don’t focus solely on fixing your tummy tuck gone wrong.

Is the procedure even medically necessary?

The first thing to ask is whether you really need a tummy tuck in the first place. There are people who don’t need to be doing that kind of surgery. For example, is your primary reason for wanting it because you have excess skin? That’s usually not something that requires surgical intervention. Then there are other cosmetic reasons — some people feel more confident when they look better and they have an aesthetic desire for that; but medically necessary should be pretty rare. So if your doctor recommends it as necessary, then you should push back on them and try to get them to explain why they think that way.

The tummy tuck is expensive

A tummy tuck is typically performed in an outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia. Costs can vary based on your geographic location, but it’s not uncommon for costs to range from $8,000 to $15,000. During recovery, you might need help at home from another person (depending on how your body responds). It could be weeks or months before you feel like yourself again—and that’s if everything goes well. If complications arise and hospitalization is necessary, costs can skyrocket quickly. A 2013 survey of hospitals across 24 U.S.

Are there less invasive options than an abdominoplasty?

As with any cosmetic procedure, there are risks involved with getting a tummy tuck. While most people have their operations go without any complications, it’s important to remember that even small surgical mistakes can lead to serious and lifelong side effects. For example, some women have had their lungs collapse due to improper positioning of their rib cage during surgery. If something like that happens, you might be in danger of an embolism or even death. Because these risks are so severe, you should be 100% sure you want to undergo surgery before moving forward with your plan.

What are the risks of a tummy tuck procedure?

A tummy tuck is considered an invasive procedure and as such, it comes with risks. These include scarring, skin discoloration and keloid formation (the appearance of excessive skin), infection and reaction to anesthesia. As with any surgical procedure, there’s also a risk of bleeding or blood clots, which can be fatal if not addressed quickly. While unlikely, you could also lose too much weight during your recovery period and end up worse off than before surgery; remember that excess skin is often attributed to dramatic weight loss.