That Instagram “Weight Loss Remedy” May Actually Be a Tummy Tuck

Weight loss remedy or tummy tuck?

Social media outlets like Instagram and Pinterest are full of inspirational before-and-after photos. Sometimes, the subject in question will credit their success to a special “weight loss remedy” or “detox tea,” usually in hopes that you’ll purchase it for yourself. But are these transformations the real deal? As a board-certified plastic surgeon who frequently performs tummy tuck surgeries for men and women from Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ, I’m skeptical.

Read on to learn why I believe tummy tucks may be behind many of the before-and-after photos you see on social media every day.

What Does a Tummy Tuck Achieve?

Common after weight loss or pregnancy, tummy tuck surgery removes excess abdominal skin and tissue while also tightening the core muscles. This helps create a toned, youthful midsection and addresses abdominal cosmetic concerns that can’t be corrected with diet and exercise alone.

Is it a Tummy Tuck or Just Hard Work at the Gym?

Social media posts can often be filtered, edited, or altered. They can also have stories behind them that you don’t see. This is especially the case for post-pregnancy pictures, as many women struggle with separation of the abdominal muscles called diastasis recti. Only a traditional tummy tuck can treat this condition—no amount of time at the gym can fully repair the separation. Learn more about post-pregnancy tummy tucks in our previous blog post.

Similarly, weight-loss transformations that show a significantly smaller, tighter, flatter, and toned tummy may be misleading. An unfortunate facet of weight loss is that even when you succeed in slimming down, stretched abdominal skin and tissue can still linger, hiding the toned core you’ve sculpted. There is no way to address excess loose skin entirely without surgery.

But Where Is the Scar?

Another reason you might not realize a tummy tuck is part of someone’s transformation: tummy tuck scars are designed to be hidden, even under bikini bottoms. At first glance, it’s difficult to spot “giveaways” of a surgical tummy tuck. While this can lead to misleading photos on social media, it’s also a huge upside to the procedure. If you decide to get a tummy tuck of your own, you won’t have to worry about people knowing unless you choose to tell them.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?

Tummy tuck surgery is an excellent choice for those who struggle with excess skin and weak abdominal muscles, and who don’t plan to have any more children. If you have experienced pregnancy or weight loss but don’t see the same results on your own body that you see on social media, keep in mind that a tummy tuck may be the missing piece.

Of course, you should never opt for plastic surgery to meet outside expectations or ideals. However, if you’re inspired to achieve the same type of transformation you’ve seen on Instagram, a tummy tuck may be the right solution for you.

To see examples of the results you can expect from a tummy tuck at my practice, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.

If you would like to learn more about the possibilities of a tummy tuck here in the Scottsdale area, please contact us online or call (480) 466-7355.

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