To say that cosmetic surgery is popular in Utah is an understatement. More than 60% of the women knew someone who underwent an elective procedure, according to the Utah Women and Leadership Project. The state also has 2.5 times more surgeons per 100,000 people than the national average.
Despite being conventional, cosmetic surgery is still subject to many falsehoods. It’s especially true with a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. It’s high time to correct these misconceptions through scientific studies.
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Surgeons Cannot Perform a Tummy Tuck on Obese Patients
A patient-oriented clinic that offers cosmetic surgery in Salt Lake City follows strict criteria on who can undergo any procedure. Usually, obese patients may struggle with being a candidate for many reasons:
- Obesity increases the risks of complications, such as infections and delayed wound healing.
- Many obese patients also have diabetes.
- Weight management may be more vital for these patients than cosmetic surgery.
It doesn’t mean that surgeries like a tummy tuck are off the table for them. A 2019 study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery showed that the procedure didn’t increase the risk of complications among obese patients.
The researchers believe that treatment (or lack thereof) needs to be on a case-to-case basis. Men and women with higher BMI, though, should consider undergoing any cosmetic procedure with a board-certified professional for safety.
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Tummy Tuck and Other Cosmetic Procedures Are Only for Vanity
New studies revealed that cosmetic procedures could do more than make someone feel beautiful. For example, it may help repair the back after pregnancy, according to a 2018 research.
Before the surgery, more than half of the surveyed women said they suffered from moderate to severe back pain. After the procedure, a whopping 91% experienced significant improvement.
Tummy tuck also reduced concerns about urinary incontinence. It treated over 97% of the women who had a difficult time controlling their pee.
Meanwhile, a small 2017 study cited how cosmetic surgery could help people quit or reduce smoking. After five years of follow-up, over 35% of the patients no longer smoked daily. About 25% never lit another cigarette since the surgery.
Smoking is a risk factor in surgeries since it delays wound healing and increases infection. Surgeons strongly advise patients to stop the habit for at least two weeks before the procedure. It can be enough time to help these people end their affair with nicotine.
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Patients Should Not Combine Cosmetic Procedures
Only a board-certified professional in cosmetic surgery in Salt Lake City can determine the best procedures and plan for the patient. Sometimes they may suggest scheduling liposuction and tummy tuck at different times for better healing.
Nevertheless, doing both in one appointment is possible. In a 2013 research, a patient could undergo lipo abdominoplasty with lower rates of complication. It could also decrease recurrent trauma on the surgical site, although techniques could significantly affect the outcomes.
Cosmetic procedures, like a tummy tuck, are not without risks. The odds of complications may also be higher than the others. These include:
- Men and women 50 years old and above
- Patients who are obese or have a history of weight loss surgery
- People who smoke
Anyone who’s considering undergoing the procedure needs to go through an assessment to determine their eligibility. Meanwhile, the best surgeons will ensure the recommended method is safe.
They don’t give you false hopes and empty promises either. Instead, they educate you so you can make smart healthcare decisions and create goals that will make you and the surgeon happy.
