Our Summary

This study examined how public interest in 20 cosmetic procedures has changed over time using Google Trends data from 2018 to 2023. The procedures included things like botox, lip fillers, hair transplants and tummy tucks. The researchers found that interest in all but five procedures increased over the five-year period, with the exceptions being breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, photofacial, and tummy tuck. Some procedures saw big fluctuations in interest from week to week, while others remained fairly stable. The study suggests that doctors need to keep an eye on these trends to give their patients the best advice about cosmetic procedures.

FAQs

  1. What was the time period of the study that examined public interest in cosmetic procedures?
  2. Did interest in tummy tucks increase or decrease over the course of the study?
  3. What are the cosmetic procedures that saw major fluctuations in interest according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about a tummy tuck is to maintain a healthy lifestyle after the procedure. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being can help prolong the results of the tummy tuck and reduce the risk of complications. It’s important for patients to follow their doctor’s post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments for optimal results.

Suitable For

Tummy tuck procedures are typically recommended for patients who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that cannot be improved through diet and exercise alone. This excess skin and fat can be a result of factors such as pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging. Patients who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure are usually considered good candidates for a tummy tuck. It is important for patients to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck procedure.

Timeline

Before tummy tuck:

  1. Patient researches tummy tuck procedure online and consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and medical history review to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the surgery.
  3. Patient receives pre-operative instructions from the plastic surgeon, which may include dietary restrictions, medication adjustments, and quitting smoking.
  4. Patient schedules a date for the surgery and makes necessary arrangements for post-operative care and recovery.

After tummy tuck:

  1. Patient undergoes the tummy tuck surgery, which involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal muscles.
  2. Patient experiences discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following the surgery and may need to take pain medication as prescribed by the surgeon.
  3. Patient follows post-operative instructions, such as wearing a compression garment, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and begins to see the results of the tummy tuck as swelling subsides and the abdomen becomes more defined.
  5. Patient maintains a healthy lifestyle to ensure long-lasting results and may consider additional procedures or touch-ups in the future.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about a tummy tuck include:

  1. Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
  2. What are the risks and complications associated with a tummy tuck?
  3. What type of tummy tuck procedure would be best for me?
  4. What should I expect during the recovery process?
  5. How long will it take for me to see the final results of the tummy tuck?
  6. What kind of scarring can I expect after the procedure?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?
  8. How much will the tummy tuck procedure cost, and will it be covered by insurance?
  9. Can I see before and after photos of previous tummy tuck patients you have treated?
  10. How many tummy tuck procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?

Reference

Authors: Oh AJ, Rootman DB. Journal: Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2024 May-Jun 01;40(3):266-269. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000002562. Epub 2023 Nov 16. PMID: 37972973