LaConco has opened up about her recent tummy tuck.
Image: Supplied
In South Africa, terms like “Lipo,” “Mommy Makeover,” and “Summer Body” dominate our social media feeds. But behind the filtered images lies a more complex truth.
Many women are making life-altering surgical decisions based on trending hashtags rather than medical facts.
The conversation has recently been reignited by Nonkanyiso ‘LaConco’ Conco, the “Real Housewives of Durban” star and entrepreneur.
By opening up about her recent tummy tuck, LaConco is taking the discussion further than celebrity gossip and into the realm of essential health education.
For LaConco, the journey to her current physique wasn't a straight line.
She admits that a lack of specialised information led her to undergo multiple liposuction procedures that didn't actually address her needs.
“If I had been better informed and consulted with a specialist sooner, I would have saved myself money and many hours of recovery,” she reveals.
Her decision to undergo a tummy tuck with Professor Sofianos was a turning point. For her, it wasn't just about vanity; it was about correction and clarity.
“For me, the tummy tuck wasn’t just about the physical changes. It was a journey of emotional healing and regaining control over my body,” she says.
The most common mistake South African women make is using “lipo” and “tummy tuck” interchangeably.
According to leading aesthetic surgeon Professor Sofianos, understanding the distinction is the foundation of a safe result.
Liposuction: Best for removing small, stubborn pockets of fat that don't respond to diet or exercise. It is a sculpting tool, not a weight-loss solution.
Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty): This procedure is more extensive. It removes excess fat and loose skin, while also repairing abdominal muscles that may have separated during pregnancy.
“When you understand the distinction between the two, you begin to see that these are not one-size-fits-all procedures,” explains Professor Sofianos.
“Knowing which is right for you is the first step to achieving results and outcomes that truly support your health and confidence.”
A tummy tuck removes excess skin.
Image: Freepik
In many communities, cosmetic surgery remains a sensitive topic, often draped in judgment.
LaConco is intentionally using her platform to dismantle these stigmas, specifically for Black women who may feel excluded from these medical spaces.
“As Black women, we don’t always see our stories reflected in conversations around body confidence and cosmetic surgery,” she notes.
“That’s why I’m choosing to share mine, so that others know it’s okay to feel nervous, but it’s also possible to overcome those fears by asking questions.”
The ideal result isn't just made on the operating table; it’s planned in the consultation room.
Professor Sofianos emphasises that a well-informed patient is a safer patient.
“Clarity is key,” he says. “When individuals fully understand what a procedure involves, they are empowered to make informed decisions that align with their personal goals, values, and lifestyle.”
He advises women to focus heavily on the “before” and “after” by asking about risks, managing expectations, and committing to the recovery period.