The Tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is a procedure that tightens the stomach muscles. It also removes loose skin and excess fat to create a flat and toned appearance.
Tummy tuck surgery is becoming more and more popular, with a 9% increase since 2004.
This increase shows that this surgery isn’t just for the rich and famous, but for anyone.
This includes:
Mothers who gave birth and want to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies
People who have lost a significant amount of weight within a short timespan
Seniors in their later years who’ve noticed a loosening of skin and want to do something about it
What many people may not know is that tummy tucks don’t just have cosmetic benefits. People who undergo this procedure receive health benefits as well.
Read more to learn the physical benefits of a tummy tuck!
1. It reduces stress urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence mainly affects women who have given vaginal birth. Those with this condition experience uncontrollable leakage of the bladder, especially when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
This condition can cause stress, negatively impacting the lifestyles of those suffering from it. (No one wants to worry about an uncontrollable bladder during a social event or at the workplace!)
One of the benefits of a tummy tuck is a reduction of this condition, whereby the surgeon creates a bladder obstruction using the soft tissue located near the pelvic area.
2. Hernia correction
Hernias occur when an organ pushes through the muscle responsible for keeping it in place.
There are specific types of hernias.
One of these is a ventral hernia. A ventral hernia happens when the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall muscles. This causes pain and discomfort.
Those at risk for developing a ventral hernia are:
People who have lost a significant amount of weight within a short timespan
Women who have undergone an appendectomy or C-section
Once a hernia occurs, it’s much more likely for it to happen again.
It’s not uncommon for surgeons to suggest a tummy tuck in addition to correcting the hernia, since stronger stomach muscles reduce the chances of this condition repeating.
3. Easier weight loss maintenance and management
Research sheds some light.
Bariatric patients keep lost weight off when their surgeries are combined with the tummy tuck.
(Bariatric patients undergo these surgeries: gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band.)
In fact, patients who have undergone these combined surgeries regain only 1 pound per year. Bariatric patients who have not had a tummy tuck regain 4 pounds per year.
On top of that, tummy tuck patients have an increased tolerance for exercise.
This means they have an easier time doing physical activities.
Their renewed confidence also makes these activities more enjoyable.
4. Better posture and improved abdominal tone
One of the benefits of a tummy tuck is the tightening and toning of the abdominal muscles.
Because of the tighter muscles, patients should see their posture improve post-surgery.
This procedure also will lower patients’ chances of getting lordosis, or “sway back.”
And, on top of that, a tummy tuck will relieve some forms of back pain.
Extra benefits of a tummy tuck
This surgery has social and emotional advantages as well, including an increase in confidence and being able to choose and wear clothes that once did not fit.
Because patients are more confident, they may find themselves socializing more and enjoying an increased quality of life.
Some things to consider
While there are many physical benefits, be aware that this is a serious operation.
If you are considering this surgery, do your research. Schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon.
The procedure usually takes 1-5 hours, and you do need general anesthesia for it. Afterward, the recovery process should take 4-6 weeks.
Also, you should realize that this is a contouring surgery, not a weight loss one. During the procedure, your surgeon removes the excess tissue, not the fat.
If you do desire to lose weight, you may opt for liposuction combined with a tummy tuck.
Contact us for a consultation or if you have questions about getting a tummy tuck.
