08 Jul Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that tightens the muscles and removes loose skin and fat from the abdomen to make it have a more toned and flattened appearance.
These procedures are largely associated with “mommy makovers” because many mothers use the procedure to restore their figures after pregnancy, and are also popular with individuals who have undergone extreme weight loss in a short pediod of time.
Between 2000 and 2014 the number of tummy tuck procedures rose 87%, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This indicates that there are many people who are looking to ‘tummy tucks’ as a way to help themselves look and feel better.
While this is certainly important, many people are unaware of the medical benefits of a tummy tuck:
Reduction of Stress Urinary Incontinence
After a vaginal birth, some women can develop Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), a bladder control problem associated with uncontrollable leakage brought on by coughing, sneezing, exercising or laughing.
In most cases, SUI is treated without surgery. However, several studies have indicated that a tummy tuck can aid in recovery. During the procedure, a slight bladder obstruction is created using soft tissue near the pelvic area, which reduces incontinence.
Improved Abdominal Tone and Better Posture
After extreme weight loss or multiple pregnancies, stomach muscles can become distended, and diet and exercise alone cannot help. In these cases, tummy tuck can be beneficial by surgically tightening weak muscles, and removing excess skin and fat to flatten the abdomen.
After an abdominoplasty, patients may notice that their posture has improved significantly, thanks to the tightened muscles supporting their spine. The improved support and better posture can have the added benefit of relieving certain types of back pain.
Ventral Hernia Correction
A ventral hernia occurs when the intestine or abdominal tissue breaks through the abdominal wall and forms a pocket or sack.
This can be caused by abdominal weakness caused by massive weight loss or surgeries like Csections or appendectomies.
Once you develop a ventral hernia, it is very easy for it to happen again. Often, a surgeon will weigh the benefits of adding an abdominoplasty procedure to the hernia repair to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent future occurrences. Combining the procedures is not only safe, but very practical, as it can reduce medical expenses and recovery time.
Risks and Rewards
Due to its growing popularity, many people believe that a tummy tuck is an easy procedure, when it is in fact a major operation requiring one to five hours of time in the operating room under general anesthesia. A typical abdominoplasty removed up to 10 pounds of stomach fat by disconnecting the skin from the underlying tissue, suturing abdominal tissue, and cutting away any extra skin. A full recovery can take several weeks, and just like any other surgery, there are risks of infection and other complications.
With that in mind, the various medical and cosmetic benefits of a tummy tuck still make the procedure appealing for many people. For more information, speak to your medical practitioner and find out if a tummy tuck is right for you!
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