Many women and men choose to have a tummy tuck because they are interested in the aesthetic results - a firmer, tighter abdomen and a more flattering belly contour.
But a tummy tuck can offer some important medical benefits, too. In a recent opinion piece in the Medical Daily, plastic surgeon M. Azhar Ali offers a list of 5 other benefits of abdominoplasty, and we've witnessed these positive outcomes in our patients as well.
1. EASIER TO MAINTAIN WEIGHT LOSS
Researchers have recently found that when bariatric patients also get a tummy tuck, they're often able to maintain their weight loss longer. Bariatric surgery is a procedure to reduce the size of the stomach and promote weight loss. These researchers found that when bariatric surgery was combined with a tummy tuck, the average post-surgery weight gain was significantly less than those who did not opt for a tummy tuck.
2. IMPROVED POSTURE
Excess skin around your abdomen can be hard on your back. If your abdominal muscles are weak and you're carrying around extra skin or fat, you could end up with a condition commonly known as "sway back." This condition usually leads to back pain. With a tummy tuck, you'll not only lose the extra skin and fat, but you'll have tighter abdominal muscles leading to better spine support.
3. NO MORE STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE
After a vaginal birth, some women develop stress urinary incontinence or SUI. With SUI, the bladder will sometimes empty when you cough, laugh or sneeze.
During a Tummy Tuck, your surgeon can also perform a procedure to obstruct the bladder with soft tissue. This has helped many women stop experiencing SUI.
4. RELIEF FROM HERNIAS
Weak abdominal muscles can lead to ventral hernias, a condition where the intestine or abdominal tissue can push through the abdominal wall. Ventral hernias are more likely in someone who has undergone a C-section or appendectomy. During a tummy tuck, the abdominal muscles are tightened, which can reduce your risk of ventral hernias.
5. INCREASED EXERCISE TOLERANCE
Having weak abdominal muscles and excess skin or fat can make it more difficult to exercise. But after a tummy tuck, some patients find a renewed enjoyment of aerobic activities like running or walking, which can lead to an overall improvement in health.
Only a certified plastic surgeon can determine if a tummy tuck is right for you. But if you're interested in learning more about the benefits of a tummy tuck, contact us today to set up a consultation!
Click here to view before and after photos in our gallery.
