3 Widely Unknown Medical Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures, with nearly 130,000 having been performed in the United States in 2015 alone. The cosmetic benefits of a tummy tuck are fairy well-known, including the ability to tighten loose muscle tissue and remove excess skin. However, the medical benefits that the procedure can offer are much less well known.
If you’re struggling with any of the following three conditions, an abdominoplasty may be able to provide an effective solution, while also offering the added benefit of helping you achieve a toned, more contoured look.
1. Reduces Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, also called stress urinary incontinence, is a very common condition marked by involuntary bladder leakage. While incontinence can affect both women and men, it is much more common among women, as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause are three of the primary causes (Medical News Today).
In many cases, a tummy tuck can help to alleviate the symptoms of urinary incontinence by creating a slight obstruction of the bladder outlet. Created from suspended soft tissue in the pelvic area, it may significantly reduce incontinence (The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).
2. Improved Posture
Many men and women opt for a tummy tuck procedure to tighten and strengthen their abdominal muscles, which may have become loose or even torn due to significant weight loss or pregnancy. When these muscles are no longer able to support your back, you may develop a hunched posture and back problems.
Sometimes, no amount of exercise will be able to repair this muscle tissue. In these cases, abdominoplasty can help to improve these symptoms by tightening weak muscle tissue, which provides much better spine support. This may alleviate back pain associated with poor posture.
As an added benefit, according to one study published in Hernia, an improved, more upright posture following a tummy tuck may also have something to do with patients’ newfound self-esteem and positive body image. Another psychological effect may also contribute to an improved posture, because men and women who have had a tummy tuck may be more likely to feel good about their body’s appearance.
3. Ventral Hernia Correction
A ventral hernia occurs when the intestines or abdominal tissues are able to break through an opening in the abdominal muscles, creating a bulge or pocket. You may be able to see this bulge through your skin when you cough, sneeze, or otherwise strain your abdomen, and this area may be uncomfortable or painful (American College of Surgeons).
Because weakened muscle tissue in the abdomen is the primary cause of ventral hernias, whether due to weight loss or pregnancy, a tummy tuck can be an effective treatment option to correct the condition. By tightening these muscles during abdominoplasty, you can correct the problem, and reduce your chances of experiencing another ventral hernia in the future (Jamahiriya Medical Journal).
Taking the Next Step
Whether you’re considering a tummy tuck for medical or cosmetic reasons, be sure to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience performing this procedure. Scheduling an initial consultation can help you to discuss your unique medical or cosmetic needs, as well as determine if that particular medical practice will be able to meet those needs.
At Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Pittsburgh and Wexford, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil has been named among the top 10 percent of plastic surgeons in Pittsburgh. With ample training and experience performing abdominoplasties, Dr. Heil has the skill and knowledge to design a surgical plan that will be custom-tailored to suit your needs and goals.
If you’d like more information about how you may be able to benefit from a tummy tuck, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Heil, please contact us at 724-264-3608 and take the next step towards alleviating your medical condition or achieving your cosmetic goals.