Benefits of Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck surgery, has been trending up since the year 2000. This popular body contouring procedure helps reinforce underlying abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat.

The results leave the patient with a firmer and flatter tummy. Although an aesthetic procedure designed to enhance body shape, a tummy tuck can have other positive benefits for the patient.

Reduces Urinary Incontinence

Some women develop a condition known as SUI (Stress Urinary Incontinence) after a vaginal birth. This issue is a bladder control problem with leakage during laughing, exercising, sneezing or coughing. While SUI treatments are non-surgical in most cases, studies indicate abdominoplasty can help improve incontinence in patients who need extensive repair and have not had a caesarian section.

Better Posture and Reduced Back Discomfort

After multiple pregnancies or extreme weight loss, the stomach muscles may become expanded causing the tummy to droop or sag. An abdominoplasty will tighten the tummy by surgically strengthening weak muscles and removing excess fat and skin.

Lordosis or a swayback posture can result from weak abdominal muscles. After a tummy tuck, the patient may realize their posture significantly improves because there is more support for the spine with a stronger abdomen. Also, with better posture and support, the patient may also enjoy a relief in certain types of back pain.

Corrects Ventral Hernia

A ventral hernia occurs when abdominal tissue or the intestine penetrates the abdominal wall and forms a sack or pocket.

This condition may be caused by an appendectomy, a C-section, or massive weight loss. Like a tummy tuck, ventral hernia repair also tightens skin and the underlying abdominal muscles.

Correcting a weak abdominal wall is key to resolving a ventral hernia and preventing its reoccurrence. Therefore, combining a tummy tuck and ventral hernia repair can serve as optimal treatment and prevention. The combination of ventral hernia correction and abdominoplasty is safe, practical, and can reduce future medical costs and surgical downtime.

Relieves Irritation or Skin Rash

Excess sagging skin can cause a rash or irritation when it comes into constant contact with other skin. This can cause discomfort and unwanted aesthetic issues. Abdominoplasty can remedy the problem by removing the excess skin and tightening the underlying muscle. The result is a firm tummy that doesn’t sag or come into contact with other skin.

Additional Cosmetic Benefits

When patients think of tummy tuck surgery, their first thoughts are of a taut and firm abdomen. Although an important cosmetic improvement, abdominoplasty brings other aesthetic benefits as well. They include:

Eliminating or Reducing Stretch Marks

Stretch marks residing between the pubic hair and belly button are easily removed during a tummy tuck.

Removal of Aging Skin

The tight and youthful skin around the abdomen will provide a young and fit abdominal presence. This benefit will also boost confidence and self-esteem.

More Wardrobe Choices

Because abdominoplasty improves the body contour, a wide selection of wardrobe choices become readily available. Dresses and outfits not previously under consideration can now be worn with pride and excitement!

Active Lifestyle

Without excess skin and fat, exercise and activity become comfortable and inviting. Jogging, cycling, and workout classes are easier to accomplish with your new body shape.

Risks and Rewards

Because of its popularity, many patients believe abdominoplasty is an easy treatment. It’s vital for patients to understand that a tummy tuck is a major operation, requiring up to three hours of surgery with general anesthesia.

A typical tummy tuck eliminates several pounds of excess fat by detaching the skin from underlying tissues, reinforcing the abdominal wall with sutures, and removing excess skin. Recovery may take several weeks and have potential risks and complications like infection or bleeding.

Abdominoplasty will take a personal commitment from the patient to prepare for the procedure and make the recovery instructions a priority after surgery. Patients interested in a tummy tuck should spend time with their surgeon discussing the risks and the benefits before deciding if a tummy tuck is right for them.

For more information about the benefits of Abdominoplasty, call Dr. Josh Waltzman at (562) 448-6100 or schedule a consultation today.