A tummy tuck—formally known as an abdominoplasty—is a plastic surgery that removes skin and fat from the abdomen. The procedure also often tightens the abdominal muscles which become separated and loose due to pregnancy, weight loss, etc. Typically, this results in a flatter and more toned tummy which is advantageous for a cosmetic result. However, an abdominoplasty can also have medical benefits for some patients.
While not overly common, there are patients who undergo tummy tucks only for medical reasons. In the past, they were even sometimes performed alongside C-sections. Though this is not done much anymore because it usually does not remove enough skin, it does often help prevent and correct diastasis recti, the separation of the abdominal muscles.
Many cosmetic tummy tuck patients may see some medical benefit from the surgery as well. For example, stress urinary incontinence is common after pregnancy and due to diastasis recti. When the muscles are tightened and the core better supported, this usually improves or eliminates the concern. Here are 5 more health benefits of a tummy tuck.
#1: Strengthen The Core
As mentioned earlier, the tightening of the abdominal muscles is key to many of the medical benefits of a tummy tuck. This is because the core muscles are important for several other functions than simply supporting the body. Core strengthening exercises can help and potentially correct diastasis recti in extremely mild situations. Though, surgical correction is often needed.
A stronger core can also improve a patient’s daily life. Lifting their children, working out, and strenuous activities will likely become easier. This can encourage a healthier lifestyle and weight loss.
#2: Correct Ventral Hernia
A lesser known benefit of a tummy tuck is that it can correct ventral hernias. A ventral hernia occurs when tissue or an organ attempt to poke through a weak portion of the abdomen. Diastasis recti makes this more likely to happen. When suturing together the muscles, a plastic surgeon can correct a ventral hernia.
Following correction, this releases pressure on the abdomen. If a patient was having symptoms of a hernia, they will likely see an improvement in those symptoms. This reduces the hernia bulge visible through the abdomen and much relief for the patient. It should be noted that a tummy tuck is not performed when the only concern is a hernia. If a patient has an existing or suspected hernia and is already undergoing a tummy tuck, then their surgeon can repair it during the surgery.
#3: Reduce Chronic Pain
A tummy tuck can reduce pain, particularly in the back. If a patient has lost a large amount of weight and carries a lot of extra skin, this can place added strain on the back and cause pain. Additionally, a weakened core can also lead to poor posture or less support for the back. Thus, causing pain.
Depending on the cause of the pain and other factors, it is unlikely that chronic pain is caused purely by the aspects corrected during an abdominoplasty. Therefore, chronic back pain is unlikely to completely go away, but it can help significantly reduce it.
#4: Increase Range Of Movement
Extra skin and separated muscles can get in the way of exercise and a full range of movement. Addressing these concerns can make it easier for patients to work out, bend down, lift heavy objects, and do other activities. Not only can this make life easier, but it can make weight loss and maintaining the results of the tummy tuck easier.
Removing hanging skin also helps make exercising easier by preventing rashes, irritation, and chafing in areas of overlapping skin. This can deter patients from working out, which is vital for their health and keeping their body trim and toned after tummy tuck surgery.
#5: Improve Mental Well Being
Carrying extra skin or trying multiple ways to strengthen their core can be stressful and depressing for anyone. Finally addressing the problems and realizing how much easier it is to do those same exercises can cause a mood boost and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Any cosmetic surgery is not going to cure an existing mental illness, but it can alleviate specific stressors and barriers to better treating them.
Many plastic and cosmetic surgeries can have various medical or mental health benefits, including breast augmentation. Plastic surgeons can discuss the potential benefits—both cosmetic and medical—during a consultation where they can exam the patient’s anatomy and review their medical history.
Conclusion
Tummy tuck surgery can serve many purposes. It can help moms feel most confident in their post-baby bodies or reveal a patient’s true body contours after losing a large amount of weight. The medical benefits are often an added bonus for those seeking a cosmetic tummy tuck.
Patients should know that a mini tummy tuck often does not offer the same medical advantages. This is because it does not tighten the abdominal muscles like other forms of abdominoplasty. Therefore, if a patient wants or needs to address a possible medical issue, they will need at least a full tummy tuck.
Dr. Javad Sajan is dedicated to the patients he serves and to the betterment of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. His practice focuses exclusively on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body. He is known for consistently championing the transgender community and being one of the top providers of gender-affirming surgery in the country. Dr. Sajan specializes in breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and mommy makeovers.
