What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Before we get into the benefits of a tummy tuck, I think it is important to talk about what exactly a tummy tuck is. The medical term for a tummy tuck is abdominoplasty. The procedure is used to remove excess skin and fat around the abdomen. An incision is made at the panty line, the tissue removed, and the remaining skin is tightened so that you have a flat, sculpted tummy.

So, who is the right candidate for a tummy tuck? Women, or men, who have lost a lot of weight or women who have had multiple pregnancies are often the top candidates for a tummy tuck. The skin around the middle has stretched past the point where diet and exercise will make a difference. This is not to say that you can use a tummy tuck to lose weight! You will need to be at your goal weight before getting the surgery. A tummy tuck can be thought of as more of a reward for all your hard work!

BENEFITS OF A TUMMY TUCK

GET RID OF THE PREGNANCY POUCH

Women who have had multiple children may find that they carry a permanent “baby pouch.” It is that little area in the middle of the lower stomach where your baby rested during pregnancy. The skin stretches (hello, stretch marks!) and doesn’t have enough elasticity to return to normal after your baby is born. The result of this stretching? You always look six months pregnant. You are the woman that everyone is asking if you are expecting again. You are the woman who still wears her maternity pants around because regular jeans make you look squished and frumpy. A tummy tuck will help you fit back into your favorite jeans and leggings. You will remove the pouch, tighten the skin and have your pre-baby belly back to normal.

REWARD YOUR HARD WORK

Men and women who have struggled to lose weight know how disappointing it can be when you have worked so hard but your body still isn’t showing the full benefits of all your efforts. Skin stretches, and most of the time it remains stretched, even when we are dropping massive pounds. Your body is getting toned and shaped, but you can’t see it because of the skin left behind. A tummy tuck, along with other body contouring procedures, can help you to get the shape you are wishing for. You can combine your abdominoplasty with procedures like an arm lift, thigh lift and neck lift to get an overall body contour that will highlight what is now hidden.

MEDICAL-RELATED BENEFITS

Along with looking better and feeling better about yourself, there are a few medical benefits of abdominoplasty. One medical condition, that is also associated with pregnancy, is urinary incontinence. This condition causes women to leak urine when they put stress on their bladders by simple acts such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising. During the tummy tuck procedure, abdominal walls are tightened and small bladder obstruction is created using soft tissue from the pelvic region. Afterwards, women have better control over their bodies.

Two other conditions that can be improved with a tummy tuck are lordosis (commonly called “sway back) and ventral hernias. Weak abdominal muscles are usually seen in people who experience a sway back. By tightening the muscles during the abdominoplasty, the support of the spine is strengthened and back pain is diminished. Hernias are caused when tissue breaks through the abdominal wall and causes a pocket to form. Hernias are often formed when women have a C-section or when someone loses a massive amount of weight quickly. While you can just repair the hernia, some doctors may suggest having a tummy tuck along with your hernia surgery to help prevent reoccurrences by tightening the muscles.

If you have been thinking about getting a tummy tuck, Dr. Huddleston can answer any questions you may have during a consultation. Dr. Huddleston will evaluate your needs and see if a tummy tuck is what is right for you. We also offer Mommy Makeovers for those women who want to get their bodies back after childbirth. If you are concerned about scarring, you can also schedule a consultation with our Medical Tattoo Artist for scar camouflaging. We look forward to helping you achieve your beauty goals! Contact our office today for a consultation!