An abdominoplasty (commonly known as a tummy tuck) is one of the most popular procedures I perform at MAE Plastic Surgery. Designed to make the abdomen flatter, firmer and more toned, tummy tucks are typically requested by women to help them regain their figures after pregnancy or by those who are left with saggy hanging skin after losing significant amounts of weight. While tummy tucks are typically done for cosmetic reasons, they can also yield some surprising medical benefits as well including these three…
Less Urinary Incontinence
After a vaginal birth, many women have been known to develop urinary incontinence. This condition can cause urine to leak when coughing, sneezing, exercising, or laughing. Urinary incontinence can sometimes be treated with medication, behavioral techniques, and/or Kegel exercises, but unfortunately, they don’t always work. Here’s some interesting news! In one study, 60 percent of patients who experienced incontinence prior to their tummy tucks found that they had significant improvement in their symptoms afterward. Exactly how or why tummy tucks can improve urinary incontinence is not fully understood, but some theories exist including the way in which the skin is pulled up during the procedure, which may also pull on the urethra to help reduce incontinence.
Maintaining Weight Loss
Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight are often left with an abundance of excess skin. Researchers have found that removing this excess skin actually helps patients, specifically those who have had bariatric surgery, keep the weight off much better than those who didn’t have a tummy tuck. These patients have stated that they generally feel less hungry, get full more easily, and are thus able to maintain their weight loss. Similar statements were made by those who didn’t have bariatric surgery, but who had a tummy tuck. They, too, found that they’ve been able to maintain their weight loss for a year or more.
Better Posture and Less Back Issues
In addition to removing excess skin and fat, a tummy tuck tightens weak abdominal muscles. Weakened muscles in this area can sometimes cause a sway back, a condition in which the spine of the lower back becomes excessively curved. After a tummy tuck, patients often notice improved posture and report a reduction in back pain.
It’s important to note that although there are potential health benefits to having a tummy tuck as outlined above, the procedure is not typically covered by insurance. If you are considering abdominoplasty, I’d be happy to explore the cosmetic and medical benefits with you!
