Tummy Tucks: 3 Surprising Medical Benefits

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that over the last four years, the number of tummy tucks performed in the U.S. has risen 87 percent, making it among the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures among women. Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is frequently sought post-pregnancy or after major weight loss. Unlike diet and exercise alone, which can only do so much for stretched muscles and sagging skin that has lost elasticity, a tummy tuck removes extra skin, while tightening the entire abdominal wall.

Abdominoplasty is one of the key surgeries in a mommy makeover, which often includes liposuction, a breast lift or augmentation and a thigh lift, depending on the patient. For thousands of mothers who struggle with post-partum figures that feature a flabby midsection, a tummy tuck helps to contour and tone the stomach area, giving a more slender and youthful appearance. Beyond the obvious cosmetic wonders of abdominoplasty, the ASPS also says there are medical benefits as well.

Medical benefits of abdominoplasty

1. Correction of ventral hernia – Appendectomies, C-section deliveries and massive weight loss can all cause a weakening in the stomach wall, leading to a ventral hernia in which tissue or intestines form a small pocket outside of the abdominal cavity. Since a tummy tuck surgery addresses the same problems as a hernia correction, combining the two procedures is a smart way to kill two birds with one stone, while reducing cost and recovery time. Abdominoplasty reinforces and tightens stomach muscles, thus preventing reoccurrence of ventral hernia.
2. Fewer problems with urinary incontinence – After giving birth to one or more children, many women suffer from stress urinary incontinence (SUI), a form of involuntary bladder leakage when coughing, sneezing, or doing physical exercise. For women who have not had a C-section, an abdominoplasty with bladder repair an actually help relieve this potentially embarrassing condition. During the operation, the surgeon will form a small bladder obstruction with soft tissue, which helps to stop incontinence.
3. Improved posture and tone – Everyone knows the damaging effects of bad posture. People with weak core muscles are more prone to experience back pain, lower neck pain and problems with sway back. Since a tummy tuck flattens the midsection, eliminates excess skin and improves abdominal tone, patients can easily maintain good posture, thus relieving low back pain.

Both full and mini- tummy tucks are major surgical procedures that require general anesthesia and several hours under the knife. Swelling, bruising and pain are common side effects that typically last 7-10 days. Dr. Aviva B. Preminger tells her patients that swelling can take up to 3 months to fully subside, but once it does, the outcome can be permanent with a good diet and regular exercise.

Tummy tuck plastic surgeon in Manhattan

Not all patients are good candidates for abdominoplasty, but if you’re interested in regaining your pre-baby figure or fitting into clothes after drastic weight loss, the first step is booking a consultation with an experienced tummy tuck surgeon in Manhattan.

If you’re ready to lose inches off your waist and go down several sizes, we invite you to call Dr. Preminger’s NYC office at 212-706-1900 to learn more about which body contouring procedures may be right for you. And be sure to explore Dr. Preminger’s before and after gallery of tummy tuck procedures.