Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a procedure that removes excess fat and loose skin from the abdomen, thereby flattening the tummy and making it firm. It helps improve the shape and appearance of the tummy, especially of women who just gave birth or lost a lot of weight. Those who want to have a tummy tuck must be of good health to undergo the procedure. Also, if you are planning to lose a lot of weight, then it is best to postpone your tummy tucks until after. Aside from their aesthetic and physical benefits, here are some of the real medical benefits enjoyed by people who undergo tummy tucks.
- Better back and posture
People who undergo tummy tucks get tighter abdominal muscles and stronger abs which support their posture when they stand and walk. Strong abs help the spine carry the upper body. This reduces back pains and posture problems.
- Reduces stress urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence happens when a physical activity such as running, sneezing or coughing causes a leak of urine due to pressure on the bladder. Pregnancy, childbirth and menstruation are some of the physical body changes that cause stress urinary incontinence. A certain study showed that 60% of women who underwent tummy tucks showed improvement in their symptoms of SUI. However, the link between SUI and tummy tucks has not been understood yet.
- Ventral hernia correction
A ventral hernia is a bulge or a sac on the weak spot of the abdominal wall. It may be a condition that is already present at birth or it may be developed later in life. Some develop ventral hernia after an extreme weight loss and childbirth. Ventral hernia may lead to swelling that can eventually lead to tissue strangulation. This is a very painful condition. A tummy tuck is a procedure that strengthens and builds a weak abdominal wall, which means it can possibly prevent hernias in the future.
A tummy tuck not only has real medical benefits but also improves the well-being and health of a person. Most patients that undergo tummy tucks are happy with the results, hence, start to exercise and lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This leads to long term weight loss. Because the abdominal muscles are hard to develop, tummy tucks can give most people the chance to have better and stronger abs, not to mention improved confidence and overall mood.
Dr. Gregory H. Croll is the owner of his own practice, and the leading doctor for tummy tucks in Columbia, MO.