Medically reviewed by Dr. Omar Tillo MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery that flattens and contours the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles. Although many men and women wish to undergo a tummy tuck purely for aesthetic reasons, there are several medical conditions that can also be improved with the surgery.
In this article, we will explore some of the health benefits of undergoing tummy tuck surgery, so that you can determine whether the procedure is right for you and your body.
Our body contouring surgeon at the CREO Clinic in London, Dr. Omar Tillo, specialises in a vast array of cosmetic procedures, including abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery). With years of experience performing all types of tummy tucks, he is able to provide patients with bespoke solutions to their body’s concerns.
When is a Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, Medically Beneficial?
Tummy tuck surgery helps patients regain a flatter, more defined stomach while tightening the abdominal muscles. In addition to its aesthetic benefits, you may be surprised to learn that a tummy tuck can have significant medical benefits, including:
1. Can Reduce Back Pain (After Birth or Significant Weight Loss)
After pregnancy or significant weight loss, the abdominal muscles can become strained and separated, a condition known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck with muscle repair can help to realign and tighten these abdominal muscles, alleviating many of the painful symptoms such as back pain and poor posture.
2. Can Help Strengthen Your Core
Abdominal muscle weakness can make it difficult to engage in physical exercise.
However, by undergoing tummy tuck surgery, patients can tighten their abdominal muscles, which in turn, improves the strength and stability of the core, enabling patients to lead a more active lifestyle.
3. Can Correct a Ventral Hernia
A ventral hernia can occur when the intestine or abdominal tissue breaks through the wall of the abdomen, forming a pocket or sack. This hernia may develop for a number of reasons, including abdominal weakness from major weight loss as well as following surgeries like C-sections.
A full tummy tuck can correct a ventral hernia by tightening the upper and lower abdominal muscles, thus reducing the amount of strain on the stomach muscles.
4. Can Improve Mobility By Reducing Excess Skin
A tummy tuck removes loose, excess skin that can interfere with a patient’s mobility and ability to exercise, particularly after significant weight loss. This is important as regular exercise is essential when it comes to maintaining a strong, contoured stomach after surgery.
5. Can Improve Confidence and Boost Self-Esteem
By regaining a flatter, defined stomach, tummy tuck patients are more comfortable and confident with the appearance of their midriff, and feel less self conscious when engaging in physical activity and wearing tight clothing.
Related Tummy Tuck Questions
Can you get a tummy tuck for weight loss?
Although a tummy tuck can provide patients with a flatter and more toned abdomen, it is not designed to be a weight loss solution as it only involves the removal of excess skin and attached fat. Patients seeking to lose weight before a tummy tuck may benefit from the guidance of a dietician to ensure they are able to get the most out of their procedure.
What are the health risks of getting a tummy tuck?
Like any cosmetic procedure, undergoing a tummy tuck can carry a certain degree of risk you need to be aware of. Swelling, bruising and soreness are all temporary side effects you may experience during the early stages of recovery, while visible scarring, wound breakdown, and delayed healing are health risks that can affect patients during a longer stretch of time.
Considering a Tummy Tuck? Meet With Us
For further information on tummy tuck surgery at the CREO Clinic in London, contact us to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with Dr. Tillo.
As a body contouring expert, he will be able to assess your suitability for the procedure and discuss any medical concerns you may have.