Medically reviewed by Dr. Omar Tillo MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) An abdominoplasty, also known as a ‘tummy tuck’, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, and may also involve repairing muscle separation. Although many men and women may wish to pursue a tummy tuck for the aesthetic benefits, there are several medical conditions that can be improved with the procedure.
In this article, we will discuss the medical reasons for undergoing a tummy tuck procedure, so that you can better understand the potential health benefits of this surgery.
Medical Benefits of Abdominoplasty
Ventral Hernia
A ventral hernia happens when the intestine or abdominal tissue punctures the wall of the abdomen, forming a pocket or sack. It can be caused by abdominal weakness from significant weight loss as well as surgeries like C-sections. A full tummy tuck can correct a ventral hernia by tightening the upper and lower abdominal muscles, providing ample relief to patients.
Back Pain
A tummy tuck can help to address back pain through the tightening of abdominal muscles and repair of muscle separation to improve the strength and stability of the core. In doing so, the spine is also better supported, resulting in less back pain for patients.
Posture
Weaker abdominal muscles can cause poor posture, as the spine is not adequately supported by the core. An abdominoplasty can help to strengthen the core and stabilize the spine, which, in turn, can help to improve posture.
Tummy Tuck and Weight Loss
A tummy tuck can help patients who have recently lost a significant amount of weight and are left with a large amount of excess skin around their midsection, as well as weakened abdominal muscles. This can help to address both the aesthetic concerns of patients as well as any associated health conditions, improving comfort and quality of life.
In addition, although a tummy tuck is not designed to be a weight loss procedure, patients can contour and flatten their abdomen and lose a small amount by removing the excess skin and fat around the stomach. This can help patients to feel more comfortable engaging in physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.
Other Tummy Tuck Benefits
On top of addressing the health concerns of patients, a tummy tuck also comes with numerous other benefits:
Slimmer Waistline
By removing the excess skin and fat from around the midriff, patients are able to enjoy a more contoured and slimmer midsection after a tummy tuck. This can help patients feel more comfortable and confident in tighter clothing and while engaging in exercise. Overall, this can provide additional motivation to live a healthy lifestyle.
Smoother Skin
After the excess, loose skin is removed during a tummy tuck, the remaining skin is pulled and tightened to cover the abdominal muscles. This means the final result is that of a much smoother texture, creating a more aesthetically pleasing finish to the midsection, with the appearance of any stretch marks also improved.
Permanent Results
A tummy tuck is a permanent procedure to create a more contoured and flatter abdomen. However, patients must adhere to a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise, to maintain results.
Combination Procedures
A tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures to further enhance the body and maximize the aesthetic benefits.
One common combination is tummy tuck and liposuction, which also helps to contour the abdomen by permanently removing stubborn fat deposits that are unable to be treated with diet and exercise alone. Overall, through the addition of liposuction to an abdominoplasty, patients are able to achieve more comprehensive results for their tummy.
A tummy tuck can also be combined with a breast augmentation or breast lift, as well as liposuction in the form of a ‘mummy makeover’ package. This is ideal for women seeking to transform their entire figure and regain their pre-pregnancy shape by targeting the areas most affected during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic
If you are looking to flatten and contour your abdomen, a tummy tuck procedure may be ideal for you. At the CREO Clinic, Dr Omar Tillo specializes in the highly intricate art of body contouring surgeries, including all types of tummy tucks, to ensure patients receive bespoke solutions to their body’s concerns.
Book a consultation today to ask more about tummy tuck and how it can be shaped to your individual needs and get on track to achieving your dream shape.