A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is the most widely known procedure done to remove excess fat and skin to help the stomach appear more toned and flat. This procedure is commonly requested as a means for a woman to help restore her figure after going through pregnancy and childbirth. It is also commonly used for those who have experienced significant rapid weight loss.
In addition to drastically improving the appearance of the abdomen and body contours, several medical benefits can be seen after a tummy tuck.
They include:
- Reduction of stress urinary incontinence
- Better posture and a reduction in back pain
- Hernia correction
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence is a common occurrence in many women following a vaginal birth. Its symptoms include uncontrollable leakage, which can occur during activities such as exercising, coughing, sneezing, and laughing. Most SUI treatments do not involve surgery, however because a tummy tuck involves a minor obstruction of the bladder, it can usually reduce incontinence.
Posture / Back Pain
Losing large amounts of weight can have an impact on the abdominal muscles, leaving them weak and distended. Weak abdominal muscles are a major cause of lower back pain. During a tummy tuck, the connective tissue in the abdomen is tightened which can reduce pain and reduce the instances of lordosis, which occurs when the back is concave and the belly protrudes.
Hernia correction
Hernias are a protrusion of abdominal tissue or the intestine through the abdominal wall. Hernias can be caused by a variety of reasons including excessive weight loss or even surgery. Tummy tucks along with hernia repair can help prevent the reoccurrence of the hernia.
While tummy tucks have been known to give patients fantastic medical and cosmetic benefits, it’s important to remember that the procedure is still an intensive surgery and with that comes a set of risks including infections or other complications. Recovery from a tummy tuck can take several weeks. If you are in the New York area and are interested in learning more about tummy tucks and finding out if you are a candidate, call (201) 947 3636 Edmund Kwan’s office today and set up a consultation.
