Tummy tuck, also known as it’s medical name of abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes loose skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the muscles so that the stomach appears flat and toned rather than loose and flabby.
It’s commonly seen as a “Mommy Makeover,” performed on women after giving birth to quickly restore their body to its pre-pregnancy look or improve on skin stretched and damaged after birth. It is also an option for patients who have lost large amounts of weight over a short period of time.
Related: C-Section Scar Removal
Skin only has so much “give,” and if weight is lost too quickly, the skin may not recover elasticity and sag. As you can guess, there are many articles about the aesthetic or cosmetic values of tummy tucks, but there are very few about the medical benefits to the surgery.
Stress Urinary Incontinence
To begin, after birth, many mothers find they have developed Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), a bladder control issue where something as simple as laughing or sneezing can cause uncontrollable leakage. Most cases of SUI can be treated without surgery, but some cases may require more work. It has been found that abdominoplasty can be of massive benefits, especially for mothers who gave birth vaginally rather than by caesarian section. During the procedure, soft tissue near the pelvic area is moved close to the bladder to create an obstruction and reduce leakage.
Ventral Hernia correction
A ventral hernia forms when the intestine or abdominal tissue breaks through the abdominal wall and forms a pocket or sack. There are a few possible potential causes, such as abdominal weakness caused by massive weight loss or even surgeries like C-sections or appendectomies.
Regardless of the cause, whether pregnancy or sudden weight loss, a weak abdominal wall will eventually allow a hernia to form, and once it develops once, it becomes easier and easier for one to form again.
The surgery to correct a ventral hernia is surprisingly similar to a regular abdominoplasty. Both surgeries correct weakened muscles and relieve pressure on the skin. Combining the two procedures is both safe and practical, as it can help reduce both medical expenses and recovery time.
Often, your surgeon will recommend adding an abdominoplasty procedure to the hernia surgery to help strengthen the abdominal area and prevent future hernias.
Lordosis
Weak abdominal muscles often cause lordosis, or sway back. Following an abdominoplasty, patients often report that their posture has improved, due to the tightened muscles that are now supporting the spine. The improved support and better posture can also provide relief for back pain.
Are You Thinking of Getting a Tummy Tuck?
Do you have excess abdominal skin? Are you considering getting a tummy tuck to combat this? Abdominoplasty is a popular choice amongst women following childbirth, a prior surgery, or as a result of significant fluctuations in weight.
If this sounds like a procedure you would be interested in, you should consult a plastic surgeon to determine if you’re a good candidate, and you can get any questions you have about the procedure answered. If you are a resident of Barrie, you’re in luck: with over 20 years experience in the field, Dr. Kenneth Dickie has helped women with abdominoplasty and other cosmetic enhancements. Contact us today at the Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery to schedule an in-depth consultation with Dr. Dickie, and become happy with your midriff this year!