What Are The Medical Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

One of the most frustrating areas on the body for both men and women is the stomach. Several factors can change how it looks, like weight gain, pregnancy, and the simple act of aging. It is not uncommon for people to struggle with excess fat and skin accumulating around their waistline. While efforts of diet and exercise may work for some, many individuals may turn to tummy tuck surgery for additional help. While the vast majority of patients know of the cosmetic benefits of looking more fit and trim, many people are unaware that there are medical reasons for a tummy tuck, and that it can also provide additional health benefits afterward.

Dual board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi is an expert at contouring and reshaping the body. During a private consultation at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery in Louisville, KY, he can discuss various types of cosmetic options to help you reach your aesthetic goals, and answer questions like, "How does a tummy tuck work?"

What does a tummy tuck do?

The primary goal of tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is to achieve a smoother, flatter, more toned-looking stomach area. The abdominal area can be broken down into two different regions: the upper and lower. A reverse tummy tuck can reshape and enhance the top abdominal area. A full, mini, extended, or panniculectomy tummy tuck procedure provides body contouring help for the lower abdominal region. There are different surgical techniques available, depending on what each patient needs. Overall, a tummy tuck can tighten loose or stretched underlying abdominal muscles. It can also remove:

• Loose, sagging skin from the midsection area
• C-section or hysterectomy scars in the lower abdomen
• Excess fatty deposits and loose skin for optimal body contouring results, when combined with liposuction

What are some medical reasons for tummy tuck surgery?

Louisville, KY patients who have changed their lifestyle to be healthier, and exercise regularly, may need additional help in their midsection to remove loose, sagging skin, and even pockets of fatty deposits. Tummy tuck surgery can also have medical benefits, including:

Hernia correction

Hernias happen when an organ pushes through a muscle responsible for keeping it in place. It can cause pain and discomfort in the stomach area. During abdominoplasty, a hernia can be corrected, reducing the risk of it reoccurring.

Weight loss management

Patients are more likely to maintain their weight and remain active after tummy tuck surgery, benefiting their overall health. Studies have shown that patients who have undergone this type of cosmetic procedure are more likely to keep the weight off. Many patients enjoy a renewed sense of self-confidence and make exercise a part of their daily routine.

Back pain relief

By toning and tightening underlying abdominal muscles during tummy tuck surgery, patients see their posture improve post-surgery. They are left with a stronger core, which often helps to prevent symptoms of back pain that may have existed prior to abdominoplasty.

Helps urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is uncontrollable leakage of the bladder, especially when coughing, sneezing, or laughing. It can be a stressful condition that can affect women after childbirth, or it may occur with the natural aging process. One of the benefits of tummy tuck surgery is reducing this condition by creating a bladder obstruction using soft tissue located in the lower abdomen at the time of the procedure.

Mental benefits

After tummy tuck surgery, patients have a renewed sense of confidence and are excited to fit into old clothes again. This renewed confidence can lead to a greater inclination toward exercise and maintaining their new figure. It can also provide emotional advantages, enabling patients to feel more social and enjoy a better quality of life afterward, boosting their overall physical and mental health.

How long to recover from tummy tuck surgery?

While there are both physical and medical benefits to this cosmetic procedure, it is still major surgery. Depending on the type of tummy tuck method needed, this outpatient surgery, which is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia, usually takes about 1 – 5 hours to complete. Patients can expect their recovery from tummy tuck surgery to take about 4 – 6 weeks. If this body contouring procedure is combined with liposuction for fat reduction or done in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments, patients can expect a more extended recovery period. During an extensive consultation, Dr. Mizuguchi will assess and determine the right course of action for each patient to achieve their aesthetic goals.

If you are considering tummy tuck surgery and want to learn more about how this body contouring procedure can help you, then contact our office today and schedule a consultation with dual board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery in Louisville, KY. You can feel more confident about how you look and improve your overall health with this cosmetic procedure.