The cosmetic benefits of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery are well-known: This procedure removes loose skin and unwanted fat from both the upper and lower belly, creating sleek, lean contours that can last a lifetime. What most people don’t realize, however, is that tummy tuck surgery can also improve patients’ quality of life. If you’re considering abdominoplasty, you should review the many ways this procedure could potentially enhance your health:
3 Medical Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
1. Abdominoplasty can aid in obesity recovery.
Tummy tuck surgery isn’t a weight loss procedure: Only a few pounds of tissue are typically removed during this operation. However, research shows that having a tummy tuck can help previously obese patients maintain a healthy weight.
A landmark study published in the medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery revealed that women who undergo abdominoplasty have greatly improved weight loss outcomes. In this study, 20 formerly obese patients (with an average BMI of 30) underwent tummy tuck surgery. Out of these 20 patients, 14 gradually continued to lose weight after surgery, eventually obtaining a healthy BMI of 23. By contrast, people who have no plastic surgery usually gain 1-4 pounds per year after reaching a healthy weight.
Researchers believe that abdominoplasty can increase satiety (the ability to feel full after meals) in eligible candidates. It’s possible that tightening the abdominal muscles compresses the stomach,reducing its capacity.
2. Tummy tuck surgery can prevent ventral hernias.
Ventral hernia is a painful and sometimes dangerous condition wherein organs and other tissues protrude through the abdominal wall. This condition is more prevalent in patients who have weakened abdominal muscles and damaged connective tissue (i.e., a torn linea alba). Women who have been pregnant, people who have experienced obesity, C-section patients, and appendectomy patients all have an increased risk of developing ventral hernias.
During tummy tuck surgery, the linea alba is repaired. This allows the abdominal muscles to properly support the abdomen and contain the tissues therein. As such, having an abdominoplasty can lower the risk of ventral hernia.
3. Tummy tuck surgery may decrease chronic lower back pain.
Weakened abdominal muscles are one of the most common causes of chronic lower back pain. When the abdominal muscles cannot support the body’s core, the lower back bends inward, which puts pressure on the spine.
By repairing the linea alba, tummy tuck surgery restores the functionality of the abdominal muscles. The patient can then strengthen them with normal exercise and realign his or her spine, effectively reducing back pain.
Tummy tuck surgery isn’t right for everyone: it requires preparation and recovery time. Still, for eligible candidates, abdominoplasty can be life-changing. If you want to learn more about the medical or cosmetic advantages of this procedure, contact Dr. Maida Parkins at (262) 269-1050.
