Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is designed to tighten muscles and remove excess fat from the abdomen for a more toned and flattened appearance.
This plastic surgery is largely associated with:
- ‘Mommy makeovers’ for women who want to restore their figures after pregnancy.
- Patients who want to improve their body contours after undergoing extreme weight loss in a short period of time.
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, an abdominoplasty is a safe and effective surgery for a smoother, firmer and more refined abdomen.
4 Medical Benefits of Abdominoplasty
Although patients seeking an abdominoplasty do so mostly for cosmetic reasons, the advantages of this plastic surgery are not just limited to the aesthetic.
There are a number of medical benefits of a tummy tuck including:
1. Improved Abdominal Tone & Posture
After extreme weight loss or multiple pregnancies, the stomach muscles can become distended. In such cases, diet and exercise alone cannot help.
A tummy tuck can be beneficial by surgically tightening weak muscles and removing excess skin to flatten the abdomen.
In addition, after an abdominoplasty, you may notice that your posture improves significantly. This is due to the spine being supported by the tightened muscles which may also relieve certain types of back pain.
Want to know how an abdominoplasty can help you?
2. Reduction of Stress Urinary Incontinence
After giving birth, some women can develop Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), a bladder control problem associated with uncontrollable leakage brought on by coughing, laughing or sneezing.
In most cases, SUI can be treated without surgery. However, several studies have indicated that an abdominoplasty can aid in recovery.
During the procedure, a slight bladder obstruction is created using soft tissue near the pelvic area, which reduces incontinence.
3. Helps Maintain Weight Loss
Before considering a tummy tuck, it’s important to remember that it is NOT intended as a weight loss surgery.
Rather, it provides best results when used as a ‘finishing touch’ after weight loss or to restore the contours of the abdomen after pregnancy and childbirth.
However, studies have indicated that an abdominoplasty can be effective in helping patients maintain their weight loss because it encourages them to follow a healthy diet and exercise to maintain their great results.
In addition, sticking to a more balanced diet - rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables - can lower your risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
4. Ventral Hernia Correction
A ventral hernia occurs when the intestine or abdominal tissue breaks through the abdominal wall and forms a pocket or a sack. This can be caused by:
- Massive weight loss
- A C-section
- Appendectomies
Once you develop a ventral hernia, the risk of it happening again is very high. Your doctor can weigh the benefits of adding an abdominoplasty to the hernia repair to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent future occurrences.
Combining the hernia repair with a tummy tuck is not only very effective and safe but also practical as it can significantly reduce your recovery time and future medical expenses.
Call Today
To find out more about the costs and benefits of an abdominoplasty, contact Dr. Ladak today at 780-407-6691.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.
