If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you’re probably familiar with at least some of its benefits. You may have even looked at some tummy tuck before and after photos and witnessed the incredible transformations that can result—a flatter, more toned abdomen and a contoured waistline.
What many people don’t know is that a tummy tuck also includes some surprising health benefits, along with some limitations that you should be aware of before undergoing an abdominoplasty.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Some of the benefits, as mentioned, are noticeable relatively soon after the surgery. For example, the first time you wear a bikini after the swelling is gone. Other benefits, however, are less obvious. Here are some tummy tuck pros you can expect:
Confidence boost: A tummy tuck can boost your self-esteem when you feel more comfortable and confident with your body.
Improved posture: People who work desk-focused jobs tend to develop posture-related medical problems. A tummy tuck tightens core abdominal muscles, creating better support for your back and spine, reducing the strain on the rest of your body and improving your posture.
Decreased back pain: Good posture helps relieve back pain. This, in turn, can improve your health by making it easier to lead a more active life that includes strenuous exercise.
Reducing urinary incontinence: A 2018 study found that a tummy tuck with muscle repair can improve back pain and urinary incontinence that develops after a woman has children. Incontinence is often a significant issue that impact’s a woman’s post-pregnancy quality of life.
Remove C-section scarring: Many women who have undergone a cesarean section birth are bothered by the resulting scar. Depending on the scar’s location, a tummy tuck will either remove the scar along with excess skin or incorporate it into the tummy tuck scar.
Limitations of a Tummy Tuck
Patients who fully understand the drawbacks of cosmetic surgery and who have realistic expectations are generally happier with their results. Here are some of the issues to consider while you deliberate about getting a tummy tuck:
Inherent risks: All surgery includes potential risks and complications such as bleeding, infection, and anesthesia-related problems. By choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs surgery at a licensed surgery center accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care, you can significantly enhance the safety of your procedure.
Discomfort: A tummy tuck is an invasive surgical procedure involving a lengthy incision and tissue and muscle manipulation. You’ll experience pain during recovery, although it can be effectively managed with prescription medication and by following post-op instructions regarding physical activity.
Cost: The cost of a tummy tuck is something virtually all patients consider when deciding whether to undergo the procedure. We try to make cosmetic surgery accessible to as many people as possible by partnering with CareCredit®, which specializes in healthcare financing for qualified patients.
Scarring: A full tummy tuck involves making an incision that extends from one hip to the other. It’s made low enough on the abdomen that low-cut swimwear or clothes can conceal it. Scars are a tradeoff that the vast majority of tummy tuck patients are willing to make to have a flatter abdominal area.
Start With a Consultation
At my plastic surgery practice, we ensure that patients are fully informed about the procedure they’re considering. That includes knowing how the procedure is performed, what they can expect after the surgery, and the risks involved. If you want to learn more about tummy tuck surgery and if it’s right for you, request a consultation using the online form or call our Oklahoma City practice at (405) 849-6354 to schedule an appointment.
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