Posted March 01, 2022 in Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
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Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is one of the most common and trusted cosmetic surgeries performed each year.
In 2019, nearly 120,000 patients had a tummy tuck, and in 2020, nearly 98,000 patients underwent abdominoplasty surgery, which shows just how trusted this plastic surgery procedure is. Even some of your favorite celebrities have undergone tummy tuck surgery, so if it’s good enough for them, then it’s good enough for you!
While many people believe that a tummy tuck is simply a cosmetic surgery that men and women have to create a thinner and more toned body contour, there are actually several different reasons besides aesthetics for patients to have tummy tuck surgery.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Before we get into the different reasons patients have a tummy tuck, it is important to understand just what this procedure entails.
Tummy tuck surgery usually takes about two and a half hours to perform. With this procedure, you will be given general anesthesia to ensure that you will not feel any pain or discomfort.
- Your plastic surgeon will then make the incisions just above your pubic area, stretching from hip to hip.
- Another incision may be made around the navel, if necessary.
- Next, excess fat may be removed with liposuction, if needed.
- Your plastic surgeon will then tighten the underlying abdominal muscles, remove any excess skin, and tighten the remaining skin before closing the incision with sutures.
- Your belly button can also be repositioned during this procedure so that it sits in a more natural and aesthetic position.
Reasons for Having Tummy Tuck Surgery
While there are many reasons why patients decide to have a tummy tuck, here are six of the most common…
1. You Have Excess Skin After Weight Loss of Pregnancy
Whether from extreme weight loss or pregnancy and childbirth, many people find that they have excess skin around their midsection that they want to get rid of. However, plastic surgery is the only way to remove this excess skin.
One of the main reasons men and women have tummy tuck surgery is to remove this unsightly skin, which will give a sleeker, more toned appearance and allow clothing to fit better. Patients will feel more confident and comfortable with the way they look.
2. You Have Excess Fat Pockets That Diet and Exercise Do Not Address
While liposuction is not necessarily required for every tummy tuck procedure, it is often recommended when patients have pockets of stubborn fat. This kind of fat is frustrating for men and women because it just won’t go away, no matter how healthy your diet is or how frequently you work out at the gym.
One of the best parts about liposuction in the midsection during tummy tuck surgery is that once the fat is removed, it is gone permanently. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, your results will be long lasting.
It is important to note that liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are not weight-loss procedures but rather treat the cosmetic appearance of the body.
3. You Have Separated Abdominal Muscles (Diastasis Recti)
Women often have a separation of the rectus abdominis (the abdominal muscles in the middle of your stomach) following pregnancy and childbirth.
These muscles must stretch to accommodate the growing baby. However, once these muscles are separated, they can only be repaired by plastic surgery. With a tummy tuck, these underlying abdominal muscles are tightened to give you that toned and fit midsection.
Check out more transformations by visiting our tummy tuck before and after photo gallery.
4. You Need Treatment for an Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia happens when the intestine pushes and protrudes through the ab muscles in the center of the stomach, usually around the belly button. While this is not a dangerous condition, it can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
Tummy tuck surgery can fix this condition.
During your tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon can push the protruding tissue or organ back to its normal placement behind your abdominal wall. Then, your plastic surgeon will tighten your abdominal muscles, which have loosened or become damaged because of the hernia.
5. You Suffer From Stress Urinary Incontinence
Many people suffer from a loss of bladder control. This means that a cough, sneeze, or laugh can cause urine to escape the body. Though this is more common in women (especially after childbirth), men can also suffer from this frustrating and embarrassing issue.
Along with the abdominal muscles, the muscles around the urethra and pelvic floor can be tightened during tummy tuck surgery to allow for a stronger and better support to the entire area, which can significantly reduce any incontinence that you may have.
6. Your Abdomen Is Causing Poor Posture and Back Pain
As the muscles in your midsection loosen, your posture decreases significantly. That is because the muscles in your middle literally help to hold your entire body in a straighter, more aligned position. This lack of posture also can cause back pain.
When the abdominal muscles are tightened, your posture improves, which means that less pressure is placed on your back (especially your lower back). The tightened muscles essentially act as a back brace so that the pressure is more evenly distributed throughout your midsection. Not only will you look great, but you’ll feel more comfortable, too.
Have More Questions?
If you are interested in having tummy tuck surgery or just want to learn more about the procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation today by calling (954) 659-7760 or filling out our online contact form here.