Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery | Perimeter Plastic Surgery

Whether you’re looking to shape up for summer or finally lose that stubborn belly fat, you’ve likely heard about tummy tuck surgery. In this post, we will go over everything you need to know about this procedure and the benefits that come with it.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty, which is more commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a type of cosmetic surgery that tightens the muscles and removes loose skin and fat from the abdomen, resulting in a flat and toned appearance. Between 2000 and 2014, there was a spike in interest, and the number of tummy tuck procedures in the country rose by 87 percent, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the demand continued to rise years later.

This procedure is commonly associated with “mommy makeovers” as it allows new mothers to restore their figures after pregnancy. But in recent years, tummy tucks have also become popular with other groups of people. This is perhaps due to the fact that individuals with normal body weights and proportions can also develop an abdomen that protrudes or becomes loose and saggy. The most common causes of this include:

• Genetics
• Aging
• Prior surgery
• Significant weight fluctuations

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

While many procedures are done for cosmetic reasons, tummy tucks also have some pretty significant medical benefits, including:

Reduce the Stress of Urinary Incontinence

Some women may develop Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) after vaginal birth, which is a bladder control problem associated with uncontrollable leakage that’s brought on by sneezing, coughing, exercising, and/or laughing. In most cases, SUI can be treated without surgery. For patients who need more care, several studies have shown that tummy tucks can help recovery, especially for patients who have not had a C-section. During the procedure, a slight bladder obstruction is made using soft tissue near the pelvis which works to reduce incontinence.

Improve Posture and Increase Abdominal Tone

Multiple pregnancies or extreme weight loss can cause the stomach muscles can become distended—something that diet and exercise alone can’t solve. A tummy tuck works to surgically tighten weak muscles while removing excess skin and fat—flattening the abdomen.

After a tummy tuck, some patients also notice a significant improvement in their posture. This is because the tightened abdominal muscles are now more capable of supporting the spine. This increased support and improved posture also help relieve back pain.

Correct a Ventral Hernia

A ventral hernia happens when a hole is created in the abdominal muscles, allowing a portion of the abdominal tissue or intestine to push through the layer of muscle. There are a number of possible causes for this condition, including abdominal weakness due to extreme weight loss or surgeries such as an appendectomy.

The process of correcting a ventral hernia is very similar to a tummy tuck. Both procedures involve addressing the weakened abdominal muscles and decreasing the pressure on the skin.

Ventral hernias often recur, so surgeons often weigh the advantages of doing a tummy tuck with hernia repair. Combining both procedures will help strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent future hernias. It is quite safe to have both surgeries done at the same time and it also allows you to save on medical expenses as well as reduce recovery time.

Minimize the Risks for Certain Medical Conditions

Losing excess skin and fat can help lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, and gallstones.

Help Boost Exercise Tolerance

Like other body contouring procedures, tummy tucks often boost a person’s self-confidence and motivate them to stick to their exercise routines. Also, the removal of excess skin helps make physical activities less taxing and, therefore, more enjoyable.

Can a Tummy Tuck Be Used as a Weight Loss Tool?

Since only a specific amount of body fat can be removed safely, a tummy tuck is not considered a long-lasting weight loss method. In addition, this procedure does not do anything to improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other health side effects of obesity.

However, abdominoplasty is recommended for diabetic patients as long as the following requirements are met:

• Their diabetic condition is under control and not currently causing any complications.
• The patient has no history of kidney disease.
• The patient takes additional blood tests to ensure their diabetes is properly managed

What Are the Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Although a tummy tuck is a popular type of procedure, it’s still a major surgery and as such, it comes with some risks. During the procedure, patients undergo general anesthesia and the surgery lasts approximately 2.5 hours when performed by a skilled surgeon like Perimeter Plastic Surgery’s Dr. Deutsch. Dr. Deutsch also includes liposuction of the flanks as an added bonus with this procedure to maximize the patient’s appearance.

Diabetic patients are particularly susceptible to complications if they undergo cosmetic surgery and they require a longer recovery time. In addition, it’s a lot more challenging for surgeons to manage a diabetic patient’s glucose levels after surgery.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?

As with any procedure, you should consult with your physician to discuss what’s involved in the operation, how to best prepare, what risks are involved, and what you can expect during the recovery process.

After your tummy tuck surgery, you can expect physical and psychological benefits. You will have a tighter, more toned stomach, your clothes will fit your better, and your workouts may become more satisfying. All of these will contribute to a better quality of life.

Some Things to Consider Before a Tummy Tuck

The benefits of a tummy tuck are great, but you must remember this is a serious operation. If you are considering this procedure, take time to do proper research so you can find top tummy tuck surgeons in Atlanta.

You’ll want to make sure the surgeon you choose is board-certified. To have the appropriate board certification, surgeons undergo extensive surgical training and must pass written and oral exams every ten years. When you meet with the surgeon, remember to ask the following questions:

• Are you board certified?
• Do you have hospital privileges to perform a tummy tuck?
• How many tummy tucks have you performed?
• Am I a good candidate for this surgery? If so, why?
• Please provide the risks and benefits of undergoing tummy tuck surgery for my specific case
• What is the cost?
• What payment options do you have?

If you’re ready for your Atlanta tummy tuck, contact Perimeter Plastic Surgery today for a free consultation. Dr. Mark Deutsch is one of the top plastic surgeons in Atlanta and is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of General Surgery. He has a rare combination of knowledge, technical skill, compassion, and commitment to excellence that makes him a world-class surgeon.