A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is generally considered a strictly cosmetic procedure. However, recent evidence suggests that a tummy tuck may offer patients some medical benefits as well.
Urinary Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence refers to a bladder control problem where urine can be released involuntarily, especially if the patient laughs, sneezes, coughs or lifts something heavy. Urinary stress incontinence is most common in women, but can occur in men as well.
Tummy tuck patients with urinary stress incontinence have been found to experience reduced symptoms of incontinence following their procedure. This may be due to the surgeon’s ability to position soft tissue near the bladder to act as a bladder obstruction.
Ventral Hernia
A ventral hernia describes soft tissue or intestine that protrudes through the abdominal wall due to abdominal separation. Most commonly, women who have been pregnant can develop ventral hernias. Ventral hernia correction can be easily combined with abdominoplasty, and many tummy tuck surgeons offer the option for patients with a ventral hernia. Additionally, strengthening the abdominal wall with a tummy tuck can minimize the chance of developing another ventral hernia in the future.
Poor Posture and Back Aches
One of the primary causes on chronic back pains is poor posture. However, what many men and women may not realize is that the quality of their posture is often directly linked to their abdominals. The abdominals provide support to the spinal column and when they are separated as in instances of diastasis recti, individuals can be prone to developing sway back. By tightening the abdominal muscles with a tummy tuck, followed by regular post-tummy tuck exercises, you can improve your posture and resolve ongoing back pains.
