The primary reason patients choose to undergo an abdominoplasty—commonly referred to as a tummy tuck—is to remove excess abdominal skin caused by age, pregnancy, and/or significant weight fluctuations. When Dr. Ryan Diederich performs a tummy tuck in his Illinois plastic surgery practice, his goal is to not only remove excess skin but also tighten weakened abdominal muscles that may have separated over time. When abdominal muscles separate, the lower part of the stomach may appear bloated and barrel-shaped, regardless of if there is any fat in that area. Although a flat tummy is a great benefit of tummy tuck surgery, patients may experience several other benefits as well. Read on as we discuss the surprising benefits of a tummy tuck surgery that some patients enjoy.
We’ve all heard of it, the pooch. The area in the midsection that sticks out due to the separation of the left and right abdominal muscles. This separation is common during pregnancy, due to the uterus stretching the abdomen muscle when creating room for a growing baby. Abdominal muscles may also separate because of weight gain and obesity. As we grow older and our bodies experience more stress, it’s natural for muscles to become weaker. The only way to correct muscle separation is through surgery. If you are also concerned about additional fat around the abdomen muscle, liposuction is a great addition to a tummy tuck or Mommy Makeover to enhance results even further.
Reduce Back Pain
Having a weak core can lead to physical discomfort in your back when your core begins to rely on other muscles to help maintain your posture. The added stress to your back muscles can lead to lower back pain. However, once abdomen muscles have been surgically tightened during a tummy tuck, the core’s strength is significantly improved. When the core muscles no longer require aid from the muscles in the back, a patient will experience better posture and a reduction in back pain once the added stress is relieved.
Minimize Urinary Incontinence
Whether caused by pregnancy or age, urinary incontinence (the loss of bladder control) is uncomfortable for many individuals. Occasional urine leakage when laughing, coughing, or sneezing can be embarrassing for patients in their day-to-day life. With a tummy tuck, soft tissue can be positioned to cause tension between the bladder and urethra. Such tension can aid in preventing accidental leaks in the future.
Reduce Appearance of Stretch Marks
Although a tummy tuck will not eliminate the appearance of stretch marks, it can help improve their appearance in some cases. Because Dr. Diederich will remove most of the excess skin under the belly button, patients can expect stretch marks located in this area to be removed. In contrast, stretch marks in the area above the belly button may have a stronger appearance due to the stretching of the skin. During your consultation, Dr. Diederich will be able to address any concerns and let you know what to expect.
Increase Body Confidence
Because weight fluctuation can alter results, patients are urged to be at or near their goal weight before surgery. A tummy tuck is meant to enhance the results that a patient has already achieved by making the necessary adjustments to their lifestyle (diet, exercise, etc.) Feeling fit and healthy is a great path to increased self-confidence. With a flat, toned tummy, gain the confidence you’ve always strived to achieve. Wear the clothing you’ve always wanted (hello bikinis!) and improve your quality of life.
Now that you know more about the additional benefits of a tummy tuck, remember that choosing the right plastic surgeon to perform your procedure is important. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Diederich has extensive training in the plastic surgery field and is a leading provider in both breast and body cosmetic procedures. Always aim to find a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. To book a consultation with Dr. Diederich at our location in Southern IL, give us a call at 618-288-7855 today!
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