If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you may be dreaming about the new slim silhouette and wardrobe possibilities that are within reach. But did you know that in addition to aesthetic improvements, there are medical benefits to tummy tuck surgery? This blog will discuss a few of the health perks of abdominoplasty.
4 Min Read:
Improves Posture and Helps Ease Lower Back Pain
Slouching when standing or sitting puts unnecessary stress on your spine and back muscles. When the spine isn’t held upright, the lower back’s natural curve becomes strained, leading to muscle tension and achiness. Poor posture also weakens the core muscles that support your spine and disc alignment.
A tummy tuck strengthens core and abdominal muscles to help improve posture, relieve lower back pain, and optimize the spine’s resting curve position. Maintaining good posture also enhances the contours of your figure and can help boost your self-esteem.
Repair Ventral Hernias
A ventral hernia occurs when a weak spot in the abdominal wall tissue or a portion of the intestines pushes out and creates a pouch. Past surgeries, massive weight loss, cesarean section, or appendectomy may cause ventral hernias. People with a ventral hernia can see a bulge in their belly, feel some discomfort, or experience digestive issues.
Tummy tucks can often correct a ventral hernia by addressing weakened abdominal muscles and reducing pressure on the skin. During a tummy tuck on someone with a ventral hernia, the surgeon will push the hernia back into the abdomen and reinforce the weak spot with special stitches to prevent the hernia from returning.
Can Help Improve Digestive Health
While weakened abdominal muscles can contribute to gastrointestinal problems, they are usually not the sole cause. However, abdominal muscle health is vital for supporting the digestive organs responsible for normal digestion. Tummy tucks can strengthen abdominal muscles by undergoing a surgical tightening procedure during the procedure.
For example, impaired peristalsis, also called a motility disorder, occurs when weak digestive system muscles cannot contract forcefully enough to push food properly through the digestive tract. This can result in slowed digestion, bloating, and constipation. When lax abdominal muscles interfere with your stomach’s ability to move food through your small intestine, you could experience symptoms of delayed gastric emptying, such as bloating, nausea, and heartburn.
If you have any of these conditions, a tummy tuck may help reduce the severity of your symptoms and possibly eliminate them with proper diet and exercise.
May Help Prevent Recurring Skin Problems
Tummy tucks not only strengthen abdominal muscles but also remove excess skin. Skin folds due to excess skin can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of skin infections. Removing skin folds and severe wrinkling with a tummy tuck makes it much easier to keep skin clean, dry, and healthy.
In addition, skin folding and wrinkling may conceal signs of early skin cancer, such as small moles or actinic keratosis. By removing excess skin, tummy tucks allow you to detect abnormal moles or discolorations that could indicate possible skin cancer.
Can Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
While tummy tucks do not directly lower your risk of diabetes, they can motivate you to adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle that reduces the risk of diabetes. This is especially important to people who have a family history of diabetes or engage in lifestyle factors that make them prone to developing diabetes.
The removal of significant amounts of fat and skin during a tummy tuck and liposuction combination procedure may have a positive effect on insulin resistance and metabolic balance. Insulin resistance occurs when cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone vital for regulating blood sugar. High blood sugar results when cells do not remove enough glucose from the bloodstream.
Boosts Energy Levels and Self-Esteem
A recent study examined how tummy tucks impact the quality of life for women aged 25 to 60. Researchers compared 25 women who underwent the procedure to a control group of 15 women waiting for tummy tucks. Researchers used surveys to measure body image, self-esteem, and mental health before and after surgery. Women who had tummy tucks experienced a significant improvement in their body image and self-esteem post-surgery.
Interested in Tummy Tuck Surgery in Orlando, FL?
Dr. F. Jorge Gonzalez is a skilled plastic surgeon who can help you take your first step toward your tummy tuck goals. Call (407) 447-1628 or complete our online contact form to schedule a tummy tuck consultation today.
