In recent years, the number of individuals electing to undergo tummy tucks (also known as abdominoplasty) has skyrocketed. This relatively low-risk procedure involves removing fat or excess skin from the abdominal area to leave it flat and toned.
For women who’ve given birth, lost weight through exercise or simply want to strengthen their abs, a tummy tuck can be an ideal way to restore confidence. But while we often focus on the cosmetic advantages of an abdominoplasty, few people realize that tummy tucks also have several amazing health benefits.
Let’s take a look at just a few reasons more women—and men—are turning to tummy tucks to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
- Improved abdominal tone
Both extreme weight loss and pregnancy can take its toll on your body. Your stomach muscles may have become distended from the strain. In cases such as these, diet and exercise alone won’t be able to completely restore your stomach to its former, taut glory. That’s where a tummy tuck can help. (You can learn more about what to expect during the procedure in this tummy tuck guide, developed by a Seattle tummy tuck specialist.)
Undergoing an abdominoplasty will help to tighten your weakened abdominal muscles for a firmer tum. Not only will this procedure improve your physique, but it can also address posture problems and back pain by tightening the muscles that support the spine.
- Reduced urinary incontinence
Yes, childbirth is a miraculous experience. However, it can come with some seriously unwanted side-effects. Many new moms experience some degree of stress-induced urinary incontinence that may not improve over time. Studies have shown that one way to combat this is to get a tummy tuck. During the procedure, a minor bladder obstruction can be created with the use of soft tissue near the pelvic reason, effectively reducing incontinence.
- Greater likelihood of keeping weight off in the future
Whether you’re battling post-partum weight or fighting a sluggish metabolism, getting a tummy tuck can help you keep weight off in the future. According to a recent study, patients who underwent abdominoplasties as part of weight-loss surgery experienced a “second wave of elation” that motivated them to reach their fitness goals. Additionally, preliminary evidence showed that removing fat cells may actually lead to reduction of appetite-affecting hormones. This will help serial snackers stay full for longer!
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
One of the major reasons people opt for a tummy tuck is for cosmetic purposes. Childbirth or rapid weight loss can leave the skin sagging and create stretch marks. This change in appearance can lead to a significant loss of confidence, depression and even create a strain on relationships.
There are some things that diet and exercise can’t address alone and there’s no shame in getting a little extra help to achieve the body you’ve worked so hard for. A tummy tuck can eliminate stretch marks between the navel and the pubic region and give new moms and ladies who’ve recently slimmed down a more firm, toned figure that they feel proud to show off.
Tummy tucks might once have been thought of as just another cosmetic procedure, but we’re now realizing that they’re about far more than vanity. Abdominoplasties can improve confidence, help dieters keep weight off and even correct medical problems, such as stress-related incontinence and lumbosis. If you’ve been questioning whether a tummy tuck is right for you, perhaps this has made your choice just a little bit easier.
