Tummy Tucks Can Potentially Do More Than Shrink a Waistline

Abdominoplasty makes it possible for people — often women who have given birth but not always — to have the sleek, toned shape that has eluded them. Patients that undergo the procedure look forward to the day when they can comfortably slip into the stylish clothing they love. What many people do not realize is that a tummy tuck often leads to other improvements too.

An Australian studyof 214 women that underwent abdominoplasty at various clinics in the area revealed an improvement for incontinence issues in sufferers of the condition. The women were all seeking the surgery due to tummy bulges after giving birth. About 42 percent of the women in the study said prior to the surgery that incontinence was a problem for them.

Participants in the studies needed to complete two sets of surveys after their procedures. The first survey took place at six weeks and the second at six months post-surgery. At the end of the study, only two percent responded that incontinence remained a serious concern for them. The type of tummy tuck performed in the study included muscle repair.

Muscle repair during an abdominoplasty helps to correct the separation of the abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti. The separation occurs most often during pregnancy because of the extreme expansion of the belly and the strain it puts on the muscles. Excessive weight gain without pregnancy can sometimes cause a separation as well.

The repair of the muscles rejoins the muscle walls, and this helps to strengthen the abdominals. Stronger abdominals make it easier for women to have more control over their bladder. The improvement is likely why incontinence was no longer a concern for the majority of the participants.

The same study that looked at urinary incontinence also questioned the participants about back pain. About 51 percent noted that back pain was present prior to their surgery. During the six months survey, the percentage had shrunk to only 9 percent still suffering reoccurring back pain. The participants had an average age of 42 and had all given birth to at least one child.

Again, these were the same group of participants in the incontinence study, and all underwent an abdominoplasty with muscle repair. Stronger muscles in the abdomen help to take the strain off the lower back and results in less back pain. It is something that may even help to improve performance at the gym, because of the improvement in the abdominal core.

The mons pubis in the layer of fat over the pubic bone. All women have fat in this area, but weight gain can cause the amount to increase. Once weight loss occurs, the mons pubis may begin to sag like the skin in the abdomen. The result can cause women to feel uncomfortable about their appearance and can reduce sensitivity in the area during intercourse.

Mons pubis surgeries can target this area to remove the excess fat and skin and help to lift the area, but an abdominoplasty often gives some improvement too. A 2012 study on the issue included 19 women at an average age of 35 years. The results showed the tummy tuck did help to lift the mons pubis and resulted in an increase in sensation during sex.

The changes in physical health and comfort levels following an abdominoplasty can vary for each patient based on their natural body shape, age, and other conditions before they undergo the procedure. Schedule a consultation with Ronald C. Barry MD, to learn more about what changes you can expect during your own abdominoplasty. Contact our office today.