How a Tummy Tuck in Lubbock Could Benefit Your Health

Physical fitness and good health are lifelong pursuits. Nothing beats looking and feeling great, but no one is born with a perfect body. Some have to work harder for these goals than others. Eating right and exercising regularly are positive steps in the right direction; however, sometimes it can be frustrating when they don’t yield the desired results. In other words, what do you do when working out and managing your diet does nothing to get rid of your belly flab?

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck in Lubbock can help you overcome the hurdles that sheer hard work and determination can’t erase. Pregnancy, the aging process, and drastic weight loss can weaken abdominal muscles and make the belly sag with loose skin. No amount of sit-ups or crunches can rid the abdomen of unsightly hanging skin. A tummy tuck  tightens muscles and trims stretched or loose skin and excess fat from the abdomen—giving the midsection of the body a flatter and more toned appearance.

This procedure can have dramatic results when paired with liposuction of the abdomen or other areas. It can also be combined with other procedures as part of a mommy makeover to restore a pre-pregnancy body contour. Beyond pregnancy situations, many patients requesting tummy tucks or liposuction wish to trim loose skin after experiencing extreme weight loss in a short period of time.

Medical Benefits of Abdominoplasty

Most patients seek out Lubbock plastic surgery to enhance their appearance and feel better about their bodies; but the advantages of a tummy tuck go far beyond what the eye can see.

Reduction of Stress Urinary Incontinence

After a vaginal delivery, women can develop a bladder control issue known as Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). Women with SUI experience uncontrollable urinary leakage when they cough, sneeze, exercise, or even laugh. A tummy tuck in Lubbock can aid in the recovery of SUI by creating a slight soft tissue bladder obstruction near the pelvic area.

The findings of a study published in the March 2018 issue of the scientific journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, revealed that abdominoplasty can have a positive impact on post-pregnancy complications. Of the 214 participating mothers, 42.5 percent reported urinary incontinence to be a problem before having a tummy tuck. Six weeks after their tummy tucks were performed, that number dropped to less than 2 percent.

Relief From Back Pain

The same study also showed significant improvement for women who suffered from back pain. 51% of participants lived with back pain before their tummy tucks, whereas only 9% still complained of the discomfort afterward. Tightening weak abdominal muscles enables them to better support the spine. This improves posture and can relieve certain types of back pain.

Hernia Relief

A weak abdominal wall can lead to the formation of a ventral hernia. Tummy tuck surgery can help correct weakened abdominal muscles and pressure on the skin caused by a hernia. Core-tightening abdominoplasty can also help prevent future hernias as they are less likely to occur in those with stronger abdominal muscles. A doctor may choose to combine the tummy tuck procedure with that of the hernia correction which is not only a safe approach; it can save time and money in surgery and recovery.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck in Lubbock?

Just because you have some of the above-mentioned medical issues does not mean abdominoplasty is right for you. Potential tummy tuck patients should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to find out if plastic surgery will safely meet their needs and expectations. To get an idea about whether you might be a good candidate, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I in generally good health, physically and mentally?
• Do I have realistic expectations for my surgical results?
• Am I finished having children?
• Can I keep my weight stable after the procedure?
• Does the skin around my midsection look droopy?
• Do I have weakened stomach muscles?

A simple test you can do at home will also help clarify whether a tummy tuck is right for you. Try laying on your back and seeing what happens to your stomach bulge. If it flattens out, then excess fat is likely on the outside of your stomach muscles. A tummy tuck in Lubbock can strengthen muscles and tighten loose skin giving you a flatter, healthier abdomen. If your midsection still looks rounded when you are laying flat, your stomach bulk could be further inside your abdomen and surgery may not be the right option for you. It’s important to consult with a board-certified surgeon who takes the time to explain the procedure thoroughly and knows how accurately to assess if you will benefit from a tummy tuck. Your surgeon should also carefully listen to your aesthetic goals to understand your expectations of any Lubbock plastic surgery. Call Rowley Plastic Surgery for a free, no-obligation consultation today!