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. 

Tummy Tuck Surgery: What to Expect 

If you have excess skin on your abdomen, abdominoplasty is the plastic surgery that will get rid of it and flatten your belly. The procedure is done through a low horizontal incision, the length of which depends on how much skin needs to be removed. An incision is made around the belly button and the surrounding skin is lifted and redraped to achieve a flatter appearance. Core muscles are often tightened at the same time. Stretch marks are pulled downward and can sometimes be completely removed with a tummy tuck in Lubbock. Your surgeon will place drains after your surgery, which typically are removed about one week post-op. For more information on what to expect from a tummy tuck procedure, watch the video below.

Medical Benefits of Abdominoplasty

If you are seeking information about abdominoplasty, chances are it’s because you want to get rid of some stubborn belly flab or loose skin. 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. Not only is urinary incontinence inconvenient; it can be a source of insecurity and embarrassment for women. It detracts from their quality of life and can prevent them from enjoying everyday activities. 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. The researchers found that all methods of abdominoplasty were effective in producing these positive results.

Relief From Back Pain

The same study also showed significant improvement for women who suffered from back pain. Fifty-one percent of participants lived with back pain before their tummy tucks, whereas only 9 percent 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. After a tummy tuck in Lubbock, you will be able to stand a littler taller, not only because of the strength you’ll gain in your core, but also because of your strengthened confidence.

Hernia Healing

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 hermias 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.

Promotes Healthy Habits

Excess abdominal skin and fat can get in the way of a woman’s desire or ability to exercise. Finding flattering workout clothing and feeling comfortable at the gym starts to feel like an uphill battle. To make matters worse, certain movements become even more challenging with a belly bulge. A tummy tuck in Lubbock helps free women of the self-consciousness they feel while working out and makes it easier to perform exercises with proper form. Working out is hard enough; but with a flatter tummy, many women are able to better see their hard-earned results and stay motivated to keep those healthy habits.   

Cosmetic Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Belly flab can make even the most confident women feel insecure. The abdomen is a trouble spot for many people. Even when you are not in a swimsuit, loose belly skin can be irritating. It is uncomfortable to feel flab hanging over the waistline of your pants, and it can be hard to accept the pudgy midsection seen in the mirror every day. No matter how many crunches you do or how strict you are with your diet, loose skin on the tummy may not disappear. So, how can a tummy tuck in Lubbock correct these issues?  

• Flattens the tummy: One of the main reasons women seek abdominoplasty is to flatten a protruding abdomen. If you have had children or lost a drastic amount of weight, chances are your belly was left with loose skin or stubborn pockets of fat. A tummy tuck eliminates the loose skin and can be paired with liposuction to smooth out areas that have excess fat. 
• Tightens the Core: Most patients understand the outward physical changes that take place with a tummy tuck, but many are unaware of the improvements made beneath the skin. Your plastic surgeon will tighten weakened abdominal muscles as part of your tummy tuck procedure. Pregnancy can stretch or even separate the ab muscles to the point of no return. This condition is known as diastasis recti, and many mothers experience it after their babies are born. A tummy tuck repairs these muscles, giving the abdomen a leaner, flatter appearance.   
• Boosts Confidence: Losing a drastic amount of weight is something to celebrate, but sometimes it can feel disappointing to realize you still have leftover unsightly sagging skin. Having a child is a wonderful experience, but accepting your post-baby body is another story. Both of these events can have detrimental effects on your self-confidence by making you feel unsatisfied with the appearance of your belly. By flattening and tightening the core, a tummy tuck in Lubbock provides a welcome boost of self-esteem. When you have positive thoughts and feelings about the way your body looks, it spills over into the rest of your life, and opens the door for even more confidence. 

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.

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. 

Remember, 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.

Will a Tummy Tuck Help Me Lose Weight?

Abdominoplasty patients should not view the procedure as a weight loss tool. If you have a significant amount of weight or large amounts of fat to lose, talk to your doctor about alternative options that may work better for you. A tummy tuck is a skin removal procedure that includes the tightening of the abdominal muscles. If you want the results a tummy tuck can provide, you should be within 15-20 pounds of your ideal weight before you have the surgery. Some patients lose a few pounds after undergoing a tummy tuck in Lubbock, but losing too much weight can be detrimental to the outcome of the procedure. With that being said, patients should also keep in mind the importance of maintaining a healthy, stable weight. Doing so will help you keep your tummy tuck results intact for as long as possible. 

While a tummy tuck can come with multiple health benefits for some patients, it is not a substitute for healthy habits. Patients should continue their efforts to stick to regular exercise and a nutritious diet even after their procedure. Additionally, abdominoplasty is not a cure for obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or other weight-related health conditions. If you have questions or concerns about how a tummy tuck might affect your health, talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Selecting a Plastic Surgeon   

Finding the right plastic surgeon can make all the difference in the results you see after a tummy tuck in Lubbock. The procedure is complex and should be tailored to each patient’s individual goals. An experienced, well-qualified surgeon will be able to evaluate your needs and provide you with a safe experience and an ideal outcome. As you search for a plastic surgeon, one of the first things you should do is confirm their board-certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon has the extensive training and knowledge to perform safe, ethical cosmetic procedures. Additionally, they must continue their education and training throughout their careers and pass exams every 10 years to keep their ABPS board-certification. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides a helpful tool for patients looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon in the U.S. or Canada. Watch the video below to learn more about the importance of selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Take the Next Step Today

If you have had children or lost a drastic amount of weight, you don’t have to live with sagging belly skin forever. A tummy tuck in Lubbock can give you the flat, toned tummy you’ve always wanted. Dr. Jane Rowley has over 20 years of experience helping patients gain greater confidence in their physical appearance. Her world-class training, surgical expertise, and aesthetic sense are just a few of the reasons Dr. Rowley’s patients trust her with their cosmetic goals. If you are interested in a tummy tuck or other plastic surgery procedure, Dr. Rowley has the qualifications and experience to give you the results you desire. Call our office today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.