While a tummy tuck is traditionally labeled a cosmetic surgery, there are some instances when abdominoplasty is a medically necessary procedure for a patient’s health or way of life. A few situations in which a tummy tuck is considered medically beneficial:
Diastasis Recti: After pregnancy, the muscles in a woman’s abdomen may be stretched or separated. A surgeon may perform rectus repair conjunctively with a tummy tuck to strengthen and tighten these core abdominal muscles.
Urinary Incontinence: Bladder muscles and the pelvic wall can also suffer after pregnancies. Muscle weakness in these areas, along with weakened abdominal muscles, can lead to a condition known as stress urinary incontinence (SUI). If a patient exhibits signs of SUI, their plastic surgeon will tighten these additional muscles during the tummy tuck surgery.
Ventral Hernia: Weight loss, pregnancies, and previous surgeries can cause tissue protrusion through the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can return this tissue to its original position and repair the abdominal wall.
Back Pain & Posture: The abdomen is the source of core strength in the body. A tummy tuck will aid in correcting any posture or back pain issues by creating firmer abdominal muscles.
