Advantages and Disadvantages of a Tummy Tuck Procedure

Posted on 02 Aug 2023

Every surgery comes with advantages and disadvantages and a tummy tuck is no different. If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your abdomen, give your confidence a boost, and reduce the risk of issues due to the separated abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck can be the perfect option for you.

But before you decide on the procedure, let’s discuss exactly what it is and the benefits and risks it comes with.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat and repairs weakened and separated muscles in the abdomen to make the area stronger as well as appear smoother and firmer.

When separated abdominal muscles (also known as diastasis recti) move aside, the bowels, uterus, and other organs only have a thin layer of tissue keeping them in place. As you can imagine, that can lead to a number of problems, including a hernia where the organs poke through the opening between the separated muscles. A tummy tuck can correct this separation as well as repair any pre-existing hernias.

Whether you’re dealing with loose, sagging skin or separated muscles due to age, genetics, pregnancy, fluctuations in your weight, or another surgery, a tummy tuck can help improve the appearance of your abdominal area and tighten and strengthen the muscles to reduce the risk of further issues.

Advantages of A Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck comes with a variety of benefits and advantages. Some of the advantages that come with the procedure include:

Strengthens Core

A tummy tuck can restore a weakened core and strengthen your abdominal muscles. This is due to the process used to suture the separated abdominal muscles back together. It can ensure your spine is supported and can even improve your posture.

Decrease Back Pain

According to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, another benefit of strengthening your core with a tummy tuck is that it can also decrease at least some of the back pain you may be experiencing. Whether you just had a child or lost a significant amount of weight, you may be feeling some back pain due to your weakened abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck can tighten and strengthen those muscles and reduce the pain.

Improve Posture

Another byproduct of stronger abdominal muscles is improved posture. Once you’re completely healed from your tummy tuck procedure, you may notice your standing or sitting up straighter due to the tightened muscles. Those muscles can provide stronger support to the back and spine.

Reduce Sagging, Excess Skin

One of the primary purposes of a tummy tuck is to remove excess skin, so if you’re struggling with excess sagging or loose skin, a tummy tuck can be the perfect option for you.

Improve Self-Confidence

One of the main reasons many people decide to have a tummy tuck is to help their self-confidence and self-esteem. If you’re looking to be more confident in your abdominal area, a tummy tuck can be a great option.

Help with Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a bladder control condition that happens when there is too much pressure on your bladder and urethra. To reduce the pressure, multiple studies have found that a tummy tuck can help.

Disadvantages of A Tummy Tuck

While a tummy tuck comes with numerous benefits, there are some disadvantages to the procedure as well.

Comes with Some Risks

Like all surgical procedures, a tummy tuck comes with some risks, including bleeding, infection, poor or slow wound healing, swelling, skin discoloration, and scarring. Your surgeon will be able to discuss these risks with you prior to the surgery.

Some Scarring

While Dr. Neaman and Dr. Christiansen will place your tummy tuck incision in an inconspicuous area and will provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing, scarring is still likely. That said, over time, it will fade and be almost invisible. But for the first year or more after your tummy tuck surgery, you may have a visible scar.

Schedule a Consultation

If a tummy tuck sounds like just the type of treatment you’ve been looking for, scheduling a consultation with Neaman Plastic Surgery can be a great first step. Dr. Neaman and Dr. Christiansen serve the Salem and Portland, OR area and can address any questions or concerns you may have while they help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

To schedule a consultation today, call our Salem, OR office at 844-338-5445, or fill out our contact form.