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Four Medical Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A flat tummy and tight abs are the by far most appealing benefits of a tummy tuck, but there are other perks to this procedure that you might want to discover. We all know this cosmetic intervention removes the excess skin and fat on your belly to obtain a slim and toned figure, but are you aware of the health benefits of a tummy tuck?

Besides improving your appearance, our board-certified surgeon Dr. Tim Sayed, MD, can contribute to your overall well-being with a tummy tuck. Find out how as we share 4 of the main medical benefits of this popular procedure!

1. Reduces Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a bladder control issue that usually affects women that have given vaginal birth. Patients with this condition have too much pressure on their bladder and urethra, so any sudden pressure shift that might come from coughing, sneezing, or even laughter causes uncontrolled urine leakage.

SUI affects the daily life of both men and women, but, fortunately, it can be treated while the patient receives a tummy tuck. During the procedure, Dr. Sayed relieves the pressure on your bladder by eliminating soft tissues from the belly area. At the same time, he can also use these tissues to obstruct your bladder to minimize urine leakage.

2. Strengthens Your Core

When flattening your abdomen, Dr. Sayed also tightens your belly muscles. These firmed-up abdominal muscles add support to your spine, keeping it straight and erect. A strong core and straight spine bring multiple health benefits, including improved posture, back pain relief, and improved balance and stability, and it also boosts your performance in the gym and other physical activities.

3. Corrects Ventral Hernia

A ventral hernia is a medical condition where part of your abdominal tissues is pushed through your abdominal muscles, creating a bulge or pouch. This type of hernia is common in patients with a weakened abdominal wall, which can result from pregnancy, abdominal surgeries like C-section or appendectomy, or extreme weight loss. 

Dr. Sayed can correct this issue during the procedure by restoring the abdominal wall, composed of both the muscles and the connective tissue between them. It is essential to treat ventral hernias as they can result in severe pain.

4. Eliminates Skin Folds

Skin folds can easily become infected or irritated, so eliminating them with a tummy tuck prevents rashes, pain, and infections in the area. In addition, these folds make exercising and running much harder. Loose skin interferes with your mobility, especially after a significant weight loss, and being active after surgery is essential to maintain results.

Interested in Learning What a Tummy Tuck Can Do for You?

Are you ready to take the next step on your tummy tuck journey? If you are considering this cosmetic procedure, please do not hesitate to contact Tim Sayed, MD, Plastic Surgery, in any of our two locations. Your body figure will be in expert hands!

Consultation to Poolside: A Tummy Tuck Timeline

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is one of the most popular procedures chosen by men and women every year. With its ability to sculpt and contour the abdomen, this transformative surgery is especially popular for those who want to get a tight, toned tummy just in time for summer.

When considering tummy tuck surgery, it’s important to know what to expect so you can plan accordingly. This helpful guide discusses everything you’ll need to know about the entire process – from your initial consultation to flaunting your new shape at the poolside.

Tummy Tuck Timeline: Your Personal Guide

Week 1: Consultation

Scheduling a consultation will be your first step. This meeting will allow you to have any questions or concerns addressed in detail by a plastic surgeon. Your candidacy for the procedure will be evaluated, and the surgeon will let you know which surgical approach would best meet your goals. Patients seeking this procedure typically have the following cosmetic concerns:

  • Sagging abdominal skin
  • Stubborn abdominal fat that does not respond to diet or exercise
  • Over-stretched abdominal muscles, usually caused by pregnancy

If you decide to take the next step, you will be provided with a customized treatment plan. The surgery is typically scheduled out 2-3 weeks from your consultation, but this can vary.

Week 3-4: Prep and Surgery

Before your surgery date, you may be required to undergo routine lab tests or obtain a medical evaluation. You might also have some pre-operative guidelines to follow, including minor dietary adjustments and taking or avoiding certain medications.

On the day of surgery, you can expect the procedure to take around 2-3 hours to complete, but this all depends on the extent of treatment needed. Some patients may only require 90 minutes, while others may need up to 4 hours to complete the procedure.

During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision along the lower abdomen. The length of the incision will vary depending on your cosmetic goals and the amount of excess tissue present. Excess tissue will then be removed, and the abdominal wall and muscles will be tightened. Sometimes the procedure is also performed with liposuction to produce an ideally sculpted look.

Week 5-6: Beginning of Recovery

In the beginning of the recovery period, it’s common for patients to experience abdominal pain, bruising, and swelling. It’s also common for patients to walk in a slightly bent-over position for the first week or two after surgery. This is because the body needs to adjust to the tightened muscles.

For an optimal outcome, this part of your recovery should be spent resting, and you will be asked to wear a surgical compression garment to reduce swelling. This should be worn for about 3 months for best results. It’s best to take 2-3 weeks off from work, and you should also avoid driving during this time.

If any drains were placed after the procedure, they will be removed by your surgeon about 10-14 days after surgery. Most sutures used in tummy tuck surgery are dissolvable, but you may need to return to your surgeon’s office to have certain sutures removed at around 2-3 weeks after surgery.

Week 7-8: Getting Back to Normal

By this point, you will be past the peak of your recovery and back to some of your regular activities, including work. You can also start incorporating light fitness into your daily routine at around 4 weeks after surgery. Strenuous exercise can usually be resumed about 6 -7 weeks after surgery. You should still be wearing your compression garment as much as possible during this time.

Week 9-10: Enjoy Your Results!

At this point, you will be about 6 weeks post-op. That means you’ll be able to resume your regular exercise routine – and you’ll also be ready to flaunt your new shape! Most of your swelling should resolve by this point, but it’s still recommended that patients wear their compression garment as much as possible until around 3 months after surgery.

Overall, abdominoplasty is an effective way of restoring a fit, youthful appearance for those with excess skin and exercise-resistant fat on the abdomen. Ready to take the next step? Contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tim Sayed to schedule your personal consultation today. Dr. Sayed serves both the Newport Beach and San Diego areas, and he would be happy to discuss your full range of surgical options.