Most abdominoplasty procedures, also known as tummy tucks, are performed strictly for cosmetic reasons. It’s not often you hear about getting a tummy tuck to treat a medical condition. But tummy tucks do have medical benefits aside from an improvement to your appearance.

Many patients choose a tummy tuck after significant weight loss and subsequent maintenance. After all the hard work, the tummy tuck is the final piece of the puzzle to tone and tighten the midsection. For those patients who still carry extra, heavy skin causing poor posture, a tummy tuck won’t just provide a flatter tummy, it will also help to alleviate back pain. By flattening the abdomen and removing excess stomach fat, a tummy tuck can surgically help restore mobility and make one feel comfortable in their own skin again.

Other medically necessary reasons to have a tummy tuck include diastasis recti and a hernia. Diastasis recti results from one or more pregnancies causing loose or separated abdominal muscles that lead to stress incontinence, digestive disorders, lower back pain and hernia. Stress urinary incontinence can develop after vaginal birth delivery and is associated with uncontrollable leakage brought on by coughing, laughing, sneezing or exercising. Although surgery isn’t usually necessary, a tummy tuck can provide an opportunity to create a slight bladder obstruction using soft tissue near the pelvic area to reduce urinary incontinence. A ventral hernia is another medically necessary reason for a tummy tuck as a hernia occurs when the intestines or abdominal wall has been weakened forming a pocket or sack. Some causes include c-sections, massive weight loss by natural means or surgery, and appendectomies. A ventral hernia surgery often restores the tone and shape of the abdominal wall by repairing the hole and bringing the muscles back to their normal position, much like a tummy tuck procedure. Surgeons often suggest combining the procedures as both safe and practical measures to help strengthen the abdominal area and prevent future hernias.

Be sure to talk with your doctor to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you. Although there are good medical reasons for a tummy tuck procedure, it is often considered an elective, cosmetic surgery and is not necessarily covered by insurance.

Your initial tummy tuck consultation with David W. Allison, MD is an excellent time to share your aesthetic goals and medical concerns. Schedule your appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at 703-754-8228 or WEBSITE and let our experts help determine if a tummy tuck is right for you.