Pregnancy can result in stubborn fat deposits, particularly around the abdomen, that simply will not respond to diet and exercise. These same deposits can be found in women who have not had children as well and, for those women, liposuction may be sufficient at addressing them.
Liposuction may, too, be sufficient for addressing fat deposits in women following childbirth, which is why the procedure is often included in mommy makeover surgery. But liposuction alone cannot address the profound changes pregnancy can have on the muscles in the abdomen.
During pregnancy, abdominal muscles need to stretch in order to provide space for the growing baby. For some women, this results in diastasis recti, a complete separation of abdominal muscles.
Diastasis recti often presents as a small bulge in the abdomen, particularly when muscles are flexed. Untreated, this condition can lead to:
- Lower back pain
- Weakened pelvic floor
Diastasis recti may also increase chances of pelvic organ prolapse and abdominal herniation.
During tummy tuck surgery at our Los Altos plastic surgery center, separated abdominal muscles are stitched back together, enabling them to reattach and begin to strengthen. Not only does this help draw in the waist, producing a slimmer and more defined midsection, it helps prevent issues related to diastasis recti such as stress urinary incontinence and chronic low back pain.
While tummy tuck surgery is considered cosmetic, its actual outcomes have demonstrable medical benefits. In a recent study of 214 women, these benefits were made clearer. Of the 214 participants, 51% reported moderate to severe back pain prior to undergoing surgery. Within six months of undergoing tummy tuck surgery, 91% of those participants reported being pain-free.
For stress urinary incontinence, the numbers are even more impressive. Within six months of undergoing tummy tuck surgery, only 2% of women reported little to no improvement with their SUI.
The average age of the women participating in this study was 42. The average number of vaginal deliveries for study participants was 2.5.
In addition to these notable benefits, tummy tuck surgery can help reduce loose and sagging skin in the midsection. This has obvious aesthetic benefits and can improve clothing options, but the removal of bulky skin and stubborn fat may also help improve range of motion and act as a springboard for a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Indeed, the benefits of tummy tuck surgery are best realized through effort in a healthy direction following recovery. How far you take that effort will directly impact how defined, sculpted, and toned you become.
Tummy tuck surgery is not a medically necessary procedure and will not be covered by insurance. At Altos Oaks, we strive to make plastic surgery available to all good candidates and are pleased to offer financing options. If paying out of pocket for tummy tuck surgery is not an appealing option for you, we would be happy to discuss financing your procedure during your initial consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
To schedule a consultation at Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery, please call 650-603-5277 today. Located in Los Altos, we provide individualized cosmetic treatments to men and women living in Palo Alto, Santa Clara, and all surrounding areas of California.
