6 Imperfections a Tummy Tuck Will Address
May 6, 2022
Do you often feel that no amount of sit-ups and crunches will be enough to achieve that taut, flat abdomen? The truth is not all abdomens respond to diet or exercise, especially when it comes to lower belly fat. But if you have been consistent with your workout routine, eating healthy, and doing all that you can, and still not seeing your desired results, then a tummy tuck may be the right solution for you.
Why Do People Decide to Have Tummy Tucks?
If you have gone through a pregnancy or lost an extreme amount of weight, then your midsection is probably one of the areas of your body that you wish you could change. In these situations, you get an unwanted abdominal pouch that you cannot always address through the usual diet and exercise routine.
That is because your skin does not really “ping” back to its original state once stretched. Returning to your previous ideal shape is even less likely as you get older because of the decrease in collagen and elastin production, both of which are essential in keeping your skin tight and supple.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is an elective cosmetic surgery performed to tighten split or loose abdominal muscles. The procedure may also eliminate sagging skin around your midsection if you have gone through extreme weight loss.
During a tummy tuck, the surgeon removes extra fat and skin and tightens the connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) using sutures. In general, a tummy tuck offers the following health benefits:
- Restores shriveled or separated muscles
- Helps alleviate pain
- Improves bladder function
- Addresses the excess skin causing itching and skin infections
- Changes the abdominal profile for a better, improved appearance
What Imperfections Does a Tummy Tuck Address?
A tummy tuck can help you address the following concerns:
1. Diastasis Recti
When a woman undergoes pregnancy, the abdomen expands to accommodate the pregnant uterus. This happens when the “seam” or the connection of the “rectus abdominis” or ab muscles is stretched. This separation of muscles is called diastasis recti.
“Diastasis” means separation, and “recti” is derived from “rectus abdominis.” Diastasis recti is defined as a condition where the skin in the abdomen sticks out because the space between the left and right belly muscles has widened. It is commonly referred to as a “pooch,” and about two-thirds of pregnant women have it.
However, the condition of diastasis recti is not only limited to women. Men also experience this following a massive weight loss. This is when all your belly fat is all gone, and all you have left is loose skin. Through a tummy tuck, your surgeon will stitch and tuck your abdominal muscles, so you get an altogether flatter tummy.
2. Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur following pregnancy and other types of weight gain. While some women love to show these off as a badge of honor following pregnancy, many still prefer to maintain beautiful, flawless skin as a sign of youthfulness.
Tummy tucks offer a longer-lasting removal of those troublesome lines, especially if creams and other types of treatments have not been working. This procedure will remove stretch marks at the lower portion of your abdomen since it will eliminate loose skin from the belly button to the bikini line.
3. Stretched Belly Button
A stretched belly button typically occurs along with diastasis recti during pregnancy or after extreme weight loss. A tummy tuck procedure may help rectify this condition as you could have your belly button repositioned and reshaped to a more natural placement on your abdomen. This is done by making a small incision around your belly button, releasing it from the surrounding skin.
4. Extra Skin On The Abdomen
When you undergo a rapid weight loss procedure, say through bariatric surgery, you are often left with excessive folds of loose skin, particularly around your midsection. These folds of extra skin are not something you can exercise away.
Unfortunately, loose skin on the abdomen does more than interfere with your new body contour. It not only causes irritation and rashes, but it may also cause infections that can be painful and difficult to treat. A tummy tuck will not only give you a sleeker physique but also eliminate this problem by excising all the loose skin.
5. Back Pain
Both men and women can experience back pain because of weakened abdominal muscles after weight loss. When your abdominal muscles are weak, your back can become curved to accommodate the extra weight, leaving you in pain.
A tummy tuck surgery is done by tightening your separated abdominal muscles, which also helps alleviate the pain by restoring firmness and tone to your abdominal region—ultimately helping you improve your posture.
6. Low Self-Esteem
Self-esteem may not be a physical imperfection, but if you suffer from any of the conditions previously mentioned, your self-confidence could be affected. Wanting to have a trimmer physique, getting rid of your belly pouch, and fixing your belly button, among others, are good reasons to opt for a tummy tuck.
Is It Time That You Get a Tummy Tuck?
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help you get a taut stomach only to a certain extent. When you have done everything you could, consider getting a tummy tuck procedure. Serving the Minneapolis area, Omni Cosmetic considers tummy tucks as one of its many specializations. Request a virtual consultation now and see if a tummy tuck is right for you.
