Charlotte tummy tuck

It’s very common for women to experience changes in the appearance of the abdomen after pregnancy. For most women, these changes cannot be reversed with exercise or other healthy lifestyle changes, which can’t address separated muscles and stretched out skin and connective tissue. To get back the flat, sleek appearance of the abdomen after pregnancy, women may choose abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a “tummy tuck,” either on its own or as part of a mommy makeover.

While the cosmetic issues are the primary motivator for many women who choose to have this procedure, a recently published research study shows that the improved appearance of the abdomen may not be the only benefit they receive. Certain common medical issues that women experience after pregnancy may also be improved by abdominoplasty.

Study shows a benefit for back pain and incontinence

The study, published this month in the prestigious medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, was conducted at nine major medical centers and included more than 200 women undergoing abdominoplasty.

Before having their procedures, 51% of the women in the study were experiencing moderate to severe back pain, and only 8.8% of them had no back pain. Many patients noticed improvement in this symptom at 6 weeks after surgery, and by 6 months after abdominoplasty, only 9% of women were still experiencing back pain that was at least moderate. Nearly every patient in the study who had any back pain experienced reduction of back pain after her tummy tuck.

There were similar improvements for the problem of urinary incontinence, which causes many postpartum women to leak urine, particularly when they cough, sneeze, or laugh. Before their procedures, only 27.5% of the women had no urinary incontinence at all, and 42.5% of them reported that urinary incontinence was a “significant problem” in their lives. By 6 weeks after abdominoplasty, 67.2% had no incontinence. For those still experiencing the symptom, the severity had decreased dramatically, with only 1.6% of women reporting that it was a significant problem.

Interested in a Charlotte tummy tuck?

Having practiced as a plastic surgeon for many years, Dr. Miles has certainly seen the positive effect that abdominoplasty can have on women’s lives. The aesthetic benefit can make a huge difference in a woman’s confidence and self-esteem, and can allow her to exercise and to participate fully in life again. Even if this were the only benefit to a tummy tuck, having this procedure would still be worth it for many women.

However, he’s seen quite a few women in his practice who have also gained functional benefits from their abdominoplasty procedures. Now, we finally have a study that shows just how significant the impact can be. The improvements in back pain and incontinence found in this study are impressive, considering that the vast majority of the women who were suffering from these conditions saw their problems completely go away or significantly improve after they had their tummy tucks. Women who are suffering from these problems after giving birth should consider this evidence that abdominoplasty may benefit them.

If you’d like to learn more about a tummy tuck and what it may be able to offer you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Miles at his Huntersville office.