Thinking about getting a tummy tuck? If so, you already know that the procedure improves the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin that often remains after pregnancy or other significant weight loss. But many abdominoplasty patients at our plastic surgery practice in Los Angeles aren’t aware of the unexpected health benefits of a tummy tuck.
Common Tummy Tuck Benefits
The primary benefits of tummy tuck surgery are well-known, including:
- Creating a slimmer midsection
- Improving overall body contours
- Enhancing your appearance and self-confidence
However, recent research now confirms other benefits that were once just anecdotal experiences of tummy tuck patients. Because abdominoplasty is already one of the most satisfying procedures (it earns a 95% “Worth It” rating on RealSelf), these unexpected benefits are indeed a bonus.
In this blog post, I’ll take a closer look at other tummy tuck health benefits:
Treat diastasis recti
Why is this important? For moms frustrated that they can’t get rid of their post-baby pooches—even though they spend hours working out and doing crunches—repairing weakened or separated abdominal muscles is undoubtedly a benefit of a tummy tuck. This condition is also linked to post-pregnancy urinary incontinence, which we mention below.
Reduce urinary incontinence
Some women may develop this embarrasing condition either after having children or as they get older. Doctors have discovered that a tummy tuck can help relieve or reduce urinary incontinence in as many as two-thirds of those treated. During a tummy tuck, the soft tissues that support the pelvic floor, bladder, and urethra are reinforced and tightened, which creates pressure on the passage from the bladder to the urethra to help keep it closed and prevent leaks.
Reduce back pain and improve posture
With pregnancy and other extensive weight loss, core muscles can become weakened. This weakening causes back muscles to overcompensate, leading to lower back pain. Because tummy tuck surgery tightens ab muscles and helps strengthen the core, it can also result in improved posture and decreased back pain. A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery revealed the link between tummy tucks and diminished back pain.
Maintain weight loss
Patients who get tummy tucks after weight-loss surgery are more likely to maintain their new body contours if they have plastic surgery to remove excess skin. A tummy tuck can also be combined with other body contouring techniques, such as liposuction or fat grafting, depending on the extent of surgery needed.
Ready to Transform?
As you can see, the benefits of a tummy tuck are not limited to a slimmer stomach, although that is an excellent benefit that can help improve a person’s confidence. You can see the transformational changes of the surgery by viewing our before-and-after photo gallery, featuring many of our tummy tuck patients from throughout the Los Angeles area.
To learn more about the procedure and my signature Hourglass Tummy Tuck, please request a consultation using the online form or call us at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.
This blog post was originally published in February 2020 and updated in April 2025.
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