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Northwest Face & Body

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What Makes A Tummy Tuck Medically Necessary?

Dr. Ludwig Allegra

January 12, 2024
What Makes A Tummy Tuck Medically Necessary

While a tummy tuck is traditionally labeled a cosmetic surgery, there are some instances when abdominoplasty is a medically necessary procedure for a patient’s health or way of life. A few situations in which a tummy tuck is considered medically beneficial:

Diastasis Recti: After pregnancy, the muscles in a woman’s abdomen may be stretched or separated. A surgeon may perform rectus repair conjunctively with a tummy tuck to strengthen and tighten these core abdominal muscles.

Urinary Incontinence: Bladder muscles and the pelvic wall can also suffer after pregnancies. Muscle weakness in these areas, along with weakened abdominal muscles, can lead to a condition known as stress urinary incontinence (SUI). If a patient exhibits signs of SUI, their plastic surgeon will tighten these additional muscles during the tummy tuck surgery. 

Ventral Hernia: Weight loss, pregnancies, and previous surgeries can cause tissue protrusion through the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can return this tissue to its original position and repair the abdominal wall.

Back Pain & Posture: The abdomen is the source of core strength in the body. A tummy tuck will aid in correcting any posture or back pain issues by creating firmer abdominal muscles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Ludwig Allegra

Dr. Ludwig Allegra has provided Bellevue, Kirkland, and the surrounding areas with premier plastic surgery procedures for over two decades.