A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is an excellent way to help you attain your desired abdominal shape by addressing loose skin and muscle laxity in your abdominal area. But did you know that many tummy tuck patients report less low back pain after recovery?
With board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Meredith Vandegrift, you can discover how a tummy tuck may be the right choice to achieve your aesthetic and pain-relief goals.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Accomplish?
A tummy tuck can help address changes to the abdomen brought about pregnancy, aging, and weight loss, including stretched skin and loosened or separated muscles. Tummy tucks aim to add definition to the waistline and restore a flatter stomach by removing excess skin and fat, tightening abdominal muscles, and reshaping your belly.
Abdominoplasty may provide the solutions to the following concerns:
- Bulging or protruding abdomen
- Sagging, stretched-out abdominal skin
- Lack of definition in the waist
- Medical difficulties caused by a lack of core strength, including poor posture, urinary incontinence, and hernias
In the Long Island area, Dr. Vandegrift is one of the only plastic surgeons who offers a drainless tummy tuck using progressive tension sutures. Her technique allows patients to get their ideal body profile without the hassle or risk of post-surgical drains.
Tummy Tuck and Back Pain
Chronic low back pain is a problem often associated with pregnancy or significant weight loss. Even with consistent, targeted exercises like planks and crunches, your abdominal muscles may never resume their proper size or shape, leaving many patients with a weakened core and a vulnerable lower back.
However, repairing separated or stretched abdominal muscles involves significantly changing the abdominal muscular structure and can often help restore core strength for many patients. Removing excess skin that pulls your body forward also helps improve posture.
Together, tightened abdominal muscles and better posture can help boost core strength, alleviating back strain and offering much-needed relief for many patients.
Typically, most patients experience relief from low back pain beginning around four to six weeks following their tummy tuck. This timeframe allows for considerable healing and strengthening of the abdominal muscles.
Am I a Tummy Tuck Candidate?
The best way to determine your candidacy for a tummy tuck is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Vandegrift. Ideal abdominoplasty patients are people with by excess, sagging skin and muscle laxity in the abdominal area.
Typically, suitable candidates for tummy tuck:
- Are in overall good health
- Are at a stable weight for at least six months
- Do not smoke, or are willing to quit before surgery
- Are not planning to have children
- Have realistic expectations
Meredith Vandegrift, MD – Your Long Island Tummy Tuck Expert
Choosing a knowledgeable provider is the first step to ensuring optimal results and a healthy recovery for your tummy tuck procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Vandegrift prioritizes high-quality care and aims to be your dedicated partner through every step of your tummy tuck journey.
To learn more about working with one of Long Island’s female tummy tuck surgeons, contact us today or call (631) 935-0303. We look forward to meeting you soon!