What makes a tummy tuck medically necessary

This may be due to surgeries such as a gastric bypass, natural weight loss, or even pregnancy. A panniculectomy is an invasive surgical treatment. This type of surgery may be considered a medical necessity if the remaining skin affects your quality of life.

For example, you may develop rashes, infections, and ulcers underneath the area of hanging skin. During a panniculectomy, your surgeon will make two cuts into the abdominal wall to remove excess skin in the middle. Then the bottom portion of skin is reattached to the top via suturing. A tummy tuck is also intended to remove excess skin. In some cases, a tummy tuck can help alleviate incontinence and back pain. With a tummy tuck, your doctor will cut out excess skin while also tightening abdominal muscles.

Surgeries of this nature take time. Aside from the actual time spent in surgery, you should expect to arrive at the hospital early for pre-operative care. It takes about two to five hours for a surgeon to perform a panniculectomy.

A tummy tuck may take two to four hours to complete. Though the skin cutting may be less extensive than with a panniculectomy, your surgeon will still need to shape the abdominal wall in a tummy tuck. Both panniculectomy and tummy tuck share similar success rates. The key is to maintain a healthy lifestyle following the procedure so you get the best results.

The recovery process may be slow, but the results from a panniculectomy following massive weight loss are considered permanent. The results of a tummy tuck are also considered permanent if you maintain a healthy weight. To increase your chances for long-term results, your doctor may recommend you lose or maintain a stable weight before the procedure. You may be a better fit for one procedure over another. The cost of panniculectomies and tummy tucks can vary drastically, especially when considering insurance coverage.

Below are total estimated costs. Some facilities may provide a payment plan option. This may not include other associated costs, such as anesthesia and hospital care. Many medical insurance companies will cover a portion of this procedure. This is especially the case if your doctor thinks the panniculectomy is medically necessary.

Another consideration is the cost of taking time off work. It can take up to eight weeks to recover from this procedure. The average recovery time is about four to six weeks. More or less recovery time may be needed depending on the incision number and size. During tummy tuck surgery, Dr.

Kelishadi tightens the underlying muscles to restore the abdomen back to its original position. In some cases, the results are even better than before! Even though tummy tuck procedures are widely performed for aesthetic reasons in Newport Beach, CA, they have an impressive list of medical and functional benefits. Here is a simple list of medical issues a tummy tuck may correct in patients:.

Stress incontinence: This often occurs due to weakened abdominal muscles and an increase of pressure on the bladder. Incontinence can result in the inability to control your bladder during certain situations, including coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

This commonly affects women shortly after pregnancy and childbirth. In some cases, tightening the abdominal muscles may improve urinary continence. Hernia: A hernia takes place when the intestines push through a weak spot in the walls of the muscle tissue.

This may happen as a result of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as significant weight fluctuation. A tummy tuck procedure can bring the abdominal muscles back together.

Back problems: Loose abdominal skin can lead to bad posture, back pain, and a host of other uncomfortable issues. If your core is weak and unable to effectively support the heavy, sagging skin, your body may begin to compensate with poor posture, which leads to aches and pains. By removing the extra tissue, a tummy tuck can restore your mobility and improve your posture once again.

Many patients at SSK Plastic Surgery want to know if they can combine their tummy tuck with other procedures to maximize their results. Many women choose to combine other procedures with their tummy tuck. A great example is the mommy makeover , which sometimes combines breast augmentation, tummy tuck surgery, and liposuction so women can refresh their appearance and restore their pre-baby bodies. Because only a certain amount of body fat is safe to remove, abdominoplasty should not be viewed as a method for weight loss.

Furthermore, a tummy tuck does not necessarily improve your blood pressure, cholesterol level or other effects stemming from obesity.

For these very reasons, we don't recommend abdominoplasty as a way for you to treat obesity or diabetes. On the other hand, we can recommend abdominoplasty for diabetic patients, as long as you meet certain conditions:. A tummy tuck may be a very popular surgery, but it is far from simple or easy. It's a major procedure that requires you to go under general anesthesia, spend upwards of five hours in the operating room and spend several weeks in recovery.

Diabetic patients are especially more susceptible to complications if they decided to undergo cosmetic surgery. For example, their chances of developing an infection are higher. Furthermore, their condition can significantly slow down recovery time. Plus, it's more challenging for surgeons to manage a diabetic patient's glucose level after a procedure. Due to these risks, we urge patients to make changes to their diet and lifestyle as a safer, more practical way to lose weight, before deciding on surgery.

Before undergoing any type of procedure, be sure to consult with your doctor to discuss what's involved with the operation, how you should prepare for it, the risks involved and what you can expect during recovery. In addition, even if the reasons provided above are medical in nature, it does not necessarily mean that your insurance company will cover the costs.

After undergoing a tummy tuck, you can expect both physical and psychological dividends. You'll have the tighter, more toned stomach you always wanted, your clothes will fit you better, your workouts may be more satisfying and you should have a better quality of life. If you are ready to take the next step on your tummy tuck journey, check out the Find a Plastic Surgeon tool to connect with an ASPS member surgeon in your area.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Get started today! Create an Account. Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon and be confident you are in the care of a highly trained surgeon you can trust. American Society of Plastic Surgeons.