Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasties, are most commonly associated with cosmetic benefits like a flatter stomach and a more balanced silhouette. But for some people, especially women who have had children, a tummy tuck may also offer a lesser-known medical benefit: improved bladder control. While a tummy tuck is not typically a primary treatment for urinary incontinence, research has shown that this procedure may be able to significantly improve symptoms for many people.
What Causes Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control, is a common issue that affects both women and men, although it is most common in women, particularly after childbirth. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause stretched or separated abdominal muscles – medically known as diastasis recti – which can lead to problems like urinary incontinence due to weakened structural support.Â
Other causes of urinary incontinence include hormonal changes such as during menopause, underlying medical conditions, obesity and aging. Lifestyle factors like chronic coughing, heavy lifting or high-impact exercise may also contribute to incontinence over time by placing stress on the abdominal and pelvic regions.
How Can a Tummy Tuck Help?
For women who have had children and struggle with urinary incontinence, a tummy tuck may provide the bonus benefit of relieving incontinence symptoms as well as achieving cosmetic goals. During a tummy tuck, Dr. Kolder removes excess skin and tightens or repairs separated or weakened abdominal muscles. By repairing these muscles, a tummy may indirectly improve bladder support by increasing core stability and reducing downward pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor.
In fact, a 2018 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that many women who had tummy tuck surgery noted a significant reduction in incontinence symptoms, even when incontinence wasn’t their main concern. Prior to having a tummy tuck, 42.5% of participants in the study noted that urinary incontinence was a significant concern. After a tummy tuck, this number dwindled down to only 2%.Â
Could a Tummy Tuck Be Right for You?
It is important to note that a tummy tuck may not be able to improve all causes of incontinence and isn’t necessarily a first line of treatment for this problem. However, if you have weakened or separated abdominal muscles, whether due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations or aging, and struggle with incontinence, you may notice an improvement in your symptoms after abdominoplasty.
The best way to determine if a tummy tuck could be right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kolder. During this time, he will not only listen carefully to your goals and specific cosmetic and medical concerns, but will also perform a thorough examination and can create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
To take the first step toward achieving your new look – and potentially improving secondary symptoms like incontinence – give us a call at 805-484-2855 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.
Author: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.