Is a Tummy Tuck Worth It?

Every year, patients across the country increase their confidence and self-esteem through abdominoplasty surgery, or a tummy tuck. This popular procedure is performed by removing excess skin, tissue, and fat from the abdominal area, resulting in a trim, flat stomach. 

Many patients hoping to reduce their midsection ask, “is a tummy tuck worth it?” Generally, the answer is yes — but we also know that everybody is different. While abdominoplasty might be life-changing surgery for some, it may not be the right option for others. It’s always a good idea to meet your plastic surgeon for a consultation before booking any procedure. 

So, is a tummy tuck worth it? It depends on what results you’re looking for, as well as your personal anatomy, medical history, and aesthetic goals. Here, we will cover the top seven benefits of tummy tuck surgery. By reading this guide, you will have a better understanding if you are a good candidate for this procedure. However, if you are left with any questions, get in touch with the team!

What are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

There are many benefits of tummy tuck surgery. Although most patients prioritize a great “after” silhouette in their midsection, the tummy tuck comes with several medical benefits as well. Here are seven reasons a tummy tuck is worth it: 

• A Trimmer Figure

This is the most popular reason for abdominoplasty surgery. Many people choose a tummy tuck to address the size and/or shape of their belly. Tummy tucks are popular with patients who experience bloating after eating; have stubborn pockets of stomach fat they wish to shed; or for those who wish to reduce the bulging appearance of their abdomen under clothing. Abdominoplasty surgery easily addresses all of these concerns by removing excess fat and tissue and tightening the abdominal wall muscles to create a sleeker, slimmer midsection.

• Better Posture

Little known fact: Poor posture can be a result of weak abdominal muscles. Many patients find that, following pregnancy or weight loss, no amount of exercise or diet changes can strengthen their abs. As a result, they might experience lordosis, or a spine that curves inward. A tummy tuck surgically tightens the walls of the abdominal muscles, which can lead to improved posture, as well as reduced pain. 

• Correction of Ventral Hernias 

Ventral hernias can be caused by several factors, including weight loss, cesarean surgery, or an appendectomy. Above all, however, the culprit is generally weak abdominal muscles — something which a tummy tuck addresses directly. Many patients choose to combine their tummy tuck with a procedure to repair their ventral hernia, as it is both safe, cost-effective, and can help prevent future issues.

• Stress Urinary Incontinence Recovery

Stress urinary incontinence, or SUI, is most common in women who have recently given birth vaginally. It is categorized by bladder leakage often brought upon by sneezing, coughing, laughing, or working out. Though surgery is not necessary to heal SUI, many patients report that their tummy tuck helped them to recover from the condition.

• Removal of Stretch Marks

Is a tummy tuck worth it for stretch mark removal? Our patients certainly think so. Stretch marks can appear on the belly for several reasons, from pregnancy to weight gain to fat loss. An abdominoplasty procedure will not only tighten and slim the tummy but will also remove stretch marks from the area.

• Tighter Skin

Following a pregnancy or major weight loss, many patients grapple with excess or loose skin. Often, this skin feels nearly impossible to tighten, even with dedicated exercise and diet changes. Many opt for and find success with the tummy tuck, which directly removes loose skin from the stomach.

• Increased Confidence

Most patients report that their tummy tuck was worth it for the confidence boost alone. Regardless of the reason, most tummy tuck patients find that their abdominoplasty has left them feeling confident in their re-shaped and slimmed figure. 

Is Getting a Tummy Tuck Worth it For Everyone?

Though a tummy tuck is a life-changing surgery for many, it’s worth having a conversation with a doctor to make sure it’s the right surgery for you. There are a number of body contouring procedures available, with varying levels of intensity or invasiveness. For instance, patients only hoping to address their lower belly area might not necessitate a full abdominoplasty.  For them, a mini tummy tuck would likely be more appropriate. 

Surgery Cost: Is a Tummy Tuck Worth The Money? 

Many patients find that a tummy tuck is absolutely worth the money — but at the end of the day, this is a completely personal choice. As with any plastic surgery, patients must have realistic expectations about their abdominoplasty results and procedure. We always recommend a thorough consultation session with Dr. Lapuerta before booking any type of procedure. 

A tummy tuck procedure will usually cost between $9,000 and $13,000. However, this number varies depending on the technique used, as well as your own goals and anatomy.  

Should I Get a Tummy Tuck?

Our patients rave about their tummy tuck results. That said, this will always be a highly individual choice that Dr. Lapuerta and the team are happy to help you make.

If you are interested in abdominoplasty surgery, get in touch with our team today for a free and thorough consultation. With over 20 years of serving the aesthetic needs of the greater Houston area, Dr. Lapuerta is an expert in abdominoplasties and other forms of plastic surgery.