After childbirth, many women come to our Dallas, TX plastic surgery center to restore their appearance. Whether it’s a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)or a full mommy makeover, we can get rid of loose skin, eliminate stretch marks, and help women look just like they did before pregnancy.

As it turns out, a tummy tuck has more than just cosmetic benefits for women who’ve had children. A recent study has found that tummy tuck can help alleviate urinary incontinence after giving birth. 

Urinary Incontinence after Pregnancy

During pregnancy and after childbirth, many women experience urinary incontinence. It can be embarrassing and annoying, occurring at inopportune times.

There are two kinds of incontinence experienced after pregnancy:

• Stress Incontinence- Stress incontinence refers to involuntary urine release when there’s pressure placed on the bladder or when hormonal changes result in reduced bladder support. This could occur from laughing, sneezing, lifting objects, and so forth.
• Urge Incontinence- Urge incontinence refers to a sudden urge to urinate due to an overactive bladder. This can occur even when your bladder is nearly empty.

Research from the Journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Issues with incontinence tend to become less of an issue as your body recovers, rebalances, and repairs. However, new research from the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reveals that a tummy tuck after childbirth can reduce instances of incontinence.

The study followed 214 women in Australia who underwent tummy tuck with abdominal muscle repair. Prior to surgery, a little less than half of the women reported issues with urinary incontinence. Six weeks and six months after the tummy tuck was performed, less than 2 percent of the patients in the study noted issues with urinary incontinence. 

Other Means of Reducing Post-pregnancy Incontinence

While the above research shows how effective a tummy tuck can be in reducing post-pregnancy incontinence, there are additional options for mothers to consider. Many experts recommend Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor following childbirth. This helps restore bladder control.

Your doctor can discuss Kegel exercises with you as well as other options to address problems related to life after childbirth.

Additional Benefits of Tummy Tuck after Childbirth

Treating incontinence after pregnancy isn’t the only benefit of a tummy tuck with muscle repair. The same study found that a tummy tuck after childbirth also reduced postpartum back pain.

These health benefits combined with the cosmetic enhancements of the surgery make tummy tuck an excellent option for women who have given birth.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

The best way to find out if a tummy tuck is the right surgery for you and your needs is to stop by the practice for a consultation. We can discuss your candidacy for the procedure, proper timing for the surgery, and other matters that may be on your mind with regard to body contouring and sculpting. A full mommy makeover may be recommended to help you restore your full appearance after having a baby.

Learn More about Tummy Tuck Surgery

For more information about tummy tuck and your body contouring options after pregnancy, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic surgeon. We will be more than happy to discuss these matters with you in greater detail during a visit to the practice.