When is a tummy tuck medically necessary?

Clinic Hunter

When is a tummy tuck medically necessary?

Generally, a tummy tuck is regarded purely as a cosmetic procedure and does not, for example, meet the NHS guidelines for a medically necessary surgical procedure. However, there is no doubt that a tummy tuck can result in a number of medical benefits as well as non-medical benefits. These benefits of tummy tuck surgery include an improvement in urinary incontinence (particularly stress urinary incontinence and diastasis recti), hernia correction, and the alleviation of back pain. The symptoms of all these conditions may be improved by the removal of excess skin and fat and tightening of abdominal muscles. All of these may be medical reasons for and benefits of a tummy tuck.

Often a tummy tuck after weight loss can be extremely beneficial as it may help to strengthen weak abdominal muscles and improve sagging abdominal skin. Pregnancy and health conditions including disorders of the heart, lungs and blood may be counted as a contraindication.