Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is often seen as a cosmetic enhancement, but it can also address serious issues. For those experiencing physical discomfort, muscle separation, or excess skin after pregnancy or significant weight loss, the procedure can restore aesthetic balance and core strength, leading to improved quality of life.
Joshua B. Hyman, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience in tummy tucks. He combines thorough surgical planning and advanced techniques with a strong commitment to safety, making him a trusted expert in aesthetic and functional abdominal restoration.
If you are unsure whether your concerns may qualify as medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic, this guide will help you understand the signs, benefits, and next steps.
When to Consider a Medically Necessary Tummy Tuck
If you are facing any of the following challenges, a tummy tuck may provide significant relief and long-term improvement:
Diastasis Recti (Separated Abdominal Muscles)
One of the most common medical reasons for a tummy tuck is diastasis recti—a condition where the abdominal muscles separate due to pregnancy, extreme weight fluctuations, or aging.
This separation can cause:
- Chronic back pain
- Postural issues
- A protruding abdomen despite weight loss or exercise
- Core weakness that interferes with daily activity
Surgical muscle repair during a tummy tuck can restore core function and alleviate these symptoms, improving both physical performance and quality of life.
Excess Skin Causing Skin Irritation or Infection
Loose, hanging skin in the lower abdomen can result in chronic rashes, yeast infections, and skin breakdown, particularly in warm or humid conditions.
If left untreated, these issues can cause discomfort and potentially lead to serious medical problems.
A tummy tuck can eliminate excess skin, relieving irritation and enhancing hygiene.
Functional Impairment After Major Weight Loss
Patients who have experienced significant weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery, often find themselves with large areas of sagging skin.
This excess skin can impact mobility, affect how clothing fits, and diminish self-confidence.
An abdominoplasty can be an essential final step in weight loss, helping restore freedom of movement and supporting long-term results.
Hernia Repair
Some patients develop hernias, often alongside muscle separation or abdominal wall weakness:
- A ventral hernia occurs when abdominal tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, typically in the midline of the torso
- An umbilical hernia is a similar protrusion located near the belly button, often the result of pressure from pregnancy, previous surgeries, or significant weight changes
If left untreated, hernias can cause pain, bulging, and serious issues. A tummy tuck can be safely done along with hernia repair. This method strengthens the abdominal wall and helps prevent future problems while improving the look and strength of the midsection.
What to Expect with Dr. Hyman’s Approach
Every tummy tuck performed by Dr. Hyman is fully customized and deeply personal. At your private, complimentary consultation, Dr. Hyman will:
- Carefully assess your abdomen and discuss your goals
- Evaluate your skin quality, muscle tone, and overall health
- Explain every aspect of the procedure, recovery, and scar placement
- Offer realistic guidance based on your anatomy and lifestyle
Dr. Hyman uses advanced, knotless Quill™ sutures to achieve a tighter, safer muscle repair. For enhanced comfort, he may administer long-lasting nerve blocks such as Exparel® to significantly reduce post-operative pain without narcotics. Your recovery is supported by one-on-one follow-up, with scar management included at no cost during your first year of healing.
Restore Balance, Comfort, and Confidence with Expert Guidance
With over twenty years of surgical experience and a reputation for delivering natural, refined outcomes, Dr. Joshua Hyman is committed to ensuring safety and providing transformative results with integrity and compassion. If you believe you may benefit medically from an abdominoplasty, you deserve answers, expert guidance, and top-notch care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out if a tummy tuck is the right option for you!
Sources Cited
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 21). Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/11017-tummy-tuck
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, May 19). Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): Overview. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892
- Nahabedian, M. Y. (2018). Management strategies for abdominal wall laxity and rectus diastasis: A review. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 38(2), 212–221. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29512814/
- Healthline. (2022, April 18). Tummy tuck: What to expect and what to know. https://www.healthline.com/health/tummy-tuck
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/tummy-tuck
