23 Nov Reduce Urinary Incontinence With Post-Pregnancy Tummy Tuck
After childbirth, many moms come to John Park MD Plastic Surgery to restore their pre-baby body with a mommy makeover. However, not all side effects of pregnancy and childbirth are cosmetic. Have you given birth and since found yourself leaking a little urine when you sneeze, laugh or cough? This is known as urinary incontinence, and it’s not just annoying, it’s embarrassing. Fortunately, it’s treatable, and, best of all, you can find relief with one of the most common procedures performed during your mommy makeover. Research has shown that a tummy tuck doesn’t just enhance the appearance of your midsection, it also reduces symptoms of urinary incontinence.
What Exactly is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary loss of urine. There are two main types of UI, including urge and stress incontinence. Urge incontinence is when you suddenly get an urge to urinary even if your bladder is nearly empty. This is a result of an overactive bladder. Stress incontinence is a result of stress or pressure being placed on the bladder such as when you sneeze or lift heavy objects.
UI develops during pregnancy as a result of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles becoming weakened. As the baby grows, the abdominal muscles are naturally stretched. Then, in preparation for delivery, the baby begins to drop. This places the weight of the baby and uterus directly on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. The abdominal muscles are further stretched as the baby pushes outward. The muscles can bounce back, however, after multiple pregnancies they can become overstretched and lax, thus creating urinary incontinence.
Tummy Tuck – A Two in One Procedure
A tummy tuck helps to address loose skin in the midsection that’s left over following pregnancy or even extreme weight loss. It involves excising excess skin and tightening weakened abdominal muscles before pulling the remaining skin tight to be sutured. A study featured in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery revealed that women who experience urinary incontinence post-pregnancy found relief following a tummy tuck.
By tightening the abdominal muscles, the bladder is given back some of its support. Because the abdominal muscles have restored strength, they are once again able to prevent undue pressure from being placed on the bladder which in turn results in leakage.
Contact John Park MD Plastic Surgery Today!
If you suffer from urinary incontinence, pregnancy related or not, schedule a consultation with Newport Beach plastic surgeon Dr. John Park by calling (949) 777-6883 and see if a tummy tuck can help offer you relief. You may be able to get a streamlined physique while diminishing UI symptoms.