Advantages and Disadvantages of a Tummy Tuck Procedure

Posted on 02 Aug 2023

Updated: December 9, 2025

Every surgery comes with pros and cons, and a tummy tuck is no different. If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your abdomen, boost your confidence, and reduce issues caused by separated abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck can be the perfect option for you.

But before you decide on the procedure, it’s important to understand the tummy tucks advantages and disadvantages, including the long-term benefits and potential risks.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat while repairing weakened and separated abdominal muscles to make the area stronger, smoother, and firmer.

Here’s a real tummy tuck before and after.

When abdominal muscles separate (a condition known as diastasis recti), organs such as the bowels and uterus are left with only a thin layer of tissue for support. As you can imagine, that can lead to complications, such as hernias, where internal organs poke through the gap between muscles. A tummy tuck can correct this separation and repair any pre-existing hernias.

Whether you’re dealing with loose, sagging skin or separated muscles due to age, genetics, pregnancy, fluctuations in your weight, or another surgery, a tummy tuck can help improve the appearance of your abdominal area and tighten and strengthen the muscles to reduce the risk of further issues.

Advantages of A Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck has both cosmetic and functional benefits. Here are some of the most common advantages of the procedure: 

Strengthens Core

A tummy tuck can restore a weakened core and strengthen your abdominal muscles. This is due to the process used to suture the separated abdominal muscles back together. It can ensure your spine is supported and can even improve your posture.

Decrease Back Pain

According to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, another benefit of strengthening your core with a tummy tuck is that it can also decrease at least some of the back pain you may be experiencing.

Whether you had a child or lost a significant amount of weight, you may be feeling some back pain due to your weakened abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck can tighten and strengthen those muscles to reduce strain and discomfort.

Improve Posture

Once completely healed, tummy tuck patients often sit and stand taller thanks to stronger abdominal support.  The tightened muscles in your core provide stronger support to the back and spine, which helps to improve your posture.

Reduce Sagging, Excess Skin

One of the primary goals of a tummy tuck is to remove loose, sagging skin that diet and exercise can’t fix, even with the most diligent effort. If you’re struggling with excess skin, a tummy tuck can help you achieve a tighter, smoother, and more toned abdomen.

Here’s a real before and after.

Improve Self-Confidence

Many people pursue a tummy tuck for emotional and aesthetic reasons. Feeling comfortable in your body can provide greater confidence. You’re able to wear fitted clothing and move through daily life without worrying how your abdomen looks.

Help with Urinary Incontinence

Studies suggest that tummy tuck surgery can help alleviate stress urinary incontinence– a bladder control issue caused by pressure on the bladder and urethra– by strengthening the pelvic and abdominal wall.  

Disadvantages of A Tummy Tuck

While a tummy tuck comes with numerous benefits, there are some disadvantages to the procedure as well.

Comes with Some Risks

Like any surgery, a tummy tuck comes with potential risks such as bleeding, infection, poor or slow wound healing, swelling, skin discoloration, and scarring. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before your procedure and explain how they’re managed.

Some Scarring

While Dr. Neaman and Dr. Christiansen will place your tummy tuck incision in an inconspicuous area and will provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing, scarring is still likely. That said, over time, it will fade and be almost invisible. But for the first year or more after your tummy tuck surgery, you may have a visible scar.

Schedule a Consultation

If you believe a tummy tuck could help you feel more confident and comfortable in your body, the next step is to schedule a consultation with Neaman Plastic Surgery. 

Dr. Neaman and Dr. Christiansen serve patients in the Salem and Portland, OR area.  They can address any questions you may have and help you determine the best approach to reach your desired results.  

To schedule a consultation today, call our Salem, OR office at 844-338-5445, or fill out our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tucks

What questions should I ask before a tummy tuck?

Before your tummy tuck, ask your surgeon:

1. What is your certification and experience?
2. Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
3. What will recovery and scarring look like?
4. What are the possible risks or complications?
5. What follow-up and maintenance will be needed?
6. What’s included in the total cost?

Who should not have a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck isn’t recommended for people who anticipate future pregnancies, smoke, have uncontrolled medical conditions like diabetes, or are actively losing or gaining weight. 

Effective healing and lasting results depend on stable weight and good circulation. Surgeons usually recommend waiting for a tummy tuck until you’re done having children and have reached your goal weight. 

How long will a tummy tuck last?

The results from a tummy tuck are typically permanent– if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While the removed skin and fat won’t return, significant weight gain or additional pregnancies can stretch the abdomen again. With regular exercise and a balanced diet, many patients enjoy a flatter and firmer core for decades. 

What is the most painful part of a tummy tuck?

The most uncomfortable stage of a tummy tuck is typically the first few days following surgery, when the abdominal muscles are tight and sore from being repaired. Most patients describe it as pressure or tightness, not sharp pain. This discomfort is managed by taking prescribed medications and following post-op instructions.