Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our bodies don’t do what we want— a fact those who experience pregnancy or significant weight loss can attest to first hand. The skin stretches to accommodate growth but sometimes lacks the ability to go back to normal when that growth period is over.
In many cases, an abdominoplasty— colloquially known as a tummy tuck— is the only option. Fortunately, technology is evolving, and the procedure is becoming less Invasive. Here’s what you need to know about the minimally invasive robotic tummy tuck.
Table of Contents
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Your skin is the largest organ on your body and possesses elastic qualities. However, if stretched beyond a certain point, it cannot return to its former shape. Depending on what caused the variance, there could be underlying issues as well.
Pregnant women often experience Rectus Diastasis, in which the rectus abdominis muscles (the frontal part of the abs or “six-pack” muscles) separate to make room for the baby. The abdominals retain their stretched form, creating a pouch-like protrusion in the lower abdominal region.
While some exercises can help correct Rectus Diastasis, the effectiveness is contingent on the degree of separation. Furthermore, some ab exercises can actually exacerbate the issue.
A tummy tuck isn’t just to remove excess skin and correct the appearance of the belly button. This process can also be used to realign the abs and correct the abdominal separation.
In addition to the cosmetic benefits, tummy tucks also play a functional role in health and wellness. Your core muscles play an integral role in preventing back pain and supporting your posture and pelvic health— this is an important consideration when applying for coverage.
A Robotic Tummy Tuck vs. Traditional Abdominoplasty
The traditional tummy tuck surgery is quite invasive. The surgeon uses a scalpel to make a transverse incision from hip to hip or to the flanks, depending on the severity of the excess skin. The excess skin is removed, and the abdominal muscles are repaired. Then, the area is stitched up.
With a minimally invasive robotic tummy tuck, the surgeon makes four small incisions that will leave unnoticeable scars. A cutting-edge robotic tool is used to repair the abdominal wall through the small incision points.
The main benefit of a minimally invasive robotic tummy tuck is that it boasts better recovery time and minimal scarring. Conversely, the traditional tummy tuck leaves a significant scar along the bikini line and can take longer to heal. However, the robotic tummy tuck doesn’t remove excess skin, focusing solely on repairing the Rectus Diastasis and associating liposuction for sculpturing the abdomen and flanks.
Is a Robotic Tummy Tuck Right for You?
While on the surface, a robotic tummy tuck seems simple, it’s still major surgery. Likewise a traditional tummy tuck, you’ll be required to stay at least one night in the hospital or clinic and will have limited mobility for a few weeks. Additionally, you may not be able to reach your full exercise intensity for a few months.
Another downside to the robotic procedure is that it doesn’t address the issue of excess skin and stretch mark removal. Those who dedicate so much time to exercising and losing weight often feel downtrodden by the hanging skin. If this is a concern to you, a full tummy tuck is a better option.
If your main objective is to repair your abdominal muscles and get rid of the pouch, a robotic tummy tuck is perfect.
Final Thoughts
While there are downsides to any medical procedure, many people find the disadvantages to be the lesser of two evils. Going through surgery and having a scar is often preferable to living in a body that doesn’t feel right.
Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to explore your options and determine if a robotic tummy tuck is a solution for you.
