Spartanburg surgeons say tummy tucks can improve function, not just appearance

Carolina Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa says abdominoplasty can do more than flatten the midsection, with potential benefits that include stronger core support, better posture and less discomfort. The practice is also pointing patients to consultations in Spartanburg to see whether the surgery fits their goals and recovery needs.

Why it matters: - A tummy tuck can address functional problems tied to abdominal muscle separation, loose skin and recovery after major weight loss. - Patients may notice better core support, easier movement and less day-to-day discomfort, not just cosmetic change. - The procedure can also be part of a broader post-pregnancy or post-weight-loss surgical plan.

What happened: - Dr. Ashley Kerekes and Dr. Hannah England of Carolina Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa in Spartanburg, South Carolina, outlined the non-cosmetic benefits of tummy tuck surgery. - The surgeons said many patients report feeling stronger, standing taller and moving more comfortably after abdominoplasty. - The practice said it is offering personalized consultations for people in Spartanburg who want to discuss tummy tuck surgery.

The details: - Pregnancy and major weight changes can cause diastasis recti, or separation of the abdominal muscles. - Diet and exercise often cannot correct diastasis recti. - During a tummy tuck, the surgeon sutures the abdominal muscles back together. - That repair can restore core support and may improve posture, balance and ease of everyday movement. - For some mothers, tummy tuck surgery is performed as part of a mommy makeover to address multiple post-pregnancy concerns at once. - Dr. Kerekes said some patients have reported exercising more comfortably, feeling stronger through the core and even shaving time off marathons after abdominal muscle repair. - Research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that many abdominoplasty patients reported reduced lower back pain and improvement in mild stress urinary incontinence after surgery. - The surgeons said results vary, but those findings match what many patients describe at follow-up visits. - After major weight loss, loose overhanging skin can cause chafing, rashes and skin infections. - Removing excess skin can make exercise more comfortable and help patients maintain results. - Certain abdominal hernias can be repaired during the same procedure when appropriate. - Ideal candidates are in good health, at a stable weight, nonsmokers and not planning future pregnancies. - Carolina Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa offers surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments for the face, breasts, body and skin. - The practice serves patients in Spartanburg and throughout Upstate South Carolina. - The medical spa offers cosmetic injectables, laser therapies and a medically supervised weight loss program. - The surgeons are available for interviews upon request. - More information is available on the practice website and the practice's Facebook page.

Between the lines: - The release is aimed at broadening how patients think about abdominoplasty, shifting the focus from appearance alone to physical function and quality of life. - Citing exercise, posture, back pain and bladder leakage helps position the procedure as both reconstructive and cosmetic. - The emphasis on consultation suggests the practice wants to steer candidates toward individualized surgical planning rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What's next: - Carolina Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa says patients can schedule consultations to discuss goals, recovery and whether abdominoplasty is the right fit. - The practice said its surgeons are available for interviews.

The bottom line: - For selected patients, a tummy tuck may offer practical benefits that extend well beyond a flatter stomach.