Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy
Hooray! After a long nine months, you’ve had your newest addition to the family, and you are ready to get your body back to its normal state. But this time, you notice one minor physical attribute that makes this pregnancy very different. You have excess skin on your tummy area—some women call it the belly pooch.
So what can you do? Have you considered a tummy tuck after pregnancy?
It’s surprising to some women but a tummy tuck after pregnancy is one solution to get rid of that belly pooch. And guess what? You are the best candidate for this procedure. However, this doesn’t mean you can go under the knife right after your child is born.
Let’s discuss what it means to get a tummy tuck after pregnancy, why moms make for great tummy tuck candidates, and what are your non-surgical alternatives:
Getting a Tummy Tuck After a Baby
After having a second or third child, moms are more likely to get diastasis, especially if the kids are close in age. Diastasis means that your vertical abdominal muscles have stretched to the sides and haven’t returned to its pre-pregnancy place.
To add: You are also likely to get diastasis if you are over 35, are going to have multiple babies at once – twins, triplets etc.- or are going to have a larger baby.
So how long should you wait before you can get a tummy tuck after pregnancy?
Well, this all depends if you are planning to breastfeed. This rule also applies if you are planning to have another baby.
You should typically wait until your body hormones are back to normal. Breastfeeding can cause your body hormone levels to stay higher than normal. So it’s recommended to wait three months after you stop breastfeeding. This will assure that your hormone levels will have low effects during surgery. If you are not breastfeeding, you should wait three months after your baby is born.
On the other hand, if you are planning to have more babies in the near future, you should wait until you have your last child. If you are not planning on having any more babies, then you’re good to go.
Either way, it’s your personal decision. Remember, the three-month rule.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can help improve the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles. While it is a highly effective procedure, it is not for everyone.
Typically, tummy tuck candidates are people who have experienced significant weight loss, either through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, and are left with excess skin and stubborn pockets of fat in their abdomen. They may also have weakened or separated abdominal muscles that can create a bulging appearance in the midsection. These individuals may find that despite their best efforts, they are unable to achieve the toned and firm abdomen they desire.
Mothers who have gone through pregnancy and childbirth may also be candidates for a tummy tuck. Pregnancy can cause significant changes to the abdominal area, including stretched skin and muscles, and may result in the development of stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. A tummy tuck can help restore the pre-pregnancy contours of the abdomen and improve the overall appearance of the midsection.
It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure and is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is also not recommended for individuals who are planning to have more children, as pregnancy can undo the results of the surgery.
If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Your surgeon can assess your candidacy for the procedure, discuss your goals and expectations, and develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Moms Make for Great Tummy Tuck Candidates
Even though getting a tummy tuck is not for everyone, a tummy tuck is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed. Typically, tummy tuck candidates are people who’ve had major weight loss, found their protruding abdomen unattractive, and found that diet and exercise have not improved their excess skin. And of course, we can’t forget about the moms!
That’s right! Moms also make for great tummy tuck candidates, especially after pregnancy. Tummy tuck can help re-establish the confidence and look that you once had before the pregnancy. By getting this cosmetic surgery, you will eliminate your excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles.
Tummy Tuck Alternatives
Pregnancy can cause significant changes to the body, including stretching of the abdominal skin and muscles. While diet and exercise can help improve muscle tone and burn fat, they may not be enough to restore the pre-pregnancy appearance of the abdomen. Unfortunately, there are no alternative methods that can effectively tighten loose skin after pregnancy.
If you do not see visible stretch marks, it is possible that your skin will retract on its own over time. However, if there are visible stretch marks, it is an indication that the deep layer of skin has torn and the elastic fibers have been damaged. In such cases, it is unlikely that the skin will retract on its own, and surgical intervention may be necessary to restore a more toned and firm appearance.
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that can help remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the underlying muscles. The procedure can be particularly effective for women who have experienced significant changes to their body due to pregnancy and childbirth. In combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, a tummy tuck can help achieve the desired results.
It is important to note that a tummy tuck is a major surgery that involves significant recovery time and potential risks and complications. It should be considered carefully and discussed thoroughly with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Your surgeon can assess your candidacy for the procedure, discuss the potential risks and benefits, and develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Parting Thought
Consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon is an important step in considering a tummy tuck after pregnancy. A plastic surgeon can assess your specific concerns and goals, and determine if a tummy tuck is the right choice for you. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history, physical condition, and any previous surgeries or medical treatments. They will also examine your abdominal area to assess the amount of excess skin, the condition of the muscles, and the extent of any stretch marks or other skin imperfections.
The plastic surgeon will also discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the recovery process and what to expect during and after the surgery. They will also provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, including any pre-operative tests or medications that may be necessary.
It is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience performing tummy tucks and who can provide you with references from other satisfied patients. You should also ask to see before and after photos of the surgeon’s work to get an idea of their skill and expertise.
In addition to the surgeon’s qualifications, it is also important to feel comfortable and confident in your relationship with them. You should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your concerns, and trust that the surgeon has your best interests and goals in mind. With careful consideration and the guidance of a qualified plastic surgeon, a tummy tuck after pregnancy can help you achieve a more toned and firm abdomen and restore your confidence in your appearance.
We all know the positive impact a tummy tuck can have. So get the look and feel you had before the pregnancy! Contact Dr. Rimma Finkel at 480 963-3034 or fill out the online form for more information on tummy tucks after pregnancy.