If you are unhappy with the way your belly looks after pregnancy, then you are not alone. Giving birth brings great joy, but the downside is that you get a protruding belly and unwanted fat deposits. The reason your belly protrudes and you have excess fat is because of the great stress that is on your belly when you’re pregnant.
Sometimes, no amount of dieting or exercising will restore your belly to its former appearance. A tummy tuck may be the best way to tighten sagging skin caused by pregnancy.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck also called an abdominoplasty is a surgical treatment that gets rid of excess skin and fats, tightening your abdominal muscles and creating a slimmer, firmer waistline. Most mothers use tummy tucks to remove skin laxity, belly button deformities, stretch marks and belly fats. A tummy tuck restores the firmness on your stomach by removing loose skin.
Who Can Get a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks are suited for persons (men or women), who have good health. Women who have been through several pregnancies find this procedure helpful in reducing skin and tightening abdominal muscles.
A tummy tuck is a good alternative for persons (men or women) who were obese but after reducing their weight, still have fat deposits and loose skin around the tummy
Who Should Not Get a Tummy Tuck?
Women who plan on getting pregnant should postpone getting a tummy tuck procedure up to the moment they give birth. During a tummy tuck procedure, the muscles of the stomach are tightened, and pregnancies normally separate these muscles.
If you are planning on losing weight, a tummy tuck is not suitable for you. A tummy tuck procedure ought to be a last measure after dieting, exercising or trying other options for losing weight. A tummy tuck should not serve as an alternative to losing weight.
A Tummy Tuck Procedure
The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia and could take one to several hours depending on the type of tummy tuck being performed.
- Complete abdominoplasty: During this procedure, an incision is made from one corner of your hip bone to the other. The surgeon will then tighten your muscles and pull the excess skin downwards. The procedure involves repositioning your belly button. In a complete abdominoplasty, your surgeon may insert drainage tubes in your skin for a couple of days.
- Partial abdominoplasty: The procedure is best suited for persons with fat deposits below their navel. The surgeon might not reposition your belly button. The procedure lasts for only two hours.
During Recovery
After an abdominoplasty, you will be instructed on the measures to take for a successful recovery. You may have to avoid vigorous activities for up to six weeks and may be able to resume work after a month, but the results are a slimmer, tighter appearance.
At Singhal Plastic Surgery, we have extensive experience conducting various cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. We would be happy to meet with you and review your concerns and goals before scheduling a procedure. A slim appearance is possible. Contact us today to get started.
