A woman’s body goes through numerous changes following pregnancy and childbirth. The abdominal area is generally affected most, as it must stretch to make room for the growing, healthy baby. After childbirth, many women are left with sagging, loose skin and an unwanted stomach “pooch” that has trouble bouncing back. This is why many women turn to the cosmetic surgery help of abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, once they have completed their families. There are several different types of tummy tucks that can help women get their pre-pregnancy body back, so they can enjoy motherhood while looking their best.
The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, are experts at performing tummy tucks and helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals. A tummy tuck alone or as part of a mommy makeover can provide moms with a needed boost in the way they look and feel.
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The skinny on excess skin
During and after pregnancy, a woman’s stomach experiences significant fluctuations in size. This stretching and weight fluctuation can cause the skin to appear wrinkled and loose. Following pregnancy, many Greater New Jersey-area women stick to a strict exercise and diet regimen. However, it may not be enough to reverse the changes caused by pregnancy. A tummy tuck can be an ideal solution, as it removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. The skin is then tightened and the underlying muscles are addressed for a flatter, more-toned tummy.
The dreaded pooch
A saggy stomach is hard to hide, even with the best shapewear available. The post-pregnancy pooch is a result of isolated pockets of fat near the middle-lower abdomen. The plastic surgeons at The Peer Group often add liposuction to the procedure to further remove and deplete the fat cells. Because the muscles under the skin are often lax from the pressure of pregnancy, liposuction and the tightening technique that takes place under the skin are a dynamic duo for a highly coveted flat tummy.
Customized tummy tucks
The amount of extra skin you have following your pregnancy will determine your tummy tuck style, as there are several types of tummy tucks. Some women can get close to their pre-pregnancy shape with diet and exercise and may only need a mini tummy tuck, which uses tiny incisions and tweaks a small area right under the belly button. For women who have gained a considerable amount of weight, have had multiple pregnancies, or who have poor skin tone with stretch marks and folds long after childbirth, a full or extended tummy tuck may be recommended. During a full tummy tuck, the incision usually spans from hip to hip. Liposuction is then used to remove fat, and a more significant portion of skin is removed, leaving only the taut skin.
C-section scars
Following a C-section, it can be more challenging to attain a flat tummy without some additional assistance. During a Cesarean section, the doctor cuts through the skin, fat, and muscle to retrieve the baby. This method of delivery contributes to further weakening of the abdominal area, loose skin, and possibly an unsightly scar. A tummy tuck is a fantastic option to help tighten the abdominal muscles, remove a large portion of excess skin, and create a new, cleaner scar.
Future pregnancies
If you have had one or more pregnancies and are considering tummy tuck surgery, it is in your best interests to think ahead as to whether you want to have additional children. Pregnancy following a tummy tuck will almost always alter the surgical results. It can weaken the muscles, create newly stretched skin, and make it difficult to keep your tighter tummy. If there is a pregnancy after your tummy tuck, a second surgery will likely be needed.
Good candidates for abdominoplasty
Those who desire a tummy tuck should be at a healthy weight and maintain it after the procedure. You should also be a non-smoker, as tobacco use may contribute to complications during and after surgery. Abdominoplasty is not a solution for weight loss, and after this treatment, you likely will not see much movement in the scale. However, you will have a tighter, more toned result because of the loose skin that has been removed.
Tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover
Pregnancy and childbirth not only take a toll on the abdomen but can also affect other areas of the body. Many Greater New Jersey-area women incorporate a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover after pregnancy. A mommy makeover combines procedures to improve areas affected by pregnancy and may include treatments such as liposuction, breast lift, or breast augmentation, along with a tummy tuck. This transformative combination can help make your body shapelier, firmer, and sleeker after pregnancy and childbirth.
If you’re ready for a flatter, toned stomach, set up a consultation at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, today. We will discuss the details of tummy tuck surgery and address any questions or concerns you may have. We can help you meet your aesthetic goals and are excited to be a part of your journey.