Few physical events are as hard on the human body as pregnancy and childbirth. While having kids is undoubtedly a rewarding and worthwhile experience, many women are, understandably, frustrated by the physical changes associated with carrying and delivering a child. Breastfeeding can also wreak havoc on a woman’s body, causing the breasts to become deflated and saggy.
During and after pregnancy, a woman’s abdomen experiences significant fluctuations in size. This stretching and weight fluctuation can cause the skin to appear wrinkled and loose. Most women return to their pre-pregnancy weight with the help of a healthy diet, exercise, and patience. However, sometimes a woman may be left with a sagging or bulging stomach that no amount of sit-ups can help. This may be why some women start to investigate the possibility of cosmetic surgery, such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or a mini-tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck
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.
Furthermore, after pregnancy, especially if a woman has had a large baby or twins, she may be left with stretched skin that cannot retract. She may even have abdominal muscles that have separated in the middle, called a “divarication.” This causes the tummy to bulge outwards, even in someone who is otherwise slim and fit. Pilates helps some women improve their divarication. But a tummy tuck also works to tighten the muscles that support the tummy–at the same time, excess skin can be removed. If only a relatively small amount of skin needs to be tightened, this is called a “mini-tummy tuck.” A tummy tuck can improve permanently stretched, excess skin. If there is some excess fat in the area, liposuction can be performed as part of the procedure. However, a tummy tuck is a major operation and shouldn’t be taken lightly. For the best results, you should be back to a healthy weight and be in good physical condition.
Consider a tummy tuck only if you aren’t planning on becoming pregnant again. Otherwise, you may go through the cost and aggravation of the surgery and recovery only to find your abdomen stretched out again after a subsequent pregnancy. Wait at least six months and, ideally, a year or more to allow the skin and muscles to recover from childbirth before you consider this type of surgery.
The “Mommy Makeover”
Some moms choose the option of a complete “mommy makeover.” The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore the shape and appearance of a woman’s body after childbearing. Women notice many changes in their bodies post-pregnancy. Many areas of the body can be addressed–the most common are the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia, and buttocks. A mommy makeover is typically performed as a single-stage procedure. One of the most compelling aspects of mommy makeover surgery is that it is a custom-tailored procedure designed to meet each patient’s specific needs. Some of the most common procedures performed as part of a mommy makeover include breast augmentation, a breast lift, a tummy tuck, liposuction, and labiaplasty.
Whether you choose to have a tummy tuck or a complete mommy makeover following your childbearing years, there are excellent cosmetic options available if the traditional route of exercise and a healthy diet still leave you with a flabby abdominal section. Advances in modern cosmetic surgery can truly allow a woman to have a family without compromising her gorgeous figure.
Written by Joanne Myers
