Abdominoplasty after Having Kids

A woman’s body will go through many changes in one lifetime. The most life-changing and physically and emotionally transformative time of any woman’s life is during childbearing. It is a miracle and a joy. 

But there are things about the body that some may wish to keep the same. While it’s no easy feat for women to go through all the changes that happen to their bodies, there are plenty of solutions available these days to help them. 

This article will discuss how a woman can manage the changes and return or maintain the way they want their body to look. 

Here’s what you need to know about getting an abdominoplasty after having kids:

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, or more commonly known as a “tummy tuck”, is a major surgery that tightens the muscles and removes the excess skin and fat of your abdomen. Many women find it difficult to get back to their pre-pregnancy shape and fitness after childbirth.  Even overcoming the lack of sleep and spare time in order to get back into serious exercise again, many women find that no matter what they do in the gym, their abdominal muscles and skin don’t retract back to their former place.

An abdominoplasty procedure can assist in this area by tightening the abdominal muscles and reducing the abdominal bulge, and removing the stubborn, stretched excess skin over the lower abdomen that is resistant to exercise. If considering abdominoplasty, it’s essential to be aware of your options and discuss the procedure with your surgeon. Make it a point to share your goals and preferences as well. This plays a role in your procedure.

There are several different types of abdominoplasty available out there. The two main types are the following:

Full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)targets the area above the navel and below it. The procedure begins with a horizontal incision just above the pubic hairline, down in the bikini line. Depending on the amount of loose skin, the incision could be longer or shorter and have a different shape. 

During a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) the loose skin and underlying fat is lifted off the abdominal muscles, and the muscles are repaired. The result is a tighter, smoother and flatter abdomen with no excess skin and removal of stretch marks underneath the navel.

Mini-Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

On the other hand, a mini-tummy tuck only targets the area below the navel. Since it is working on a relatively smaller area, the incision required will also be smaller. This procedure is recommended for women that have less loose skin and have a small belly.

Liposuction

In addition to a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) patients can also opt to get liposuction. It’s a cosmetic procedure that can be done with or without a tummy tuck, whereby stubborn pockets of excess fat are removed by suction through a small incision.  It may be a good option for patients that have good quality, tight skin and pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

What to Expect?

It’s important to wait a minimum of 6 months after childbirth before considering abdominoplasty.  You need to get back to as close as your pre-baby weight as possible, and allow the abdominal muscles and skin retract back to their ‘new normal’ position.  The results of surgery performed earlier than this can be impaired if the tissues continue to relax after the operation.

Use this time between delivery and surgery to re-start exercising and be back in good physical health. Of course, it’s important to note that everyone’s body is different and that you should consult with your doctor thoroughly before proceeding with the procedure.

Most patients will remain in hospital for a few days after surgery, with drains placed under the skin and application of compression garments.  When your pain is well controlled with oral medications, you are comfortable mobilising small distances independently, and your wounds are healing well, you will be fine to go home.  Ensure that you have someone at home that can assist you for the first week or so, until you are back on your feet.

Conclusion

An abdominoplasty can be an excellent solution to loose skin and weakened muscles as a result of childbirth. Of course, it’s important to remember that this is major surgery. To maintain the results, it’s important to delay consideration of abdominoplasty until after you have finished having children. The procedure results may be undone if followed up by another pregnancy.

If you want to improve your body post-pregnancy and childbirth through a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), we can help you. The Lotus Institute offers cosmetic, Plastic and laser surgery, as well as non-surgical treatments. You can trust our team of qualified and highly skilled surgeons, nurses, and staff to give you the best care possible. Contact us today to learn more about our services.