Real patient depicted, but your results may vary.
While a flat and toned abdomen is a common objective after having a baby, many women can’t always reach their desired goals on their own. A tummy tuck at my Austin, TX, practice can help you finally get back your pre-baby body.
How does pregnancy affect your body?
It’s no secret that during pregnancy your body goes through a world of changes. Aside from your growing belly, your hair can become curlier, your skin can break out, and your breasts can increase a few cup sizes, among other things. However, after you have your baby, you’ll notice that some changes disappear, while others remain. These include:
- Stretch marks, especially on the abdomen, caused by the skin stretching too far or too fast. Like all scars, stretch marks can improve with time, but they usually don’t completely disappear.
- Diastasis recti, a condition caused by the separation of stretched abdominal muscles and which leads women to notice that their stomachs continue to protrude even after giving birth.
- Urinary incontinence, which is common after having multiple children.
- Loose skin on the lower abdomen after having a one or more babies.
What is diastasis recti?
If you still look pregnant months after giving birth, you may have diastasis recti. This condition occurs when the muscles in your abdomen separate during pregnancy. As your tummy expands, the connective tissues stretch, which allows the rectus abdominis to pull apart. Regardless of how many sit-ups and ab exercises you do, it may be impossible to fully correct the issue. When this occurs, the muscles will only return to their original position with surgical intervention.
To check if you have diastasis recti, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Press your fingers gently near your belly button and slowly lift your head, moving your chin toward your chest. If you feel a gap of at least two finger widths between the muscles, you most likely have diastasis recti.
How can a tummy tuck restore your pre-baby body?
A tummy tuck can not only provide you with a smooth midsection, it can also:
- Correct diastasis recti (learn more)
- Reduce urinary incontinence
- Minimize stretch marks in the lower abdomen
During your procedure, I will first tighten the underlying muscles, which has aesthetic and functional benefits. Many women report improved posture and reduced back pain after this type of muscle repair. If you experience urinary incontinence, I can also make sure to address that during the tummy tuck procedure.
Next, I will remove excess skin in the lower part of your midsection and re-drape the remaining skin over your newly sculpted tummy. Most women experience stretch marks in the lower abdomen, and since this skin is being removed, the stretch marks will, of course, be removed as well.
For a real-life example of the tummy tuck journey from a mom’s perspective, you need look no further than our very own Surgical Care Coordinator, who shared her experience when she decided to “take the plunge” herself.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Good candidates for abdominoplasty:
- Are in good overall health
- Have a realistic expectation for their results
- Are done having children
- Are unhappy with excess skin, protruding tummies, stretch marks, etc.
- Don’t smoke
- Are close to their ideal weight
I recommend that patients aren’t planning to have more children because a future pregnancy can compromise the results. It is possible and safe to bear children post-abdominoplasty; however, for cosmetic reasons, it is a good idea to wait to have your surgery. If you do decide to have more children after a tummy tuck, you always have the option of revision surgery if needed.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with any other procedures?
As you know, pregnancy can affect more than just your lower tummy. I often combine tummy tuck procedures with liposuction and breast enhancements to provide moms with comprehensive rejuvenation. This combination procedure, called a “mommy makeover,” is completely customizable depending on your unique needs. These transformative results can be maintained by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Many women at my practice enjoy their results for several years.
Want to learn more about tummy tuck surgery at The Piazza Center? If you are ready to take the next steps, request a consultation online or give us a call at (512) 551-1067.
