While you may be able to get back into your pre-baby jeans just a few weeks after childbirth, you won’t be alone if you find there’s an excess of skin overhanging the waist. The skin around the tummy becomes so stretched during pregnancy that it’s little wonder so many women are left with folds of flesh which are hard to shift with diet and exercise alone.
The plastic surgery solution for loose skin is an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. There are two types – a mini tummy tuck or a full abdominoplasty, the right approach will depend on the extent of the problem and the results you’d like to achieve. A full tummy tuck will remove excess and loose skin in the tummy as well as tighten any muscle separation. The scar for the procedure is usually very low and hidden by underwear. A mini tummy tuck will usually tighten a pouch of skin in the lower belly. For those with good upper abdominal muscles, this may be all that is necessary.
We’ve seen excellent results with both options on new mums who want a bit of help in getting back to their pre-baby shape, either as a stand-alone procedure or as part of a mummy makeover.
Is a tummy tuck right for you?
Only you can know whether a tummy tuck is the right option for you. To help you decide, we would welcome you to an initial consultation appointment where we can assess your body and give you a good idea of the results we expect to be able to achieve.
Abdominoplasty, whether a full or partial procedure, is major surgery, so it’s imperative you know what’s involved. The initial consultation appointment is our opportunity to talk to you in detail about what’s involved, and you can ask questions about any aspect.
In terms of timing, we always advise women that it’s best to wait until you’ve completed your family before you have a tummy tuck as you may lose some of the results of your surgery if your skin is stretched through another pregnancy.
Other ways to reduce excess skin after pregnancy
As well as a tummy tuck procedure, there are a number of other steps you can take to help improve the look of your tummy after pregnancy.
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Relax
The first thing to do when worrying about loose skin after pregnancy is to relax. Your body has just done an incredible job and deserves to be loved for what it has achieved. While it can be frustrating for women who want their pre-pregnancy body, do not stress about it too much and be thankful for its amazing ability. Use the time after childbirth to rest and enjoy your new bundle of joy.
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Lose weight, but slowly
If you have gained weight from pregnancy then it is essential to try and lose weight slowly. By dropping the weight off too fast, your skin does not have time to react. By losing it slowly, your skin can help to recover and regain its elasticity. Make sure to eat healthily so that you are looking after both yourself and your baby.
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Incorporate exercise
Exercise can help to tone your muscles, shed the baby weight and can help to minimise excess skin. Cardiovascular activities can help to shed the fat while strength and flexibility exercises will help to tighten and tone your body. When exercising it is important to let your instructor know you have just given birth as there may be some exercises that you should avoid.
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Treat your body
There are various treatments that you can apply to your body but be mindful that some expensive lotions may not be very effective. Drinking lots of water can help to hydrate the skin, improving its elasticity, while almond oil can help to reduce stretch marks. Skin creams with collagen and elastin can also help to firm your skin.
Find out more about what’s involved in abdominoplasty or get in touch to arrange an initial consultation.
