If you recently lost weight or were pregnant, you may be dealing with droopy, sagging skin, and fat in your belly. This is a common issue for many women as they are left with a stomach that is nothing like it was when they were younger. While dropping weight or having a child is a joy, some problems can occur as a side effect.
The good news is that a tummy tuck can be a terrific option for women who want to improve their shape and self-esteem.
SEE ALSO: Tummy Tuck Explained
Some of the benefits of a tummy tuck after pregnancy or weight loss are:
- Cuts away extra skin: Depending on your genes, you could have looser skin that makes you look heavier than what you are. When you have loose skin from pregnancy or weight loss, getting back to your target weight may not give you the trim waistline you want.
- Fixed separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy: There is no number of situps or crunches that can fix abdominal muscles that are separated. This only can be fixed with surgical intervention.
- May get rid of stretch marks: Your surgeon may be able to reduce the appearance of some of your stretch marks if they are on some of the skin he removes. Your genes also are a factor with stretch marks, so you may particularly like this aspect of tummy tuck surgery.
- Self-esteem: While making yourself look the best after weight loss or pregnancy is the biggest goal, there’s no doubt that boosting your self-esteem is a huge plus. To restore your confidence, having a tummy tuck could be just what you need.
Below is more information about this popular procedure.
Tummy Tuck Overview
Losing weight or having a baby is lovely, but they both can come with a price. In addition to having loose, sagging skin in the belly, you also may have what is called diastasis recti.
This happens after pregnancy when the left and right sides of the abdominal muscles spread. The abdominal walls may no longer correctly support the internal organs and belly. So, you can look like you have a potbelly or paunch.
Depending on the recommendations of your plastic surgeon, you could be a candidate for one of three types of tummy tucks described below:
This tummy tuck procedure is the best choice for the weight loss or post-pregnancy candidate who needs the most correction. The full tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision from your pubic bone to the belly button.
Your surgeon will pull the skin back, remove extra fat, and repair the abdominal muscles as needed. The skin may be pulled down, and a new belly button may be made. The excess tissue is cut away. You will have a low scar, and your bathing suit or underwear can hide it.
A full tummy tuck can take two or three hours to complete. If you were pregnant, it’s wise to wait until about six months after childbirth to have this procedure.
Partial or Mini-Abdominoplasty
If you have less sagging skin after your weight loss or pregnancy, this could be a good tummy tuck option for you. It’s generally for the patient who only has loose skin below the belly button. Your surgeon will make the cut below the belly button, and the extra fat and skin are removed.
This type of tummy tuck could be appropriate for you after weight loss or pregnancy if you also have fat and extra skin in the sides and back. Your New Jersey plastic surgeon will also make incisions around the side and back to remove excess fat, and skin also includes the back region.
When you have extra skin and fat extending to the back, you may have liposuction in addition to the circumferential abdominoplasty.
What You Can Expect
If you think you want a tummy tuck after you lose weight or have a baby, it’s essential to understand what’s ahead:
- Consultation: Your plastic surgeon will review your physical condition and determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. As noted above, it’s essential to be close to your target weight before having this procedure. He’ll want to know the reasons you want a tummy tuck, the parts of your belly that concern you, and ensure you have reasonable expectations. Also, you must tell him about other operations you’ve had and medications you are currently taking.
- Procedure: Your tummy tuck procedure can vary, depending on your needs and where and how much your skin is sagging. Based on a physical exam, he’ll tell you if he thinks you should have a full, partial, or circumferential tummy tuck.
- Aftermath: After the procedure, your plastic surgeon will stitch the area and give you a compression garment. Wearing this garment is vital to ensure your skin will fit your new shape and contours.
- Recovery: Most tummy tuck patients can go back to work within a week. You also may have bruising and swelling for a few weeks. It can take up to three months to see your final results.
- Mommy Makeover Procedure. (n.d.). Retrieved from 
- Liposuction Procedure by Dr. Smita. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.drsmita.com/procedures/body/liposuction-new-jersey/