Pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s body. Unfortunately, some changes caused by pregnancy can’t be reversed through a strict diet and regular exercise alone. A tummy tuck at our plastic surgery center in Toronto is a great way to get back your pre-baby body when other strategies fall short.
How does pregnancy affect a woman’s body?
Pregnancy can affect your body in a number of ways. Most of these changes are temporary, but a few can only be reversed through surgical intervention.
One of these changes is called diastasis recti. This condition occurs when the 6-pack muscles of the abdomen stretch apart during pregnancy and do not return to their original position after childbirth. Pregnancy also can leave women with excess abdominal skin. In particular, if the skin does not have much elasticity, it may not bounce back to its pre-pregnancy shape. Regardless of how many ab exercises you do, these types of issues will most likely not resolve on their own, but they can be corrected through tummy tuck surgery.
What makes a good tummy tuck candidate?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are women who are in relatively good physical and mental health but are unhappy with the appearance of their lower abdomens. More specifically, tummy tuck patients at my practice have:
- Loose skin
- Separated ab muscles
- Realistic expectations
- A positive outlook
If you only have minimal loose skin, you may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. Additionally, some patients may benefit from combining their tummy tuck with liposuction for optimal results. During your consultation we can discuss which procedure will work best for your particular needs.
I typically recommend that patients considering a tummy tuck be done having children. Though it is possible and safe to have another child after a tummy tuck, it will likely compromise your results.
How does a tummy tuck correct changes caused by pregnancy?
To correct diastasis recti, I bring together and secure the muscles to their original position during your tummy tuck procedure. I then remove any excess or sagging skin and re-drape the remaining skin over the newly sculpted abdomen. Visit our photo gallery to see real patient results.
How long should a woman wait after giving birth to get a tummy tuck?
I advise patients to wait at least 3 months after they have stopped breastfeeding before scheduling a tummy tuck. Also, it is a good idea to be at or near your ideal weight before undergoing surgery. Not only should you be close to your goal weight, but you should also be at a stable weight. Constant weight fluctuations can affect your final results.
What is the recovery like?
Patients typically take a week off from work following a tummy tuck. During your initial recovery period you will need some extra help around the house, especially if you have small children. I recommend meal prepping if you are the sole cook in your household. I also recommend organizing carpools for your children during the first few days post-op because you will not be able to drive until you have stopped taking your prescribed pain pills.
If you want to discuss your options, request a consultation online or call our office at +1 (888) 925-7337.
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