The Differences Between Tummy Tuck Post-Pregnancy & Post-Weight Loss
With body shaping contour procedures in Sydney becoming increasingly popular, it’s important to learn about the main differences in results depending on the reason for undergoing a tummy tuck.
We find that both men and women who desire a tummy tuck surgery in Sydney do it in hopes of improved aesthetic results. However, body shape changes can happen for various reasons, which can impact how you should proceed.
Why Do People Get Tummy Tucks?
A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that helps create a flatter, more toned abdominal area. While it’s often associated with cosmetic benefits, the motivations behind opting for a tummy tuck go beyond aesthetics.
Reclaiming Their Body Post-Pregnancy
Many women experience stretched abdominal muscles and loose skin that can’t be fully reversed with exercise alone. A tummy tuck post-pregnancy can tighten those muscles and remove excess skin, helping mums feel more confident in their bodies again.
2. Addressing the Aftereffects of Weight Loss
Loose, sagging skin is a common issue for those who have achieved significant weight loss, whether naturally or through bariatric surgery. The excess skin can hang around the abdomen, preventing people from fully enjoying the results of their hard work. A tummy tuck helps contour the body, removing the skin and revealing a more defined silhouette.
3. Achieving Body Contouring Goals
Sometimes, no matter how much effort goes into diet and exercise, achieving a flat and toned stomach can feel impossible. This is often due to genetic factors, weak abdominal muscles, or skin that has lost elasticity. A tummy tuck provides a solution by addressing issues that workouts can’t fix.
Tummy Tuck Techniques
There are two main types of tummy tucks:
The Comprehensive Technique:
Arguably the most popular technique amongst most patients, this tummy tuck restores the abdomen above and below the belly button. The incision goes from hipbone to hipbone, ensuring it’s as low as possible from the surrounding skin and tissue.
The Mini Tummy Tuck:
This uses a technique similar to the comprehensive tummy tuck; however, this incision is significantly smaller. The belly button is left in its original position, and the amount of skin dissection and muscle tightening is also limited.
Tummy Tuck Post-Pregnancy Considerations
The joy life brings to women once becoming a mum is second to none, but we find a lot of patients are unhappy about some of the physical changes that can happen as a result of pregnancy. The separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) is extremely common in women post-pregnancy, affecting two-thirds of pregnant women. This can create a “pooch” that won’t go away with diet and exercise.
Mums also experience extra skin, created as their baby grows, that remains after the uterus returns to its normal size. You’ll find postpartum tummy tuck before and after images will show off the rectified flappy skin after tummy tuck post-pregnancy.
How Long Should You Wait Post-Pregnancy Before Considering A Tummy Tuck?
Although it’s safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck, trusted Sydney cosmetic surgeon Dr Rhys van der Rijt advises that patients should wait until they’re completely done having children, as pregnancy will re-stretch the skin and abdominal muscles. It’s best to wait at least six months post-pregnancy to undergo the tummy tuck post-pregnancy procedure. There are a few different reasons for this waiting period:
The stomach needs time to heal internally
Pregnancy hormones take months to stabilise
New mothers need to be able to bend over often to pick up their children
As you’ll need to undergo anesthesia, you’ll need to be done breastfeeding so anesthesia isn’t transmitted via breast milk
As breastfeeding can also impact the look and firmness of breasts, many ‘mummy makeovers’ surgery post pregnancy in Sydney involves both a tummy tuck and breast enhancement.
Tummy Tuck Post-Weight Loss Considerations
Those who have lost a significant amount of weight are also common patients for tummy tucks. Tummy tucks can help with some key concerns that impact people who have lost a considerable amount of weight, including:
Overhanding lower skin belly
Remaining fat
Stretch marks
Keep in mind that the tummy tuck procedure is not complete for weight loss purposes. Before undergoing this procedure, you should be close to or at your goal weight.
Explore Your Tummy Tuck Post-Pregnancy or Post-Weight Loss Options
If you’re interested in learning more about postpartum tummy tuck before and after and post-weight loss body contouring, the next step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon. During this appointment, you can discuss your goals, learn more about the procedures involved and work with your surgeon to develop a treatment plan.
Dr Rhys van der Rijt is a plastic surgeon specialising in restorative correction surgery. Book in your consultation at the Surry Hills, Sydney, clinic today.
