Becoming a mother can be one of the most satisfying experiences for women. What is not expected are the bodily changes that can occur after pregnancy, which can be permanent. Despite exercise, diets, sit-ups, and basic exercises, many women are unable to regain the flat stomach they had before pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the muscles of the abdominal wall stretch as the baby grows. Weight gain is necessary for a healthy baby. The skin along with the muscles are stretched. If the growth of the baby occurs faster than the skin stretches, stretch marks occur on the skin. Stretch marks are due to damage to the deeper structures of the skin. This is the reason why many lotions and potions that are sold do not remove stretch marks. Currently, there are some treatments that can improve (diminish the appearance) of stretch marks by stimulating collagen production. Some examples are Fraxel laser treatments and non-surgical skin tightening treatments such as Refirme and Thermage. When you lose weight after pregnancy, the skin is often loose and saggy.
Muscles are also stretched during pregnancy. After pregnancy, the tissue between the muscles cannot return to its previous state due to the amount of stretching that has occurred. The medical term is called diastasis. The tissue between the muscles (rectus abdominis) has been permanently stretched. This occurs more in some women than in others.
For many women, liposuction will not give them the flat look they want. The muscles are stretched and there is loose hanging skin. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty would be the best option in this case. In this procedure, muscles are tightened and loose skin is removed. The incision is horizontal and can be easily covered with underwear.
If there is excess fat primarily in the lower abdomen, liposuction may provide some improvement. Liposuction will not treat loose skin. Types of liposuction that involve heat, such as Vaser liposuction or various types of laser liposuction, may help shrink the skin better than standard liposuction.
It is important that you tell your plastic surgeon what your desired goals are to avoid disappointment after treatment. Unrealistic expectations can cause disappointment after any procedure.
