For many women, pregnancy causes the abdominal skin to become loose and saggy, and the abdominal muscles to stretch and separate. Together, these issues cause what looks like a pouch or a “pooch” in the lower abdomen. Unfortunately no amount of exercise or healthy eating can rectify a post-pregnancy pooch. The question is — can a tummy tuck adequately solve the problem? Dr. Rob Kessler, plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, has the answer here.
What Tummy Tuck Accomplishes
If you are self-conscious of a pooch and exploring tummy tuck as a possible solution, you should be relieved to know that tummy tuck is perfectly suited to correct the abdominal problems caused by pregnancy.
During the tummy tuck procedure, liposuction is used to remove excess fat deposits. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is tightened. The abdominal muscles are also repaired and stitched together in a corset-like pattern. The goal of these procedural steps is to create a flatter and firmer abdomen and a slimmer waistline.
Some women believe that liposuction alone is enough to reduce their pooch, but they are mistaken. While liposuction is perfect for removing fat (and is incorporated into tummy tuck), it won’t have any effect on the quality of the skin. The only way that liposuction alone would help is if the amount of fat was minimal and the elasticity of the skin was at its normal pre-pregnancy state.
Discuss Your Treatment Goals with Your Surgeon
The most important thing to remember is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon and explain your specific areas of concern — pooch or otherwise. You should also describe the way you hope to look after surgery. The surgeon can examine your anatomy and, based on this examination, provide you with specific recommendations tailored to your individual needs and goals. If you have had multiple children, it is likely that the surgeon will recommend a tummy tuck (that is what is suggested to the majority of mothers).
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler to discuss your particular “problem areas,” please contact Kessler Plastic Surgery. You can reach us by calling 949.644.6544 or by sending us an email.
