Pregnancy is taxing on a woman’s body. The process includes rapid weight gain and can leave behind stretch marks, separated abdominal muscles, and loose skin long after childbirth that no amount of exercise can reverse. Fortunately, Toronto’s experienced team at Elements Spa — led by board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar — can help! An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, can repair muscle elasticity and flatten the ‘mummy tummy,’ giving women their pre-baby look back. In this article, we’ll be explaining the best timing and available procedures to address a postpartum belly so you can go back to focusing on your family and daily life.
Our bodies don’t tolerate rapid weight gain as well as weight gained gradually over time. While many first time moms may find their bodies snap back fairly easily after one baby, things can change after their bodies experience a second or third pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman’s abdominal muscles and skin stretch leaving a wide gap between the muscles to make room for a growing baby. At Elements Spa, Dr. Adibfar works closely with moms to bring the muscles back while addressing any lax skin that won’t shrink or revert to its pre-pregnancy shape.
For mothers considering a tummy tuck, there are certain factors to consider, most importantly, when’s the best time to undergo the procedure. Mothers typically should wait at least 3-6 months minimum after childbirth. Patients should also make sure they are not nursing and are certain they have concluded their childbearing years. All women’s bodies are different. For some, waiting a little longer, until their bodies have stabilized in weight, is ideal and can take some time.
Sagging skin that many mothers find hanging on their belly simply does not disappear without intervention. For mothers who have undergone a C-section, Dr. Adibfar can use the scar as part of the tummy tuck. He can therefore fix or reposition the scar to conceal it in the underwear line for minimal visibility. When Dr. Adibfar has access to the abdominals, he can remove any excess or lax skin, reattach the abdominal muscles from top to bottom, bring in the waistline, and flatten the stomach resulting in a contoured and tapered waistline that is completely transformed.
Many mothers find that using surgery to regain their prebaby figure greatly helps their self-confidence. While some mothers may only require small corrections, others may require more. Patients should be sure to arrange for help during recovery which can last anywhere around 6 weeks or longer. Patients will also have to restrict physical activity and will need to take antibiotics and pain medication. Drainage tubes will likely be required as well so patients are advised to arrange for extra help as needed.
Click here to learn more or to book a consultation with one of Toronto’s leading board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeons, Dr. Adibfar.