Body After Baby
Pregnancy has a major impact on a woman’s body, and it can be difficult for your abdomen to bounce back, even after losing weight and getting on the treadmill regularly. Though it is possible to lose the excess fat that accumulates over the course of pregnancy in the abdomen, hips and waist, over-stretched muscles and loose skin cannot be improved with diet and exercise. However, a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) can help flatten the tummy and restore your pre-baby body.
Tummy tuck surgery generally takes three or more hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. It is usually performed under general anesthesia in Dr. Schwartz’ fully accredited Park Avenue office surgical suite, or in a hospital setting depending on patient preference. The goal of tummy tuck surgery is to tighten lax muscles while removing excess skin and fat and reshaping the abdominal area. Dr. Schwartz will place your incision low on the abdomen just below the pubic hairline so the resulting scar is easily concealed in lingerie and bikinis.
There are several tummy tuck variations, and Park Avenue board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark H. Schwartz will recommend the best approach for you depending on the extent of repair necessary to restore the appearance of your body after baby. The “mini tummy tuck” involves a shorter incision, and is usually reserved only for women who need just a minor repair to achieve their desired results. An “extended tummy tuck” involves a longer incision to allow for the removal of more excess skin and fat. Lastly, the “fleur de lis tummy tuck” adds a vertical incision that for even more tightening from the sides of the abdomen. Depending on the appearance of your body after baby, your goals and tolerance for downtime, additional procedures can be performed at the time of a tummy tuck. For example, Dr. Schwartz frequently combines liposuction for the waist, thighs, and hips at the same time, as needed.
Immediately after surgery, you will wear compression garments and a temporary drainage tube may be placed beneath the skin. Dr. Schwartz will provide specific post-procedure care instructions and activity limitations, but expect about three to four weeks of recovery time—and long-lasting results when you commit to a healthy diet and fitness routine.
To find out more about tummy tuck options, consult with board-certified New York plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Schwartz, at 212.737.9090.
