Abdominoplasty after childbirth. What women often face after childbirth. Solution to the problem.

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) after childbirth is a very common correction. It helps restore the shape of the abdomen after childbirth: tighten the skin, remove excess fat, and also eliminate stretch marks.

In the postpartum period, which lasts 6-8 months, the woman’s body launches a “recovery program” - the production of collagen and fibroblasts is activated. That is why any physical activity gives very good results. It is important not to miss this opportunity given by nature to recover after childbirth and return to its former shape, including a flat stomach.

However, if time is still lost, more serious interventions will help restore the beauty of the abdomen.
Muscle diastasis (separation) is an indication for abdominoplasty and one of the most common phenomena after childbirth.
In addition, many women who have given birth develop a so-called “apron” - loose skin that partially does not shrink and cannot be eliminated with physical exercise. It can be removed surgically - using abdominoplasty, but not earlier than 6-8 months after birth.

Excess skin that is removed using classic abdominoplasty cannot be removed by other methods. Or rather, they can be reduced if, in the first months after childbirth, you take charge of your health and get in shape. But any operations during this period are contraindicated. The main reason for contraindications is that medicine has not studied the possible consequences. After childbirth, a woman’s hormonal levels change and she may gain or lose weight. Sometimes it's unpredictable. Therefore, doctors are careful not to perform operations on young mothers in the first 6-8 months after childbirth.

Planned surgical interventions can be carried out only against the background of a stable condition, when the contours take on reliable shape and condition.

Indications for tummy tuck after childbirth

Indications:
• abdominal muscle stretch;
• excess skin;
• fat deposits;
• rough, unaesthetic scar after cesarean section;
• hernias;
• stretch marks.

If the situation is not too advanced, there is the possibility of a “gentle” influence. Mini abdominoplasty or endoscopic abdominoplasty are options for abdominal surgery after childbirth with less intervention.

If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future, it is better to have abdominoplasty after the birth of another child.

Contraindications:
• diabetes;
• heart and pulmonary failure;
• obesity;
• pregnancy;
• planned pregnancy (in the near future);
• insufficient period from childbirth (6-9 months after is the optimal time);
• insufficient time from previous tummy tuck.

Abdominoplasty Options

A lift can be performed in two ways. If there is a significant excess of tissue, a full abdominoplasty is performed. During the operation, a large flap of skin is removed from the navel to the pubic line. The remaining skin is pulled down and at the same time the navel is moved to a new position.

Results of the operation

Technique of the operation

In each specific case, the surgical technique is selected individually. In some cases, with abdominoplasty after childbirth, it is possible to do without any incisions at all. This applies to endoscopic intervention, where surgical correction is done through tiny punctures.

The main load when carrying a child during pregnancy falls on the abdominal wall and pelvic organs. Moreover, nature miraculously provides for the physiological displacement of organs so that the child feels comfortable.

The abdominal wall consists of several layers: skin, subcutaneous fat layer, aponeurosis, muscles, peritoneum. The function of the frame is performed by muscles and aponeurosis (layers of connective tissue that surround muscle fibers). Accordingly, in order to tighten the stomach, you need to strengthen the muscle frame - the aponeurosis. In some cases this can be done endoscopically. The muscle fibers are sutured and the abdomen becomes flatter. This correction allows you to return not only to work, but also to active activities within 2 weeks.

Indications and contraindications for abdominoplasty

This operation not only allows you to restore the body to an aesthetic and attractive appearance, but also helps prevent prolapse of internal organs in the abdominal cavity. Abdominoplasty helps eliminate the following causes of changes in the shape of the abdomen:

• excess subcutaneous adipose tissue;
• excess skin;
• defects of the muscle corset (separation of the abdominal muscles).

Contraindications to abdominoplasty:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• acute infections;
• bleeding disorders;
• diabetes;
• oncological diseases.

Rehabilitation

A separate set of contraindications to tummy tuck after childbirth is associated with the rehabilitation period. For a long time after abdominoplasty (2-4 weeks), you should refrain from physical activity and do not lift heavy objects. As doctors say, “don’t wear anything heavier than a makeup bag.” And if a young mother has a child in her arms who requires constant care and attention, it is almost impossible to avoid stress. It is important that your loved ones treat rehabilitation with understanding and help you in every possible way after tummy tuck after childbirth.

Take this seriously and get yourself help in the early postoperative period!

Video

Example of abdominoplasty after childbirth

Preparation for abdominoplasty

Before abdominoplasty, laboratory and hardware tests are carried out to identify contraindications and assess the patient’s health status. The results of diagnostic measures are assessed by an anesthesiologist and a surgeon, and during the consultation of the latter, correction tactics are additionally developed:

• the location and area of ​​intervention are determined;
• the need to move the navel;
• the need for simultaneous liposuction.

Surgeons strongly advise before and after abdominoplasty to limit smoking (at least 2 weeks before), stop taking a number of medications (NSAIDs, anticoagulants) for 1 month after, and avoid physical and psycho-emotional stress.

Abdominoplasty

Plastic surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts 1–3 hours. After surgery, the patient remains in the clinic under medical supervision for 1–2 days.

Throughout the recovery period after abdominoplasty, physical activity is limited, and wearing compression garments is recommended. You can return to work in 2–3 weeks (this depends on the nature of the work and the person’s general well-being).

Sometimes, in addition to abdominoplasty, the patient also needs a soft tissue tightening on the back and sides. This need arises with significant weight loss (50–100 kg). In this case, we recommend another type of operation - a circular body lift or torsoplasty.

Abdominoplasty in our clinic is often combined with liposuction - removal of excess fatty tissue on the abdomen. Prices for such an operation are presented on the website.

Cost of tummy tuck after childbirth

How much does tummy tuck cost after childbirth? The price of the correction depends on the type of operation, which is determined according to your indications: for example, a mini abdominoplasty will cost less than a full operation. You can find the price list of our center below.

In reviews of abdominoplasty after childbirth, our patients note an improved aesthetic appearance of the abdomen, the absence of a fatty apron, stretch marks, and the opportunity to wear spectacular tight-fitting clothes and a bikini after the operation (the seam is hidden in the underwear area).

Abdominoplasty without navel transfer

This is the second option of surgery, also called a mini abdominoplasty. In this case, the navel is not transferred. The operation differs from the previous version in that the upper edge of the excised tissue flap is located significantly below the level of the belt, and its size is smaller compared to full abdominoplasty.

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There is also liposuction

We must also not forget about the unique capabilities of the skin; after childbirth, it will tighten itself a little naturally. But if your body’s efforts seem ineffective, then after six to eight months you can take care of your appearance with the help of qualified specialists. By the way, they won’t necessarily immediately offer you abdominoplasty. Small fat deposits can be removed using liposuction. And if you are undergoing a serious abdominoplasty operation, with excision of adipose tissue, removal of a skin flap, suturing of muscles, hernioplasty, then it is better to plan this for the period when the body has fully recovered after childbirth.

An experienced plastic surgeon will restore the beauty of your belly, and then you will again remember the “mini bikini”, or even buy a couple of new, open and bright ones!

Author: Dudnik A.P.

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Don't believe the photos on Instagram

Instagram is full of photos of flat tummies, captions: “the third day after giving birth... a week after giving birth.”

It has long been known that the most talented plastic surgeon is Mr. Photoshop. But there are also offers from real plastic surgeons who advertise so-called beauty births.

This name hides a simultaneous caesarean section and abominoplasty.

It sounds, of course, tempting... But abdominoplasty is a serious operation, combining it with an equally serious abdominal one - a cesarean section - is quite dangerous for the health of the woman in labor: the time of anesthesia, the volume of surgical intervention and, accordingly, surgical trauma increases. And the healing time increases. This means that the young mother will take longer to recover after childbirth.

Specifics of rehabilitation after abdominoplasty

The duration of the recovery period depends on the amount of correction performed. On average, recovery after abdominoplasty takes 1–3 weeks, a set of measures includes:

• drug therapy (anti-inflammatory, painkillers, antibiotics are prescribed) - to relieve pain and prevent infections;
• special exercises (on the 4th–5th day after surgery) - in order to stimulate blood circulation, prevent congestion and activate regenerative mechanisms;
• wearing compression stockings (to prevent the formation of blood clots in the vessels of the lower extremities), a bandage and special underwear - to fix the tissues in a new position and speedy healing of the suture after abdominoplasty;
• changing dressings - during the first days after surgery, manipulation is carried out up to 3 times a day, then (until the sutures are removed, usually within 14 days) as prescribed by the doctor;
• exclusion of thermal procedures, insolation.

In the postoperative period after abdominoplasty, patients may be bothered by pain and muscle tightness - without special treatment, they disappear within a few weeks. Swelling of the tissues of the abdominal wall can persist for up to six months.

To maintain the aesthetic effect of abdominoplasty, a properly organized lifestyle with a balanced, nutritious diet and regular physical activity is necessary.

Abdominoplasty after caesarean section

The birth of several babies necessarily leaves marks on the female figure. If the birth was accompanied by surgery, the marks will be especially noticeable. To return a woman to her usual body contours, the plastic surgery clinic recommends performing abdominoplasty after a cesarean section. A highly professional doctor at the plastic surgery center, Alexander Alexandrovich Markushin, will offer the best option for correcting figure flaws. By strictly following all the instructions of the attending physician, it will be easier for the patient to overcome the rehabilitation period, returning her stomach and figure to a beautiful appearance, making it impeccably smooth. The scar after a cesarean section will become as invisible as possible.

Important!

According to the recommendations of gynecologists, combining a cesarean section and abdominoplasty is too dangerous for life, so it is not worth the risk.

Giving birth to a child is a difficult process, requiring the full mobilization of all the resources of the female body. There are situations when the natural birth of a baby is difficult for a number of objective reasons or medical indications. A caesarean section in itself is a serious stress for mother and baby. Any mistake or sudden change in the condition of a woman’s body can be fatal for the woman in labor and the newborn. Increasing the risk with abdominoplasty is very dangerous.

Why is tummy tuck undesirable during caesarean section?

The process of bringing a new person into the world is a mystery fraught with many dangers that are not easy to overcome. A woman’s body is subjected to great physical and psychological stress; additional surgery cannot be performed at this moment.

Excision of large tissue flaps requires prolonged anesthesia. Medicines used for anesthesia sharply reduce the quality of breast milk.

Restoring the body after a caesarean section is a long, complex process, associated with the risk of various complications. It is not advisable to add new problems to this list, since this seriously increases additional risks.

During gestation, the uterus and abdominal muscle tissue increases several times. The network of vessels in the fetal formation zone expands. To undergo abdominoplasty before the body has fully recovered and returned to its normal state means putting the woman at serious risk. In addition, until the uterus is completely contracted and the skin is restored, it is impossible to understand how the figure will change.

No one does a caesarean section together with an abdominoplasty, since two simultaneous complex operations increase the risk of an undesirable outcome.

Do tummy tuck after cesarean at the right time!

It takes at least a year to fully restore the body after a complex operation. During this time, normal hormonal levels are restored, and internal organs begin to function as usual. The period of breastfeeding is over; the release of medications used for anesthesia into the bloodstream will not harm the baby.

• During the consultation, after a visual examination, the plastic surgeon chooses a technique, demonstrating to the patient how the figure will change on the 3D model.
• Abdominoplasty after cesarean section eliminates ptosis and smoothes out the scar that spoils the appearance.
• The incision for a caesarean section is made just above the pubic bone, so the plastic surgeon will remove a flap of dermis and remove the damaged area, leaving a thin scar that will be hidden under underwear.
• The operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes up to three hours.
• Minor incisions are made in the area around the navel to then place it in a new place in the center of the abdomen.
• The tissue is cut above the pubic area, and the skin-fat flap is pulled downwards. Excess fragments are cut off.
• Sutures are placed below the bikini area. Cosmetic technology makes the scar almost invisible.

On a note!

If you are planning a new pregnancy, you should not have a tummy tuck, because the skin and muscles will stretch again and ptosis will appear again.

Rehabilitation after abdominoplasty, which removed traces of a caesarean section

Relatives and family members should know that after a complex operation a woman will need maximum support in order to relieve her from physical exertion. All household chores during the first two months will have to be done by family members.

You will have to wear a bandage to support your abdominal muscles for several months. These can be special panties, a belt or a bodysuit. During the first weeks, the compensation underwear is worn without being removed, even while sleeping.

The first months will require radical lifestyle changes. Any load is completely eliminated. You can walk only slightly bent until the incision is completely healed. No baths, saunas, solariums or hot tubs. After the surgeon allows it, you can take a slightly warm shower.

Nutrition must also undergo a major change. You should not overuse sweet, fatty or spicy foods, as the body will strive to return to its original state, gaining weight. A large amount of fresh vegetables and cereals stabilizes the gastrointestinal tract, relieving constipation and gas formation.

When planning to have a tummy tuck after a cesarean section, you should know that this does not eliminate excess weight. On the contrary, if you are obese, the surgeon will refuse to perform abdominoplasty. To begin with, a young mother must lose extra pounds so that her muscles gain the necessary elasticity. If the body weight before plastic surgery is greater than normal, the risks of complications increase several times.

Only by giving up bad habits, leading an active lifestyle, and eating right can you return your figure to graceful harmony. The plastic surgery clinic provides every opportunity to quickly realize a woman’s dream, to restore an attractive figure by getting rid of unsightly scars.