Get back your pre-pregnancy youthful figure with tummy tuck. (Image courtesy John on Flickr via CC BY 2.0 Generic)
What do mommies want most this Christmas? A tummy tuck, and not electrical appliances, designer handbags, or a cruise vacation. That’s because mommies want to get back their pre-pregnancy tummies and rock in their LBDs this coming party season. Pregnancy and childbirth take a toll on a woman’s body; the rapid weight gain and weight loss during these periods show up as loose muscles and sagging skin. A tummy tuck is a minimally-invasive procedure that helps mommies regain their youthful and toned pre-baby figures.
Why Do Mommies Need Tummy Tuck?
During pregnancy, the muscles in the abdominal region are stretched to accommodate the growing baby. But often, these muscles do not contract afterwards and instead, take on a flaccid appearance. During pregnancy, mommies-to-be gain weight and the skin on their abdomens stretch to accommodate their larger muscles and the growing baby. Although many mothers shed this weight after delivering the baby, their abdominal skin loses elasticity and becomes loose and drooping.
Exercise and dieting usually cannot reverse these issues. A tummy tuck is the answer to limpid abdominal muscles and sagging skin.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
During a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes an incision running across the hips and just near the bikini line to lessen the appearance of the scar. He also makes another incision around the belly button. Through these incisions, the surgeon realigns the muscles, sucks out fat tissues, and pulls down the loose folds of skin to create a tauter appearance. The procedure takes around two hours to complete.
A mini tummy tuck procedure is recommended for mommies who have fewer pockets of pregnancy fat in their abdominal regions. During a mini tummy tuck, no cut is made around the belly button and the incision near the bikini line is also smaller.
What to Expect During the Tummy Tuck Recovery Period
Like any other surgical procedure, a tummy tuck too has side effects like mild pain, swelling, and bruising. You will have to wear a binder for a few weeks after the surgery to aid the healing process. If you work out regularly, you will have a speedier recovery. The results of the tummy tuck are visible right after the surgery. The toned look improves gradually as the swelling subsides.
Why is Tummy Tuck Ideal for Mommies?
Mommies have a lot on their plates. Whether you have a little baby or school-going kids to take care of, you are always short on time. You cannot spend hours working out. Nor can you experiment with diets and then risk crashing out. But you want to look good too. A tummy tuck lets you get back your pre-baby youthful and toned look without needing to take time out from your busy-mum schedule.
Being a mum is the most glorious experience in a woman’s life. Don’t let a sagging tummy take away from your looks and mar the joys of motherhood. Make sure that you fit in a tummy tuck when you create a wish-list for Santa Claus. He will be delighted to grant you your wish because you deserve this gift for being the caring and hard-working mommy that you are!
Douglas S. Steinbrech, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He is certified by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. 