Posted September 26, 2010 in mommy makeover, plastic surgery, Tummy Tuck
The Mommy Makeover is a very popular procedure, with increasing interest among women whose bodies have undergone unwelcome changes after having children. This “procedure” is actually a combination of procedures, dealing with the changes that occur at both the breasts and the abdomen. This article (part one of a series) will first address what can be done for the abdomen; later posts will discuss the breast options.
Pregnancy stretches the abdominal skin, and pushes apart the abdominal muscles. After delivery, typically there is an excess of skin that does not return to its normal state. It is quite common to have unsightly stretch marks, and folds of redundant skin that make it difficult to fit comfortably in clothes. The stretching of the abdominal muscles createsa “pooch” of the lower abdomen, which is impossible to correct with even the most rigorous of exercise programs. Most women shy away from wearing bathing suits because of the embarrassment of how this looks, and are no longer comfortable letting anyone see them without clothes.
Fortunately, there is a great option available to these ladies that is highly effective at removing and correcting these issues. The “Tummy Tuck” (or abdominoplasty) is a simple surgical procedure, done on an outpatient basis, that can effectively and permanently correct these issues.
In this procedure, the excess skin and fatty tissue of the lower abdomen is marked and resected. Most patients are amazed at the amount of tissue that is taken away. This maneuver removes the excess skin, fat and also the overlying stretch marks. The next important part of this procedure repairs the stretched muscles of the abdominal wall, making the abdomen firm and correcting the lower fullness that is common when these muscles are stretched out.
This procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis, using a general anesthetic – the patients go home to recuperate in the comfort of their own home. Recovery times vary from patient to patient, and you should allow about 2 weeks before you can resume most of your pre-surgical activities. Heavy lifting and more strenuous activities are discouraged for a total of 6-8 weeks. The incision is placed quite low on the abdomen, and in most cases should not be visible in bathing suits or when wearing underwear. As with all surgical incisions, it will be pink early on, but as the incision matures it will fade to a pale line.
The Tummy Tuck can make a dramatic change in a woman’s appearance and self-esteem. It can permanently correct the problems associated with pregnancy, including the excess skin, fatty tissue, and stretch marks of the abdomen.For more information, visit our web site at www.concannonplasticsurgery.com