The physical changes brought about by pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s body image and, correspondingly, her self-esteem. One often hears about celebrities giving birth and losing weight seemingly at the drop of a hat, which could all too easily lead to an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy. Fortunately, new moms can take advantage of a cosmetic procedure that can take inches off the belly, improve the appearance of stretch marks, and reveal a slimmer silhouette: abdominoplasty, more popularly known as a tummy tuck in Baltimore.
Put simply, this procedure entails the surgical removal of excess fat and skin as well as the tightening of the abdominal wall. This contouring technique goes beyond mere vanity as it also has a number of health benefits. For instance, a Swiss study notes that people who underwent abdominoplasty after considerable weight loss often keep excess weight off more successfully than those who do did not. In addition, those who have a tighter abdomen find it easier to sustain a more active lifestyle as one is less likely to feel self-conscious or feel undue stress on one’s joints.
Smart Beauty Guide cites the following factors women need to consider before they undergo tummy tuck surgery, especially if diet and exercise have failed to restore their pre-pregnancy forms:
Aging, heredity, pregnancy, prior surgery or weight fluctuations have left you with extra skin on your abdomen, abdominal muscle weakness, or both.
You do not smoke. Smoking slows down the healing process and increases the risk of serious complications during and after surgery. If you smoke, you must quit at least six weeks before surgery.
Your weight is stable. Slender individuals with extra fat and loose skin in the lower tummy are the best candidates; if you are generally obese, this procedure is not appropriate for you.
If you have a significant amount of intra-abdominal fat surrounding your internal organs, you may need to slim down before considering a tummy tuck.
You are physically healthy. You must be in relatively good physical shape to tolerate this procedure.
You are finished having children. The muscles that are repaired during an abdominoplasty can separate again during future pregnancy.
In any case, it is always advisable to have realistic expectations about tummy tuck surgery. An experienced Baltimore tummy tuck surgeon such as Dr. Jeffrey Schreiber sits down with patients to discuss the risks and benefits, as well as their goals and motivations for wanting to undergo such an invasive procedure. Such a surgeon may recommend a particular type of abdominal contouring—e.g. full, extended, circumferential, or mini—depending on the results a patient is after.
(Source: Tummy Tuck, Smart Beauty Guide)