Can I Get a Flat Stomach After Having Children?
Motherhood is a beautiful journey for so many women; however, the significant changes to the body that pregnancy can bring can be difficult to reverse on one’s own. This can be particularly true when it comes to the abdominal area. While a healthy diet and exercise routines are helpful in numerous ways, sometimes they are not enough to flatten the stomach or improve abdominal contours following pregnancy. The good news is, plastic surgery procedures that focus on enhancing and refining body contours, such as tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, or a comprehensive Mommy Makeover, can be highly effective for helping women achieve a flatter, more fit-looking abdomen.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the most effective procedures for achieving a flat stomach after pregnancy. This treatment involves removing excess skin from the abdomen and tightening the underlying muscles, which often become stretched, torn, and weakened during pregnancy. Tummy tuck surgery is capable of creating a firmer, flatter abdominal wall, eliminating excess skin, redraping and smoothing the remaining skin, and ultimately restoring the abdomen to its pre-pregnancy contour.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure designed to remove stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. If excess fat deposits that have collected in the abdomen are compromising a flat appearance following pregnancy, this treatment can address that concern. With that in mind, it will not have an effect on excess abdominal skin or loose musculature in the area—a tummy tuck would be necessary to improve those conditions. However, if the problem is primarily caused by excess fat, liposuction may serve as an effective standalone procedure to give the stomach a flatter look. In many cases, both excess skin and fat are contributing to the concern, and therefore a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck surgery may be recommended.
Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover is a comprehensive approach that combines several procedures to address multiple areas commonly affected by pregnancy and childbirth. This customizable package of treatments typically includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast procedures (augmentation, lift, or reduction); however, the specific options selected are based on your unique needs and goals. Tummy tuck and/or liposuction can be ideal selections in a Mommy Makeover for women who would like to achieve a flatter stomach after pregnancy.
Choosing the Right Procedure
Deciding which procedure is right for you depends on your specific concerns and desired outcomes. During a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. James F. Boynton, will talk with you about your needs and answer any questions you may have about specific treatments and what they may be able to achieve. Once you and Dr. Boynton have agreed on the best way forward, he can develop a customized treatment plan designed to meet your goals with beautiful, natural-looking results.
A flat stomach after having children is indeed possible, and many women have experienced great success with these types of procedures. If you have additional questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boynton, please contact us today.