Pregnancy often leaves many women with folds of fat and excess skin around the lower midsection. In most cases, opting for a tummy tuck—mainly popular in the West—could help you achieve a flatter stomach. “The popularity of maternity makeovers is driving the demand for tummy tucks. After giving birth, many mothers try to regain their pre-pregnancy figure through diet and exercise. However, skin can lose elasticity and remain flabby despite weight loss. And so, women up to their early 40s are increasingly turning to tummy tuck surgery, 25% of which tummy tucks are tummy tucks, says Dr Dhruv Chavan, Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon at Clear Skin & Hair MD Clinics Pune. “Today, patients are more informed about the potential for skin laxity and are coming in directly asking for the procedure.”
Record rise in demand among new moms
The need for abdominoplasty comes from several sides, including liposuction. On how the demand is particularly high among new mums, plastic surgeon Dr Karishma Kagodu plastic and cosmetic surgeon and founder of Dr Karishma’s Aesthetics (Kaesthetics), states: “A tummy tuck helps to straighten, tighten and smooth the muscles in abdominal wall. For patients who have had a general weight loss journey, the skin is left taut and loose and loose abdominal skin can hide the actual contours of the body. Thus, abdominoplasty is a lifesaver to restore the profile of the midsection for men and women.”
But be careful
“The abdominoplasty surgery is an aesthetic and not a medical solution to reduce the size of the abdomen. It is a solution for the appearance and does not address the underlying cause and condition,” warns Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr Amol Dahale, – Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, adding, “Apart from the post-pregnancy period , if you’re affected by obesity-related issues like diabetes metabolic syndrome, it won’t help you.”
Things to remember
Arrange for someone to help around the house during the first day.
Patients are advised to stand up and walk carefully, but avoid running or lifting until the recovery journey is complete.
Follow your plastic surgeon’s advice on how to sit or lie down to minimize pain.
Pain relievers may be prescribed to ease the discomfort.
Wear a supportive/pressure garment for about six weeks after surgery.
After surgery Don’ts
Patients are instructed to avoid rapid bending at the waist to prevent opening of the wound.
They should avoid strenuous activities for about 6-8 weeks after the procedure.
Avoid activities such as cycling, horseback riding, jogging, lifting weights, or aerobics for about six to eight weeks.
They should not take hot baths, which can promote infection and excessive bleeding, so stick to warm water.
They should avoid excessive pressure on the abdomen and be careful not to laugh out loud in the first few weeks after surgery.
– By Dr. Karishma Kagodu
