Excess skin and fat can alter the appearance of the abdomen after pregnancy or weight loss. Particularly after having twins or a second child, many women discover that their muscles and skin have not recovered from the repetitive stretching of the abdomen. A flatter, firmer abdomen is produced by the abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” treatment by removing extra skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles. If you do not smoke, are at a stable weight, are in good physical health, have reasonable expectations, and are considering getting a belly tuck.
The skin, fat, and muscle that make up the abdominal wall – the rectus fascia, a thick sheath, protects the rectus abdominis muscles, which together make up the “six pack” of muscles on the abdomen. Pregnancy and weight gain typically cause this fascial layer to weaken and stretch out. As a result, a patient may develop abdominal wall laxity after losing weight or having children. The extra skin and fat are removed, and the fascial layer covering the rectus abdominis muscles is tightened during surgery.
A horizontal incision is made within the bikini line in the lower abdomen to execute the abdominoplasty operation. The incision can be done in the same spot and expanded to the sides in patients who have already had a C-section.
The abdominal rectus abdominis muscles are toned, and extra skin and fat are removed and redraped. The umbilicus, or navel, must typically be repositioned during an abdominoplasty procedure through a second incision. The “mini” abdominoplasty treatment does not include moving the navel; instead, it tightens the lower abdominal muscles while also removing fat and skin from the area.
Since the resulting scar is often low on the belly, it can be hidden by the majority of bathing suits and apparel.
