SURGICAL TREATMENT OF SAGGING AND WEIGHT GAIN AFTER PREGNANCY
As previously explained, the only permanent solution to prevent sagging and weight gain during pregnancy and after childbirth is through surgery. As the problem is structural, it cannot be permanently resolved through diet, exercise, or various slimming techniques such as cavitation and LPG.
Treatment Process
4 - 6 hours
1 - 2 days
2 - 3 weeks
6 - 8 weeks
How Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Performed?
The treatment of abdominal wall expansion due to rectus muscle diastasis and sagging of the abdominal skin is performed through a tummy tuck surgery. The tummy tuck procedure consists of three main stages:
- Liposuction (Fat Removal):
In this stage, the accumulated fat on the front and side walls of the abdomen is removed. This ensures complete emptying of the subcutaneous layer and maximizes skin tightening. - Excision of Sagging Tissues (Removal):
In this stage, all the sagging tissues below the navel that have lost their elasticity are surgically removed. The tissues of the front and side abdominal walls are tightened toward the groin area, providing firmness and restoring the natural waist curve. - Repair of Rectus Muscles (Plication):
This is the most crucial step of the tummy tuck surgery. The stomach, which protrudes between the separated muscles, is pushed back into the abdominal cavity, and the rectus muscles are stitched together lengthwise over it. In this way, the abdominal wall regains its healthy, pre-pregnancy structure. The key to achieving a perfectly flat abdomen in tummy tuck operations is the proper plication of the muscles.
Who Are Suitable Candidates for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
All women who have had multiple pregnancies, experience sagging in the front abdominal wall, and have gained uncontrolled weight—but do not suffer from uncontrolled diabetes, severe lung problems (such as asthma or COPD), or advanced heart disease—are suitable candidates for tummy tuck surgery. However, in all cases, the patient must undergo a detailed preoperative examination and evaluation process before the procedure.
Patient Reviews
What Is the Postoperative Period Like After a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The surgery can be performed under general or spinal anesthesia and typically lasts about 2 hours. Since long-acting local anesthetics are injected into the abdominal wall at the final stage of the surgery, the postoperative period is almost completely pain-free. The patient is encouraged to walk approximately 6 hours after the operation and is kept in the hospital for 2 days as a precaution. The patient does not need to remain in a bent position, either in bed or while standing. It is recommended that the special corset applied after surgery be worn for an average of 8 weeks. During this period, the patient is also advised to avoid lifting heavy objects.
For example, after surgery, you can lift a water pitcher and pour a glass of water; however, you should not lift a sofa to clean underneath it or carry a large water bottle to the kitchen.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The benefits obtained after a tummy tuck can be evaluated from both health and aesthetic perspectives. If the surgical scar is well cared for, it becomes barely noticeable after approximately 2 years. The person achieves a flatter and more athletic-looking abdomen. Since the stomach is pushed back into the abdominal cavity and a barrier is reformed in front of it, the patient experiences a feeling of fullness much faster compared to before surgery.
Even without dieting or exercising, the amount of food intake naturally decreases, resulting in an average weight loss of about 1 kilogram every 2 weeks until the person reaches their ideal weight. The reduction in abdominal circumference significantly decreases the risk of heart diseases associated with central obesity. As the person’s mobility increases, it can be said that many health problems are also alleviated.
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