If you've recently given birth to twins, triplets, or even quadruplets, you're probably still trying to get used to the realities of your new routine. Once things settle down and you begin to drop the weight you gained while gestating multiples, you may be dismayed to see that much of what you thought was belly fat is actually excess skin -- stretched out of place during your pregnancy and unable to retract to its former position. Although tummy tuck surgery can be a simple way to remove this excess skin for good, you may be reluctant to undergo surgery if you see another child (or two) in your future. Read on to learn more about the factors you'll want to consider when deciding whether to seek tummy tuck surgery before you're finished having children, as well as some of your alternatives if you choose to put this surgery off until after your last child's birth.
What should you consider when deciding whether a tummy tuck is the right choice for you now?
A tummy tuck is a type of cosmetic surgery that involves the removal of excess skin on the stomach. Depending on how much excess skin is removed, the navel may also be reshaped and repositioned. In most cases, the incision from a tummy tuck surgery is similar in size and location to the incision from a cesarean section, so those who have already had a c-section in order to give birth to their multiples won't need to worry about any additional scarring, while those who had their children through vaginal birth will be left with a small mark that's easily covered by underwear or a swimsuit bottom.
Those who aren't sure they're finished having children may be reluctant to invest the time, money, and physical discomfort in this procedure only to have it repeated after another pregnancy. Although the removed skin can't "come back" after a tummy tuck, the remaining skin can be re-stretched, which could lead to a follow-up procedure if you continue to be dissatisfied with the tone or appearance of your stomach after giving birth to your youngest child.
However, because pregnancy with multiples (or several pregnancies in quick succession) can usually stretch the skin much more than a single pregnancy, those who are planning just one or two more children and who aren't at a higher risk of additional multiples may find that this risk is a manageable one, especially if care is taken to avoid excessive weight gain and to stay active during subsequent pregnancies. Doing this should minimize the extent to which your skin is required to stretch and allow you to bounce back more quickly, perhaps even leading you to refuse another tummy tuck after your final pregnancy.
Are there any ways to reduce the amount of excess skin until you're able to schedule your procedure?
If, after careful consideration, you've decided to wait until your childbearing years are unequivocally over before having a tummy tuck, there are still a few things you can do to reduce the prominence of any excess skin.
First, you'll want to exercise regularly to work on your core strength. Even if the excess skin around your midsection isn't going to go away with exercise, improving the strength of the underlying muscles will assist you in minimizing stretching during later pregnancies, not to mention making the process of labor easier.
You may also want to invest in a shaping belt or belly band after you've given birth. Wearing one of these belts or wraps during the postpartum period, in combination with a sensible diet and exercise, can help reduce the size of your stomach quickly, letting you know within weeks whether you'll be able to bounce back to your pre-pregnancy shape without any other extra assistance.
For more information about tummy tuck surgery or other options, talk with a professional or visit websites like http://christinenygaard.com/.
