One of the most common problems that a mother faces after the birth of her child, which may cause her grief and distress, is a sagging abdomen after childbirth, especially since women always have a desire to appear beautiful and have a harmonious body, so they feel disturbed by the shape of the abdomen after a long period of pregnancy and the changes that occur to the body in general. Learn with us in this article about the causes of this condition and the best ways to tighten the abdomen after childbirth.
Sagging abdomen after childbirth
Sagging abdomen after childbirth is a loosening and weakness that occurs in the muscles and skin surrounding the abdominal area. The abdomen appears prominent and flabby even after weight loss. Sagging affects the overall shape of the body due to loss of muscle tone and loss of skin tightness. This condition is one of the common changes after childbirth and requires special care to restore the symmetry of the abdominal shape.
Why does abdominal sagging occur after childbirth?
Sagging abdomen usually occurs after childbirth for several reasons, the most important of which are:
- Overstretching the abdominal muscles:
The abdominal muscles expand greatly during pregnancy due to the growth of the fetus and its increase in size throughout the months of pregnancy, which leads to muscle weakness and difficulty returning to their normal state. - Loss of natural skin elasticity:
Due to the stretching that occurs during pregnancy, the collagen and elastin fibers responsible for tightening the skin and skin are damaged, causing the skin to lose its elasticity and sagging of the abdomen begins. - Abdominal muscle separation:
In some severe cases, a separation may occur between the rectus abdominis muscles, which makes the abdomen appear prominent and flabby even with weight loss. - Hormonal changes:
Some hormones secreted by the body during pregnancy, such as relaxin, may affect tissues and ligaments, increasing the relaxation of the skin and muscles. - Accumulation of fat in the abdominal area:
The body stores fat during pregnancy in preparation for childbirth and breastfeeding, and this fat is concentrated in the abdominal area, which increases sagging skin.
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What are the ways to tighten the abdomen after giving birth?
Before choosing the methods of tummy tuck after childbirth to achieve the best result, an accurate diagnosis of the condition must be made and the percentage of sagging of the abdomen after childbirth and the general health condition of the mother must be determined. Among the methods of tummy tuck are the following:
Abdominal exercises
Exercising, especially tummy tuck exercises, is an effective method in case of slight abdominal sagging. It can help return the abdomen to its normal size without changing the shape of the skin. Among the most important exercises recommended by doctors at the Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Center at Al Mousa Hospital are:
- Kegel exercises.
- Bike exercises.
- Plank exercises.
- Light abdominal exercises.
You should start doing abdominal tightening exercises to strengthen your muscles gradually after giving birth. It is preferable to wait a month and a half or two after a cesarean section to ensure wound healing.
Balanced diet
It is necessary to rely on a balanced and healthy diet after childbirth to get rid of excess fat in the abdomen and body and stimulate skin cell regeneration. Among the best foods to focus on after childbirth are proteins such as eggs, red meat, fresh vegetables and fruits, and nuts, along with drinking water in large quantities to permanently hydrate the body.
Breastfeeding
Some people believe that breastfeeding is only beneficial for the child after birth. The truth is that it helps the mother burn fat and additional calories, which accelerates the return of the uterus to its normal size and prevents sagging of the abdomen after birth. The mother is made aware of the importance of breastfeeding in the maternity program that takes place within Al Mousa Specialist Hospital after birth.
Laser tummy tuck
In some cases of mild to moderate abdominal sagging, doctors resort to modern, non-surgical techniques such as laser tummy tightening sessions or thermal frequency devices. The sessions are entirely conducted within the dermatology and cosmetic clinics at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital by specialists through an advanced laser device that stimulates collagen production to tighten the skin without pain. The number of sessions is determined according to the state of sagging.
How to tighten the abdomen after childbirth surgically
In cases of sagging abdomen after childbirth, doctors usually resort to a surgical tummy tuck after childbirth, or as doctors call it, Abdominoplasty, which is a surgical procedure that aims to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening weak or separated muscles.
The most important candidates for tummy tuck surgery
The most important candidates for tummy tuck surgery and the cases that doctors recommend after a period of time after giving birth are:
- Women who suffer from severe abdominal flab that does not improve with exercise or physical therapy.
- In the case of a stable weight, the procedure is contraindicated in cases of dieting or increasing obesity.
- There is no intention to get pregnant again as it may reverse the outcome of the operation.
- At least 6 months have passed after birth.
Steps for postpartum tummy tuck surgery
You must choose a plastic surgeon with long experience and competence, such as the plastic surgeons at Al-Mousa Specialist Hospital in Al-Ahsa, so that he accurately diagnoses the condition before starting the steps of the tummy tuck procedure, which include:
- General anesthesia for the patient to ensure that she does not feel pain and reduces stress.
- Make a surgical incision directly above the pubic line, as is done during a cesarean section.
- The abdominal muscles are brought together and tightened with surgical threads to strengthen them and tighten the abdomen.
- Getting rid of excess skin and removing it completely, and if there is fat, it is suctioned out to get the best result.
- Cut the skin around the navel and reattach the navel to its new location until the final shape becomes completely natural.
- Closing the surgical incision with cosmetic thread and installing tubes or tubes to drain fluids from the abdomen within days after the operation to prevent fluid accumulation under the skin.
Book your consultation now at مركز الجلدية والتجميل At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
What is a postpartum tummy tuck belt?
The postpartum tummy tuck belt is one of the traditional tummy tuck methods. It is a compression belt that the mother wears around the abdomen to help tighten and support sagging muscles in some simple cases of sagging abdomen after childbirth. It is made of a comfortable, breathable elastic and elastic material. It is a temporary solution to improve the shape of the abdomen, but it cannot be relied upon after repeated childbirth.
When should a woman use a tummy tuck belt?
The answer to the question: When should a woman use a tummy tuck belt?
- With a cesarean section, it can be used within a few days after birth, provided that you do not feel pain.
- In the case of a caesarean section, it is recommended to use the belt 6 weeks after birth to ensure recovery and healing of the wound.
- The belt should be worn for a maximum of 6 hours a day and should be removed when sleeping to get the best result without pain.
The importance of treating sagging abdomen after childbirth
You must know that the importance of treating sagging abdomen after childbirth does not only include the aesthetic aspect, but there are many benefits to you, the most important of which are:
- Improve your physical fitness and strengthen weak abdominal muscles.
- You can wear stylish pre-pregnancy clothes without a tummy tuck belt.
- Preventing complications of sagging abdomen, such as severe back and spine pain.
- Boost your self-confidence when you get a flat stomach and a tight, harmonious figure.
- Motivate a quick return to your daily activity and professional life without pain or shame about your abdominal shape.
Do not wait and contact immediately the plastic surgeons at Al-Mousa Specialist Hospital in Al-Ahsa, so that we can begin together the journey of getting rid of sagging abdomen after childbirth with advanced and completely safe methods and techniques for tightening the sagging abdomen. We have a large group of the most efficient and skilled plastic surgeons in the Kingdom and the Arab world in cosmetic clinics. With us, you will get a taut body and a flat stomach easily and safely.
Learn about: Types of tummy tuck operations and their importance
Frequently asked questions
We are still learning how to get rid of sagging abdomen after childbirth by answering the following questions:
Does sagging abdomen go away on its own?
No, in most cases sagging abdomen requires various tummy tuck methods, whether exercise, nutrition, physical therapy, or surgery, in order for it to disappear completely. It is difficult for it to go away on its own except in very rare cases.
When does the abdomen return to normal after giving birth?
The abdomen gradually returns to normal after giving birth within two months, especially with light exercise. The period varies from one case to another. Some people need a full 6 months to get rid of sagging, and this depends on the body shape and lifestyle.
How do I make my stomach flat after giving birth?
You should contact the plastic surgeons at Al-Mousa Specialist Hospital in Al-Ahsa to find out the best method that suits you to make your stomach flat after giving birth. The problem requires a medical evaluation of the sagging and the health condition in general to determine the correct and appropriate treatment.
Sources
Loose skin after pregnancy & medical treatments – medicalnewstoday
Your post-pregnancy body – nhs
