American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 
frannie72
3 years ago
Answered

Tummy tuck after multiple pregnancies

I have had 5 pregnancies resulting in loose skin, am normal weight for my height and exercise regularly. I am "apple-shaped" so tend to have weight in the middle, although I am considered slim, I still have rolls of skin/fat. Would a tummy tuck be effective for me, after so many pregnancies and my body type?

Procedure: Tummy Tuck
Location: Baton Rouge, LA

Replies 7

Gary Culbertson
ASPS Surgeon
Add to Favorites

Normally, Yes. An Examination & Evaluation would be required to make this determination.

After this many preganancy's you may be what we call a "Prune Belly". If you have lost a significant amount of weight you could also be a " Massive Weight Loss Patient- MWL".

Then, seek out a member of the ASPS in your area. They are experts in Body Countouring Surgery.

Best,

Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

More
John Newton

Absolutely!

with pregnancy there is stretching of the abdominal muscle and skin. In many women this does not return to normal resulting in an apron of redundant skin and a lower abdominal roundness. There is a reduction in "core strength" and this can be associated with stress incontinence of urine and low back pain.

An abdominoplasty can correct all these problems. It will remove the apron and restore the muscles.

Arrange a consult with a plastic surgeon in your area who is a member of the American Society of Plastic surgeons.

More
Nelson Castillo

Thank you for sharing your question. Nothing replaces an in-person examination, but I think you would most benefit from a full tummy tuck and liposuction of your waist and flanks.  The tummy tuck will tighten your stomach muscles, helping to achieve a flatter appearance, while removing excess skin and adipose tissue.  Liposuction can be used to enhance your tummy tuck results by narrowing your waist and removing isolated areas of diet and exercise resistant fat.  Hope that this helps

More
Samara Churgin
ASPS Surgeon
Add to Favorites

Hello Frannie,

It sounds like from what you are describing that a tummy tuck would be helpful to address your loose skin that has resulted from your pregnancies. Depending on whether you have excess fat in the love handle area, you may also benefit from liposuction to narrow this area. When you describe an "apple shape", that usually means one of two things - that you have a loose abdominal wall from stretching of the muscles with pregnancy or that you have some intra-abdominal fat. The former, loose muscles, can be tightened with the tummy tuck, acting like an internal corset. The latter, having intra-abdominal fat, would be better addressed with diet and exercise. This can be delineated by an in person consultation with a Plastic Surgeon. Good Luck!

More
Douglas Monasebian
ASPS Surgeon
Add to Favorites

Good day and thank you for your question. Dr. Monasebian, our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, will be able to address your concerns. He would have to see you in person to examine you and ask you questions. Based on the description of your abdomen, a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty may be appropriate. This procedure will address the skin, fat and muscle. After an examination, all options can be discussed. We would be happy to see you if you are in the New York City area. Medical insurance may help cover the costs of the procedure if deemed medically necessary which can be determined at your consultation. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Regards, Dr. Monasebian and Park Avenue Plastic Surgery.

More
Soumo Banerji
ASPS Surgeon

Congrats on the five children! But they do take a toll on your skin and muscles underneath. A tummy tuck would allow for the underlying muscle to be repaired as there is likely separation after 5 pregnancies. In addition, the extra skin can be removed and liposuction can be performed to the sides and back to remove stubborn areas of fat. I recommend you consult with a plastic surgeon to examine in person, discuss the expected recovery time, scars, etc.

More
Adolfo Sesto
ASPS Int. Surgeon

Congratulations on your five pregnancies. The right procedure for you will be the thightening of your abdominal muscles and removal of excessive skin and fat form the area, a procedure called 'Abdominoplasty' or Tummy Tuck combined with a Liposculpture on upper and lower back and flank. The fat graft can be transfer to your buttocks to give them a nice volume, shape and projection.

More
Logo

Patient Care Center