Having a baby is transformative, changing your life forever. It’s also a body-altering event, often with lasting impact. For most women, these changes include loose skin around the lower tummy, stretch marks, and general abdominal sagging. With diet and exercise, you can often minimize your new tummy pouch. But these efforts may not be enough to completely reverse the effects that pregnancy has had on your body.

Long-Term Effects of Pregnancy on Your Tummy

Your belly expands rapidly when you’re carrying a child. This usually leads to stretch marks. They may fade over time, but they rarely disappear completely, making these marks one of the most common long-term effects on your tummy after giving birth.

Diastasis recti is another potential consequence of a fast-growing tummy. Pregnancy stretches your abdominal connective tissue and often pushes your stomach muscles apart. This is what causes a droopy tummy, a protruding belly and decreased muscle tone for months after delivery, despite healthy eating and dedicated exercise. Many new moms deal with excess skin and urinal incontinence, as well. If these are some of the issues you’re struggling with after pregnancy, a tummy tuck offers an effective solution.

How a Tummy Tuck Can Help Restore Your Body After Pregnancy

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, surgically tightens and contours your lower abdomen. Our surgeon will remove the extra skin you’ve developed over your pregnancy and the excess fat in the lower tummy area. Any stretch marks that are in that specific area of your belly will be gone, as well.

After your procedure, not only will your tummy have a firmer, more toned appearance, you are likely to feel better. Being a mom is hard work. Regaining your pre-pregnancy body can improve your self-esteem and your mood. Minimizing or completely eliminating incontinence is another bonus.

If you’d like to learn whether you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck, contact Bayside Center Plastic Reconstructive Surgery to schedule a consultation. With nearly a decade of intensive reconstructive and plastic surgery training, Dr. Roach is the plastic surgeon of choice in the Tampa area. Request a free cosmetic consult today.