Abdominoplasty in Korea – Post-breastfeeding body care: When does sagging belly skin recover? | Lesarts Plastic Surgery
Patient Registration Info
| Age | Weight | Height | BMI |
|---|---|---|---|
|
40s |
59kg |
158cm |
24 |
Surgical site
Abdomen, S-Type, Rectus Muscle Plication, Umbilical Correction
1,600cc
Managing body shape right after childbirth
is never an easy task.
Along with restoring the disrupted health balance
caused by pregnancy and delivery,
many mothers also juggle breastfeeding, childcare,
and in some cases, an early return
to social or professional life.
If, long after childbirth, issues such as
abdominal sagging or loss of waistline definition
become more noticeable and bothersome,
and you start considering body management,
it is likely that simple methods like diet, exercise,
or massage alone may no longer
be sufficient solutions.
This is because muscle relaxation
and skin elasticity decline
worsen over time, gradually reducing
the body’s natural recovery ability
and creating both functional
and aesthetic issues.
If various non-surgical efforts have failed
to address these root causes,
it may be time to consider
surgical correction
based on a medical professional’s assessment.
In this case study, we will review how
abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery)
helped improve complex abdominal concerns
and supported functional recovery as well.
Today’s case involves a woman
in her mid-40s who had experienced
two natural childbirths.
Even though many years had passed
since delivery, she continued to struggle
with abdominal skin sagging
and a collapsed waistline
that never fully recovered.
She had tried multiple methods—
including exercise, aesthetic treatments,
and even abdominal liposuction—
to restore her postpartum body shape.
However, despite these efforts,
the skin folds in the upper abdomen
and the fine wrinkles that had formed
even above the navel
did not disappear.
In addition, the line extending from
the flanks to the pelvis
looked spread outward instead of slim,
making the entire body appear
wider, heavier, and pulled downward.
Realizing that structural correction
was difficult through self-care alone,
the patient decided to undergo
abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery)
to address the root causes
and restore balance to her figure.
During pre-surgery consultation
for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery),
the patient’s condition was assessed.
Although her weight was within normal range,
she showed loose skin in the central abdomen
and a distinct difference in skin elasticity
between the upper and lower abdomen.
In particular, the skin above the navel
was thin and wrinkled,
while the rectus muscles were widely separated,
not only in the center but also to both sides.
This weakened the abdominal wall support,
causing the abdomen to bulge slightly
forward and outward under pressure.
A unique characteristic was that her navel
was positioned slightly higher than average.
Therefore, precise surgical design—
including the incision range—
was necessary to ensure effective correction.
Based on this body analysis,
the following surgical plan was made:
1.S-Type Abdominoplasty
The incision was designed wider,
allowing sufficient lifting of loose skin
across both the central abdomen
and the flanks.
At the same time, the widely separated
rectus muscles were firmly tightened
to restore abdominal stability.
2.Abdominal Liposuction
Remaining fat in the abdominal front
was suctioned to smooth and refine
the entire silhouette,
enhancing the final contour.
Next, we will review the transformation
and recovery process at 4 months post-op.
Before surgery, the central abdomen
appeared widened, with the connection
between the waistline and pelvis blurred.
The thin skin around the navel folded,
and the abdominal wall bulged forward,
making the midsection look flat and wide.
At 4 months after abdominoplasty,
with rectus muscle plication, skin excision,
and abdominal liposuction,
the previously protruding abdominal shape
was corrected, and the core was stabilized.
The rectus muscles that had widened outward
were corrected, pulling in the waist shape,
and the curve from waist to pelvis
became naturally defined.
As a result, the horizontal width
of the abdomen decreased, and the overall
body proportion improved into a
more balanced and stable silhouette.
From the oblique view before surgery,
the abdominal center appeared rounded
and protruding, while the curve from the
waist to pelvis spread outward,
creating a flat and heavy impression.
In particular, the skin sagged downward
from the navel, blurring the waistline
and reducing the three-dimensional balance
of the body contour.
At 4 months after abdominoplasty,
the rectus muscles were firmly tightened,
stabilizing the abdominal core.
The sagging skin that disrupted body curves
was lifted, restoring definition.
As a result, the line flowing from
waist to pelvis transformed into a
clearer and more contoured silhouette,
enhancing both proportion and shape.
Even when bending forward,
the difference before and after
abdominoplasty is clear.
Before surgery, the upper abdomen skin
folded into multiple creases,
appearing lifted and sagging downward
under gravity. The skin laxity
was visibly emphasized.
At 4 months post abdominoplasty,
the rectus muscles were firmly corrected,
supporting the abdominal wall.
The previously sagging skin was removed,
allowing the abdomen to remain tight
and stable even when bending.
With natural movement, the abdominal line
remains smooth and secure,
demonstrating not only cosmetic refinement
but also functional recovery.
From the side view, before abdominoplasty,
the abdominal center protruded forward
even while standing still.
Sagging lower belly skin overlapped,
creating a heavy and rounded impression.
At 4 months post abdominoplasty,
the rectus muscles were firmly tightened,
providing stable support,
and the entire abdomen appeared
smooth and refined.
This surgery not only lifted sagging skin
but also corrected rectus diastasis
and residual fat imbalance,
achieving three-dimensional improvement
through a combined approach.
In this patient’s case, the main cause
of abdominal shape changes was not fat,
but muscle laxity, sagging skin, and wrinkles.
By combining rectus plication,
skin lifting, and liposuction,
both functional and aesthetic issues
were successfully addressed,
correcting sagging and contour deformity.
The patient has since maintained follow-ups
for recovery and post-op care,
and is currently enjoying a stable body contour
without discomfort in daily life.
For long-term results, ongoing scar care,
skin elasticity management,
and lifestyle maintenance will be essential
to preserve the smooth abdominal line.
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#AbdominalLiposuction
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