Can Abdominoplasty Improve Loose Abdominal Skin After Pregnancy and Childbirth? – 3 Month Before & After Comparison
Patient Registration Info
| Age | Weight | Height | BMI |
|---|---|---|---|
|
in their 40s |
55kg |
165cm |
20 |
Surgical site
abdominoplasty, M-type, Triple lock, Navel Correction
In the past, when people thought of ‘abdominal surgery,’ they often associated it primarily with liposuction— a procedure that directly removes excess fat cells from the abdomen.
However, in recent years, more people searching for information on ‘abdominal surgery’ are becoming aware of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) as well.
Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure that removes loose, sagging abdominal skin, making it one of the most representative types of body lifting surgeries.
Many individuals experience stretched and drooping abdominal skin due to factors such as significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and childbirth.
These changes can also lead to modifications in the shape of the navel, causing cosmetic concerns and distress regardless of age or gender.
While abdominal liposuction can help reduce fat and decrease waist size, it is not an effective solution for those with excessive skin laxity, weakened abdominal walls, or separated rectus muscles.
For this reason, interest in abdominoplasty has been steadily increasing among patients who wish to restore firmness and structure to their abdominal area.
Now, let’s take a look at a patient case to further explain this procedure.
In this patient’s case, she had undergone a cesarean section many years ago. Aware of the body changes caused by pregnancy and childbirth, she had made continuous efforts to improve her figure through dieting. However, she remained frustrated with persistent abdominal skin laxity and weakened abdominal muscles.
Two years ago, she also received fat-dissolving injections at another clinic, but she was dissatisfied with the results. Instead of improvement, she experienced increased sagging, which ultimately led her to seek treatment at our clinic.
A preoperative body assessment revealed significant skin laxity across the entire abdomen, as well as noticeable weakening of the upper abdominal wall.
Initially, the patient hoped to undergo a mini abdominoplasty using her existing C-section scar. However, given the extent of sagging observed in the upper abdomen, we explained that a mini abdominoplasty— which only removes excess skin from the lower abdomen— would not sufficiently address the upper abdominal skin laxity or weakened abdominal muscles.
Therefore, we recommended a medium-type abdominoplasty with rectus muscle plication to effectively correct both the sagging skin and the stretched abdominal muscles, restoring a firmer and more contoured appearance.
Since this procedure involves extensive skin excision— including lifting and repositioning the upper abdominal skin— the belly button also needed to be relocated to ensure a more proportionate and balanced abdominal contour post-surgery.
Below is a comparison of the patient’s preoperative condition and her results three months after abdominoplasty.
When comparing the pre- and post-operative medical images taken from the front, we can see a significant transformation in the patient’s abdominal area.
Due to a combination of factors, including past pregnancy, excessive dieting, and previous fat-dissolving injections, the patient experienced a rapid reduction in subcutaneous fat, leading to severe skin laxity and abdominal muscle separation. By correcting these issues, the procedure resulted in a slimmer waistline and a more contoured abdominal appearance.
Additionally, the belly button, which had previously been positioned downward due to sagging skin, was repositioned through umbilicoplasty. This adjustment not only improved its placement but also reshaped it into a vertical form, further enhancing the overall slimming effect of the waistline.
The visibility of the abdominoplasty scar after surgery, which was a concern for the patient, can vary depending on individual healing factors. It typically fades into a fine line over time, but the recovery process differs from person to person.
Since abdominoplasty involves a wide dissection area and a long incision, the skin and underlying tissues naturally become more delicate. As a result, it can take up to 24 months for the scar to fully mature and fade into a finer line.
For a smooth and stable recovery, it is crucial to follow the recommended scar management guidelines, attend follow-up appointments, and receive appropriate treatments based on the healing progress.
When comparing the pre- and post-operative images taken from the side, it is evident that the previously uneven abdominal contour and the protruding abdominal wall have been significantly improved through liposuction, abdominoplasty, and rectus muscle plication. The abdominal area now appears well-lifted and more contoured.
As mentioned earlier, abdominoplasty requires a long recovery period and continuous follow-up.
By maintaining consistent post-operative care, patients can gradually observe improvements such as fading scars, reduced swelling, and the return of normal skin sensation.
Rather than feeling impatient, it is essential to follow the medical team’s guidance and focus on proper recovery management.
