Abdominoplasty After Childbirth: Fixing Diastasis Recti and Sagging Skin
Patient Registration Info
| Age | Weight | Height | BMI |
|---|---|---|---|
|
in their 40s |
51kg |
155cm |
21 |
Surgical site
abdominoplasty, M-type, Triple lock, Navel Correction, abdomen liposuction, love handle
2600cc
The female body undergoes significant changes throughout pregnancy and childbirth, alongside the joy of bringing new life into the world.
One of the most common concerns during this process is the transformation of the abdominal shape. Many women experience stress due to skin laxity and rectus diastasis.
During pregnancy, as the waist circumference expands, intra-abdominal pressure increases in accordance with fetal growth. This also leads to the gradual stretching of the rectus abdominis muscles.
Ideally, these muscles would return to their original state after childbirth. However, due to prolonged stretching, their elasticity naturally declines.
As a result, rectus diastasis occurs, where the abdominal muscles remain separated. Though this condition is not always visible externally, it can affect upper abdominal volume and hinder the appearance of a firm, toned silhouette.
Similarly, the abdominal skin, which expands during pregnancy, often loses its elasticity when it contracts postpartum, leading to sagging.
Due to these post-pregnancy effects, restoring separated abdominal muscles and loose skin through exercise or diet alone can be challenging. This is why an increasing number of individuals are considering abdominoplasty as a solution for rectus diastasis and excess abdominal skin.
Let’s take a look at a patient case to explain this further.
The patient we will be analyzing today underwent a cesarean section approximately two years ago to give birth.
She was particularly concerned about excess abdominal fat, skin laxity from the upper to lower abdomen, and rectus diastasis.
Having gone through three pregnancies and deliveries, her case of rectus diastasis was quite severe. Despite her efforts to engage her core muscles, she struggled to activate them due to significant muscle dysfunction.
Therefore, we planned a medium-type abdominoplasty to lift the significantly sagging skin from both the upper and lower abdomen.
Additionally, to enhance the waistline, we incorporated love handle liposuction as part of the surgical plan.
To address the rectus diastasis, which had caused excessive stretching and impacted the upper abdominal volume and contour, we performed rectus plication, effectively tightening the abdominal muscles to create a firmer, smoother silhouette.
In medium-type abdominoplasty, the procedure involves dissecting up to the upper abdomen and pulling down the sagging skin for excision. Since this process affects the positioning of the belly button, it is essential to reposition and reshape the navel accordingly.
For navel reconstruction, we carefully designed its placement and shape to ensure a balanced and natural upper body contour.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the before-and-after medical images, taken preoperatively and seven months post-surgery, to examine the transformation in detail.
When comparing the patient’s before-and-after photos taken seven months post-abdominoplasty, we can see a remarkable transformation.
The rectus diastasis, which was inevitable due to three pregnancies and deliveries, was successfully corrected, restoring firmness to the abdominal wall.
Additionally, the sagging skin that previously drooped from the upper abdomen was lifted, resulting in a smoother and more contoured appearance.
Furthermore, the combination of abdominoplasty with love handle liposuction effectively accentuated the waistline, enhancing the overall body contour and maximizing the synergistic effects of the procedure.
In the preoperative photos where the patient is bending forward, severe rectus diastasis and skin laxity cause the abdomen to appear as if it is spilling forward.
However, after undergoing abdominoplasty, abdominal wall correction, and love handle liposuction, the same posture shows no such effect. Instead, the abdominal contour remains firm and lifted, highlighting the improved, well-defined silhouette.
The front view also shows a significant improvement in the abdominal contour.
With the rectus diastasis effectively corrected, the previously stretched and widened abdominal wall has been reshaped into a more defined and flatter form, creating a slimmer appearance from the upper abdomen down.
Additionally, when abdominal sagging occurs, the navel tends to shift downward. By repositioning the navel through umbilicoplasty, the overall body proportions were enhanced, making the legs appear longer and the waistline more cinched.
Abdominoplasty is a body anti-aging procedure that addresses muscle and skin laxity based on anatomical knowledge while minimizing tissue damage.
Because this surgery covers a large area and delivers dramatic results, some individuals may be tempted to undergo it impulsively. However, it is essential to approach the decision carefully.
Since abdominoplasty involves an extensive surgical field and requires different techniques depending on each patient’s condition, the surgeon’s experience and post-operative care management are crucial factors.
A thorough consultation before surgery is essential to determine the most appropriate approach. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions diligently will help ensure a safer recovery and achieve satisfying, long-lasting results.
