Tummy Tuck: Improving Sagging Belly After C-Section with 3-Month Before & After Comparison
Patient Registration Info
| Age | Weight | Height | BMI |
|---|---|---|---|
|
in their 30s |
66kg |
167cm |
24 |
Surgical site
abdominoplasty, M-type, Triple lock, Navel Correction, Abdominal Liposuction
3600cc
When conducting consultations for abdominal lifting surgery, we often encounter women who experience postpartum stress due to changes in their body shape caused by pregnancy and childbirth.
Of course, differences in age, body type, and management methods mean that this is not a problem everyone faces.
Many women successfully manage their body lines and regain their slim appearance from before pregnancy and childbirth.
So why is it that despite dieting, some people can transform their abdomen without sagging, while others may lose weight but still struggle to control belly fat?
During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges according to the growth of the fetus. As a result, the abdominal wall, which covers the abdomen, gradually stretches, causing the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) to separate, a condition known as diastasis recti.
Naturally, the skin also stretches. However, the size of the fetus and the shape of the abdomen vary, and this difference is even greater in the case of twins.
The degree of skin sagging and recovery also depends on factors like skin elasticity and the number of childbirths.
While the process and duration of pregnancy and childbirth are similar, individual differences ultimately lead to variations.
As a result, even after attempting postpartum dieting, the sagging belly may not improve completely, and the feeling of bulging from the upper abdomen may remain, which is why many seek abdominal lifting surgery consultations.
Sometimes, individuals who come in for liposuction consultations are informed that liposuction alone has its limitations in achieving the desired results.
Let’s take a look at a patient’s case below to explain this in more detail.
The patient in this case has experienced four childbirths, with observed sagging skin in the lower abdomen and stretching of the abdominal wall.
As mentioned earlier, after childbirth, many people tend to think of sagging belly as simply an issue with excess fat, and thus seek liposuction consultations.
However, when there is sagging in the belly, it is important to assess how much the skin has stretched, how much abdominal fat there is, and the degree of separation in the abdominal wall. This will help determine the need for procedures such as abdominal lifting surgery, rectus abdominis plication, and liposuction.
It is crucial to establish a surgical plan with the goal of overall improvement, taking into account these factors.
Especially, the most suitable surgical method for the patient should be determined based on the medical evaluation process, and it is important to remember that the decision should be made with the guidance of the healthcare professionals.
The patient in this case also had a condition that was difficult to resolve with just liposuction.
We thoroughly explained the surgical methods needed for this situation.
Due to multiple childbirths, the patient had significantly reduced skin elasticity, sagging belly fat, and stretched abdominal muscles. To improve these issues, abdominal lifting surgery along with rectus abdominis correction was necessary.
A medium-type incision seemed to be required, and we informed the patient that the existing C-section scar would be gone after the abdominal lifting surgery.
In addition to the central rectus abdominis, both sides of the rectus abdominis would be stitched together. We also planned to perform liposuction on the abdomen and flank areas to create a more defined waistline.
Since this patient required a medium-type abdominal lifting surgery, the dissection area would extend up to the upper abdomen, and due to the length of the excess skin being removed, a belly button repositioning surgery was also needed.
Before the surgery, the patient’s belly button was positioned lower than average, which gave a visually unbalanced appearance, making the legs appear shorter. Therefore, we planned to reposition the belly button higher to create a more proportionate and balanced appearance.
The following is a comparison photo taken before the abdominal lifting surgery and three months after the procedure.
In the photo taken three months after the surgery, the scar still has some redness, which is expected at this stage. However, we can see that the recovery is smooth with no noticeable protrusion or uneven lines.
Both the waistline and the shape of the belly button from the front view have changed beautifully and more defined, just as the patient hoped, with a slimmer and more attractive appearance.
Before the surgery, due to sagging belly fat, the patient’s belly button was positioned lower than average. After the abdominal lifting surgery and belly button repositioning, the belly button was moved upwards, giving the additional effect of making the legs appear longer.
Additionally, the rectus abdominis plication was performed using the triple-lock correction method, which helped create a more feminine and defined waistline. Together with liposuction, this resulted in a synergistic effect, giving the patient a more youthful and toned figure.
For abdominal lifting scars, there is individual variation in the healing process. However, it typically takes about 18 to 24 months for the scars to fade into a faint line.
To achieve faster and more stable recovery, consistent use of silicone care bands, scar ointments, and scar laser treatments are necessary during the recovery period.
At our clinic, we provide continuous follow-up monitoring, checking the healing progress at each stage, and offering the appropriate treatments and aftercare tailored to each patient’s needs.
Before the surgery, when the patient bent forward, the belly fat would sag and spill down. However, after the surgery, the belly appears firm and lifted without any sagging.
As can be seen in the side comparison photo, the sagging of the upper and lower abdomen, the uneven fat on the abdomen, and the stretched abdominal wall that pushed the abdomen forward have all been transformed into a smooth abdominal shape through abdominal liposuction, abdominal lifting surgery, and rectus abdominis plication.
Abdominal lifting surgery is a procedure that pulls up sagging skin and removes excess belly fat. Depending on the need, it can be combined with rectus abdominis correction, belly button repositioning, liposuction, and fat grafting to improve the overall abdominal line, aiming for body anti-aging.
However, since abdominal lifting surgery leaves a long scar, it requires a longer recovery time and careful post-operative observation.
The incision length will also vary depending on the degree of sagging, so it is important to have thorough consultations and evaluations with the medical professionals to fully understand the position and length of the scar.
