Post-Pregnancy Body
Restore your abdominal contour after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
What is Abdominal Laxity?
Abdominal laxity is a condition characterized by excess skin, weakened abdominal wall muscles, and fat accumulation in the midsection. It is especially common after pregnancy and significant weight loss, when the skin and muscles fail to regain their original firmness.
The most problematic component is often diastasis recti -- the separation of the muscles that form the abdominal "six-pack." This separation causes a central bulge that does not improve with conventional exercise and requires surgical repair.
Main Causes
- Pregnancy: Abdominal distension during gestation stretches skin and separates muscles, especially in multiple pregnancies or petite women
- Massive weight loss: After losing large amounts of weight, skin does not fully retract, leaving significant excess
- Aging: Loss of elasticity and collagen with age contributes to laxity
- Genetics: Some individuals are predisposed to lower skin elasticity
Treatment Options
Dr. Geldres offers a comprehensive approach to abdominal laxity:
- Full abdominoplasty: Removes excess skin, repairs diastasis recti, and redefines the waistline
- Mini-abdominoplasty: For cases with laxity limited to the area below the navel
- Abdominoplasty + liposuction: Combination to contour both the abdomen and flanks
- Mommy Makeover: Combination of tummy tuck with breast augmentation and/or liposuction for complete post-pregnancy body restoration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my abdomen be restored after pregnancy?
Yes. Abdominoplasty is the most effective procedure for restoring a flat, firm abdomen after pregnancy. It removes excess skin, repairs separated muscles (diastasis recti), and eliminates stretch marks from the lower area.
What is diastasis recti?
It is the separation of the rectus abdominal muscles along the linea alba (midline of the abdomen). It is very common after pregnancy and causes an abdominal bulge that does not improve with exercise. It can only be corrected through surgical repair during an abdominoplasty.
How long after delivery can I have surgery?
Waiting at least 6-12 months after the last pregnancy, finishing breastfeeding, and allowing weight to stabilize is recommended. It is also ideal to have completed family planning.
Can exercise fix abdominal laxity?
Exercise strengthens muscles but cannot remove excess skin or close a significant diastasis recti. When there is surplus skin or muscle separation, surgery is the only effective solution.