If you had a baby or finally reached your goal weight, you’re probably overjoyed. But are you unhappy with what you see when you look in the mirror? A tummy tuck could be the answer.
Dr. Joel Aronowitz in Los Angeles, California, is a well-respected plastic surgeon who helps moms get their bodies back with mommy makeovers or tummy tucks. He also helps people of all ages who lost weight but are left with saggy skin. He transforms their outer appearance to match how they feel on the inside.
What is a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is surgery to remove extra skin and fat around your abdomen (stomach). It can also improve muscle tone in that area.
Tummy tuck for moms
Bringing another human being into the world is an amazing feeling. While this is one of the happiest times of your life, you may soon realize the effects pregnancy had on your body. A tummy tuck can help you get back to your pre-baby physique.
What causes the belly pooch?
The appearance of a belly pooch, known as diastasis recti, occurs when the space between the muscles on either side of your belly widen and the belly seems to stick out. This happens to about two-thirds of pregnant women. Sometimes, the muscle opening goes back to normal after giving birth. But if you’re left with a pooch, a tummy tuck can help.
How much skin is removed?
The amount of skin that can safely be removed varies for each woman. It depends on the laxity (looseness) of your skin and the distance from your belly button to your pubic area. We can give you an estimate during your physical exam, but it’s ultimately determined during surgery. This is because we need to see how much skin can be removed while still having enough skin to pull back together with minimal tension. Creating a flat abdomen is an art, and Dr. Aronowitz is a master who delivers realistic results.
What happens to my belly button?
Your belly button is attached to your abdominal wall. During the surgery, it remains attached to the wall, but the excess skin around it is removed. After the remaining skin is put in place, a tiny opening is made and the belly button is repositioned.
Moms who want a tummy tuck to tighten up their abdominal area should wait at least six months after giving birth so your body has a chance to heal and to see how your skin retracts naturally on its own. Also, if you want to have more children, it’s best to wait on the tummy tuck. If you’ve had a Cesarean (C) section, there’s good news. The tummy tuck scar can usually be incorporated into your C-section scar, so there’s no need to worry about that.
Tummy tuck after weight loss
If you’ve lost weight, you may want a tummy tuck to tighten up your abdominal area so you can look your best. Or, if you’ve lost a lot of weight, you may want a tummy tuck to help get rid of the leftover skin around your middle. Either way, Dr. Aronowitz can help you get the finishing touches so you can have the body of your dreams.
Why do I have saggy skin after weight loss?
When you lose weight slowly over time through diet and exercise, you have a better chance of avoiding saggy skin. If you’ve lost more than 100 pounds, you may have extra skin just because your skin was stretched out for so long. The collagen and elastin broke down, causing your skin to lose its elasticity. This can also happen in people who lose 40 to 50 pounds. It all depends on your age and the condition of your skin. Other people who lose weight rapidly after weight-loss surgery have saggy skin because the fat is lost quickly, and the skin can’t contract fast enough.
Reasons to remove excess skin
After losing all that weight, the skin hangs there, not only as a reminder of how far you’ve come but as a detriment to your health and well-being. That extra skin can weigh a few pounds and cause chafing and irritation. Your clothes may not fit how they’re supposed to, either. Saggy skin can also cause emotional distress or embarrassment.
When Dr. Aronowitz performs a tummy tuck, he can also remove extra skin from your arms and thighs, if needed. There’s no reason to feel self-conscious anymore. You’ve worked hard to lose weight, so come in to see how we can help you.
If you live in Beverly Hills, don’t trust your body to anyone else. Dr. Aronowitz has three decades of experience and is known for his artfulness and skill. Request an appointment online or call 310-461-8238 today.