Most Common Plastic Surgeries For Moms
Post-Baby Tummy Tucks
Stretch marks, stretched out muscles and flabby abdomens make tummy tucks tempting to many moms. "What happens with childbearing is that the ligament stretches and doesn't come back," says Dr. Rice. "You can do sit ups until the cows come home, but you're still going to have a pot belly."
What it is: Skin and fat are removed from the top of the pubic hairline to the top of the belly button and abdominal muscles are tightened. Everything from the belly button down is discarded, and everything above the belly button gets pulled down to the pubic hair line. (Any stretch marks that were below the belly button disappear, but any that were above the belly button reappear down around the public hairline.)
What to expect: Most tummy tucks are done under general anesthetic on an outpatient basis, although your surgeon may perform the procedure in a hospital rather than a clinic.
You can expect to be off work for at least a week, with no heavy lifting for at least two weeks. A full recovery usually takes about six weeks.
Special considerations: Permanent, non-dissolving stitches are used to put your abs back in position. Recent studies show that the muscle will stay in place even if you have another pregnancy, although the skin will stretch out again and you may need to return for a second procedure. Dr. Rice recommends waiting until you know you're finished having children before undergoing a tummy tuck.
Cost: $7,000 to $10,000
