Quite possibly, yes. Frequently, after women have their children it is very difficult to regain the lower abdominal tone. This occurs because the normal anatomy of the rectus muscles become distorted from the stretching on the abdominal wall during pregnancy.

The skin on the lower abdomen becomes stretched beyond the capacity of the collagen and elastin fibers to recoil and stretch marks and extra skin persist despite rigorous diet and exercise.

Provided one is not planning to have more children, is healthy, and does not have any contraindications, she is ready for an abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck. Women are usually very satisfied with the results of a tummy tuck surgery.

Women recover at different rates from a abdominoplasty, which is both objective and subjective. In my experience, women with better abdominal tone who require only skin and stretch marks to be removed return to their baseline sooner than women who require significant tightening of their abdominal muscles.

Traditionally, I prefer all patients to walk the night of surgery and every day after that. I tell all patients to allow 4-6 weeks for full recovery until they can be back at the gym.

Mini tummy tuck is a partial abdominoplasty procedure usually designed to tighten the lower abdomen muscles and remove excess skin. A smaller incision is usually made during the procedure.

A full tummy tuck is for patients with a significant amount of excess skin or both lower and upper abdominal fullness and requires a larger incision. Often, patients with significant abdominal laxity that require greater abdominal placation require a longer recovery time.

Dr. Dickinson will evaluate if your abdominal muscles require more tightening and recommend which abdominoplasty procedure is best for you.

Liposuction is an excellent adjunct to a abdominoplasty.  Combination procedures are very effective when performed in the same aesthetic region, such as the breast lift with liposuction of the bra fat.

Typically I prefer patients stay overnight in an aftercare facility in Newport Beach for the first night or two. It is also my policy to require patients stay in the immediate vicinity for the next 2 weeks.

Tummy tuck surgery is safe and easy with Dr. Dickinson’s proactive follow-up. Depending upon your age and overall health, you will need laboratory analysis and/or medical clearance by your doctor. Dr. Dickinson asks all patients to eat healthy and exercise prior to their operations to make sure they are finely-tuned and ready to maintain their new body contour.