Dear Dr. Winder:
Q. I've just had my third and last baby and the pregnancies have really taken a toll on my body; my stomach looks just terrible. It's fat and the skin has all stretched out and now just hangs. I'm only 32 years old, but my body looks like I could be 85! I've been going to the gym every day, but it doesn't seem to be helping. Would a tummy tuck help me?

A. Of course, I'd have to see you and examine your abdomen, but it sounds like a tummy tuck would address your areas of concern. Abdominoplasty, more commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is the very best option to achieve a flat, tight tummy. Three things can happen to the tummy with pregnancy that usually requires surgical correction:

1. Weight gain - women almost always gain more weight than the actual weight of the baby they've carried. This fat is removed during an abdominoplasty;

2. Skin stretching - many times the skin of the abdomen is stretched beyond its ability to shrink back up once you've delivered. This excess skin is removed during an abdominoplasty; and

3. Abdominal wall laxity - the ligaments of the abdomen are stretched during pregnancy; unlike muscles, ligaments do not have the ability to shrink back up. This laxity is tightened during an abdominoplasty.

There are two forms of abdominoplasty, a full-abdominoplasty and mini-abdominoplasty. For women whose problems encompass the entire abdomen (from rib cage to pubic area) a full-abdominoplasty is usually the answer; whereas, someone whose problem area is confined to the navel and below, a mini-abdominoplasty may be an option. However, a full abdominoplasty will always create the tightest, flattest tummy possible. For more information, call 970-259-3818 to schedule a consultation; or send me an email at: winder@durangoplasticsurg.com

Read more about the abdominoplasty procedure.

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