The 11 surgical techniques that can form part of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) after pregnancy, and what each does.
Pregnancy stretches the abdominal skin and can separate the abdominal muscles. These are normal changes, and many women never need an operation for them. For women who are considering surgery, abdominoplasty after pregnancy is not a single standard operation. It is made up of a number of surgical steps, and which ones are used depends on your anatomy. This guide explains 11 of them, what each does and the risks or limits that come with it. It does not decide whether surgery suits you. That is decided at consultation, after a GP referral.
What is inside
- Fat removal: the abdomen and flanks, and how ultrasound-assisted suction lipectomy (VASER liposuction) is used
- Incision and belly button: low incision placement, what happens to a caesarean scar, and repositioning the belly button (umbilicus)
- Abdominal wall: repair of muscle separation (diastasis recti) and of hernias, where present
- Drains and fluid: the drainless approach, and the internal sutures used to lower the risk of a fluid collection (seroma)
- Mons pubis, closure and early recovery: mons pubis contouring, absorbable sutures and LED light therapy
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Before deciding on surgery, read my overview of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) after pregnancy, including the risks and recovery.