One of your New Year's resolutions may be to get back into your bikini this summer, but don't beat yourself up if five days a week of Pilates, weights and cardio is not bringing back your flat stomach. Pregnancy (and even just getting into our mid to late-thirties) can cause changes in our skin and fat deposits that become resistant to diet and exercise. A body contouring procedure is not "giving up" or being "lazy". Quite the opposite -- it can give you the "jump-start" that makes your work-outs even more effective so you can finally achieve your personal aesthetic goals.
So...Tummy Tuck or Liposuction? Which one would be right for me? This question can be answered with a quick self-assessment standing in front of a full-length mirror.
1) Turn to the side and relax your
stomach muscles. If this action causes a significant increase in your waistline then you have laxity (stretching) of your deep muscle layer and you will most likely need a
tummy tuck-which acts like an internal girdle-to make your stomach flat again. No amount of sit-ups can "tighten up" the muscles. The problem is not muscle weakness, but mechanical stretching of the connective tissue over time due to pregnancy and/or aging.
2) If your skin is loose and thinned out with stretch marks and you want it to be smooth and tight again, the excess skin has to be removed. This is also part of the
tummy tuck procedure. Usually most of the stretch marks can be removed, and the scar is hidden below the bathing suit line.
3) If you have neither of the above issues but you can actually pinch the stubborn area that you are trying to get rid of (this goes for the "muffin top" area as well), then
liposuction alone will most likely help give you the results you are seeking.
Click Here to see Dr. Trott's before and after pictures of tummy tucks and liposuction, and to learn more about these procedures, or come on in for a personalized consultation.
