How to Get Rid of Pregnancy Fat? Doctor Answers, Tips

+2

Save up for a tummy tuck

For patients having multiple difficult pregnancies, especially requiring steroids, there is likely to be a great deal of extra skin. Steroid therapy can also cause the deep layer to loosen. The best and most satisfactory way to remove skin and tighten the deep layer is via a tummy tuck. Your best bet is to save up and have the tummy tuck rather than lipo alone. Lipo techniques do not significantly tighten this type of skin, and do nothing for the deep layer (fascia). They may actually... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+6

The hips and the pubis after pregnancy- lift and thin

Thanks for your question. You should always do your best to loose weight after pregnancy through diet and exercise. Unfortunately, sometimes doing everything right just doesn't solve all areas. If your skin has been stretched from pregnancy and the pubic area is saggy weight loss can make it worse. If the skin is loose liposuction regaardless of type may make it looser. Hips are sometimes the last to go as they are a diet resistant fat. If you embark... more

Adam Tattelbaum, MD
Washington DC Plastic Surgeon

www.atcosmetics.com

+4

Pregnancy Fat Deposits

First, nothing is better than diet and exercise. The problems after pregnancy include the bulge of the abdominal muscles, excess fat, and excess skin. Unfortuneately, if the muscles are stretched apart, also known as rectus diastasis, no amount of exercise will completely correct the problem. Surgical correction by abdominoplasty or mini-abdominoplasty is required. The choice of abdominoplasty or mini-abdominoplasty is usually dictated by the amount of excess skin.

Richard P. Glunk, MD
Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon

+4

Best to save for the tummy tuck

If a patient has enough skin laxity and excess that they need a tummy tuck, they will NOT be happy with the results of liposuction - traditional, Smart or otherwise. When this is the case, it is a waste of your hard earned dollars to do a procedure that won't work for you. You would be best under these circumstances to save your money and budget for the tummy tuck operation. The costs might currently be as low as they will get - many offices are offering surgery at reduced rates because of... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

+4

Healthy, stable lifestyle, then a reputable plastic surgeon

I always advocate a healthy stable lifestyle before considering cosmetic body-contouring. Get in the best shape, best eating and exercise habits you and that you can sustain. If you still have contour issues that are solely fat related, as long as they are relatively localized, well-delineated and combined with relative good quality skin, liposuction by whatever method your surgeon is comfortable with may be a reasonable alternative. Do not be swayed by a particular machine, patented... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

+3

Post Pregnancy Fat: What's Best

The significant changes that pregnancies cause to the skin and muscle of the tummy can exceed what can be improved with diet and exercise. Your history of steroid medication is an important element and you must discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Liposuction procedures will remove excess fat, but will not significantly reduce excess skin. Consult with a plastic surgeon who can tell you if liposuction or tummy tuck is the better alternative for your situation.... more

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

+3

Consult 2 board certified plastic surgeons for best advice on post pregnancy fat

Consult two board certified plastic surgeons and follow the advice of the doctor who seems most knowledgeable and sincere. The doctors advice should make sense to you. If you have significant loose skin then you likely need a tummy tuck and will be unhappy with loose skin left after liposuction alone. If you primarily have fat deposits and your skin is not loose then liposuction may be all that you need. laser liposuction like SlimLipo and Smartlipo can tighten skin as well as remove fat.... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+2

Pregnancy Fat - How to get rid of it.

This is a great question. There are 4 things you should know about pregnancy fat: 1. After the pregnancy is over the hormones of your body will readjust and you will be able to lose a majority of the fat. 2. Shifting anatomy associated with the pregnancy and after the pregnancy may appear to create new pockets of fat. 3. These areas can be difficult to lose with only diet and exercise. These are perfect target areas for liposuction... more

Douglas S. Steinbrech, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.drsteinbrech.com

+2

Getting rid of fat after pregnancy

When it is okay with your obstetrician I suggest the best way to lose fat after pregnancy would be to go on a diet and exercise program. There are alot of good exercises that you can do after pregnancy to tighten the abdominal muscles and to get rid of abdominal fat. If after you lose the fat, the skin is still loose and has stretch marks, then you may need a tummy tuck. see video

James Tang, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

+2

Liposuction vs. Abdominoplasty

If you have excessive abdominal skin, an abdominoplasty is typically the best procedure. Liposuction is great for contouring but the amount of skin tightening will be based, in large part, on the elasticity of your skin. Upon consultation and examination a board certified plastic surgeon would be able to recommend the treatment option which would best address your concerns. Best wishes!

Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

+2

Tummy tuck after pregnancy

After pregnancy you can often have stretched out skin and altered distribution of fat. In most cases a tummy tuck combined with liposuction is the best procedure. In this procedure, we can tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the extra skin. Some patient choose to have a breast augmentation with or without lift at the same time. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+2

Lipo or tummy tuck for pregnancy fat

Of course no one can give you specific advice without seeing you, but given your history of steroid use it seems very likely that the skin has lost elasticity with pregnancy weight gain. In that situation, there is no magic laser that will tighten the skin with lipo so a tummy tuck is almost certainly your best choice. Be aware that marketing pitches for the laser lipo procedures often tout it as an alternative to a tummy tuck, thoughit only rarely gives similar results when the skin is lax. more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

+2

Pregnancy fat

You should not determine which procedure you will have because of the cost. If you are going to proceed with plastic surgery to enhance your aesthetic appearance and confidence, you should have the correct procedure done, whatever that may be. Many women following childbirth will benefit from an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to get rid of excess skin and fatty tissue and to reconstruct the loose abdominal wall muscles. Having said this, there is the rare woman who will have excellent skin... more

Sanjay Grover MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

+2

Post Pregancy Fat

Some liposuction patients that I treat seek a 'total body makeover', and undergo circumferential liposuction of the trunk, thighs and lower legs. The soft tissue contraction and resulting contour enhancement that is achieved by circumferential liposuction of a given area can be truly amazing. At the same time, I am increasingly seeing patients who come in for what I refer to as 'finesse' or 'refinement' liposuction, where very fit individuals seek refinement of... more

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+2

Go with proven surgery

First of all, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the price won't ever come down. Next I am a strong believer in doing surgery that has a proven track record. Over that past 30+ years we have learned that traditional suction lipectomy with tumescent solution and small cannulas can achieve excellent results. However, everyone is always trying to one-up the competition etc. So smart lipo was developed. The premise behind this is that a small laser cannula is inserted superficially... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

+2

Steroids, Pregnancy, and Stress can affect the abdomen: Planning tummy tuck abdominoplasty

Stress, pregnancy, hormones, and steroids can all affect the anterior abdominal wall. If you presented to my office, I would encourage someone in your position to maximize their exercise regimen, reduce stress, reverse the effects of steroids with Vitamin A, and wait 6 months for your skin to recover.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

+2

Best not to be penny wise and pound foolish

Hi there- Not only is liposuction in ANY form not likely to achieve your goal for you, it's likely it will leave you with even more loose skin that sags and makes you unhappy... THEN you'll have had to pay for (and go through) TWO operations (the liposuction, then the tummy tuck you should have had in the first place) to get happy... Unfortunately what you'd like to hear is not what sounds like would be in your best interests... I would also agree with my colleagues that it is critical that... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+2

Cost influencing surgical choice

Thanks for your question Niffer - You bring up a crucial point regarding cosmetic surgery. What do you do when you can't afford the surgery that you want or that your doctor recommends? Many individuals in your situation will shop around - this can be a good way to research your options and make sure you've found the right plastic surgeon for you. However, be careful - trying to "get the best bargain" can lead you to practitioners that are under qualified or inexperienced which... more

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

+2

Liposuction or Abdominoplasty, that is the question

The most important thing one has to realize, whether you are the patient or the doctor, is what is the goal when choosing between these two surgeries as there are different indications for both. If the patient's concern is simply related to problem areas of excess adipose (fat) that don't respond to diet and excersize then Liposuction may be the appropriate answer. If the patient is looking to restore her pre-pregnancy figure and is dealing with excess skin and lax abdominal muscles, then... more

Eric A. Marchant, MD
Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon

+1

Losing the post pregnancy weight and getting your body back

This is a common set of misconceptions and questions. Tummy tucks and liposuction are not same and address different problems. A person who needs a tummy tuck has extra skin and no amount of liposuction will fix that problem. Laser liposuction is not any cheaper, safer, or more effective than traditional liposuction. Finally plastic surgery prices are mostly effected by the general cost of health care which is only getting more expensive so waiting will result... more

Chad K. Wheeler, MD
Spokane Plastic Surgeon

+1

Mommy Makeover of hips and pubic region.

Steroids can cause significant weight gain as would long periods of bed rest as your metabolism slowed down and you gained weight. I would first try to get you involved with a trainer to get back in physical shape and boost your metabolism. Of course a proper diet is also key. Liposuction when there is skin excess often makes the problem worse so be careful and do not waste your hard earned money! See one or two board certified plastic surgeons in your area for a consultation to learn what... more

Gregory Lynam, MD
Richmond Plastic Surgeon

richmondsurgicalarts.com

+1

Shaping up after having babies

In a tummy tuck your surgeon can do three things. Remove excess fat Repair the muscles Remove excess skin The operation which will improve your appearance depends totally on what your problem is. If you have fattty deposits with good skin and muscle tone, then you may be alright with just liposuction. However if you have loose skin or damaged muscles then a tummy tuck may be whats required. Your plastic surgeon will be able to help you with this decision. more

Frank Lista, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

www.theplasticsurgeryclinic.com

+1

How to get rid of hip and pubic fat with liposuction

Smartlipo doesn't cost any more than regular lipo for small areas. It costs less, if it is done in the office OR under local tumescent anesthesia. The pubic area can be treated the same as any area, such as the hips. Whether you use laser or regular liposuction you can remove diet-resistant fat. I have Smartlipo MPX and I like it a lot. When you can afford a tummy tuck with liposuction at the same time, you will have a definitive result. Until then, treating localized... more

Robert M. Lowen, MD
Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

www.enhanced-you.com

+1

Tummy tuck vs Lipo post pregnancy.

Hello. I will start off by saying you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to be examined. This will then help you figure out which procedure will work best for you. After 3 pregnancies I would think you may have some loose skin that needs to be removed, in that case a tummy tuck with lipo may be your best option. Good luck to you.

Jaime Perez MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.jaimeperezmd.com

+1

You have many options.

Hello, Thank you for your question. It sounds like you have some stubborn fat deposits in the pubic area and hips. Fat can be lost through diet and exercise and can be removed with various forms of liposuction. There is the question of whether you also have skin and soft-tissue laxity. If you have excess laxity (sagging tissue) removal of fat through liposuction or through dieting will not correct this. Often, after 3 children and some weight gain, most... more

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

+1

Post pregnancy abdomen

If you have sagging skin, then a tuck would be required. If, instead, your skin tone is fine but you have an area of excess fat, then liposuction would be reasonable. I do not hink that SmartLipo would provide any better result than tumescent liposuction nor should the price be very different. It is very important to be at a stable weight with which you are comfortable before any surgery and that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

+1

Get Rid of Pregnancy Fat?

Thank you for the question. My suggestion would be to continue your diet exercise program until you are close to a stable weight. Then meet with several well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons for in person examination and advice. Next, undergo the procedure that will achieve the results you're looking for. Do not select a procedure based on costs. If necessary postpone the procedure until you're able to afford the procedure that will achieve the results you... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Losing the pregnancy fat

Without examining you in person, it is hard to comment whether you will need tummy vs. liposuction. Liposuction is a good way to get rid of excess fat. However, if you have excess skin, stretched out skin (with stretch marks), stretched out muscle after pregnancy, I do not think any type of liposuction will give you a good result. You should definitely go with your plastic surgeon's recommendation. If you are not sure, get a second opinion from another board... more

Sugene Kim, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

+1

SlimLipo works best!

Localized areas of fat with stretched skin respond best to the SlimLiposuction treatment. This laser has two wavelegths; one melts the fat and the other tightens the skin. Patients post-partum have been very pleased with results.

Marisa Lawrence, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

+1

Liposuction is for contouring

Sometimes no matter how fit you are, you can have fat pockets that don't go away. Liposuction isn't a method of weight loss, but is a method of contour improvement. A consult with computer imaging might help. Regardless of the brand of liposuction machine utilized, I think your primary concern should be the surgeon's skill and experience.

Mario Loomis, MD
Middletown Plastic Surgeon

+1

Tummy Tuck or not?

I have found through my 22 years in practice that the typical answer to post child birth bodies is excess skin and fat. The female body goes through a lot during pregnancy. It sounds like you had quite an experience and I am sorry. If you are a good candidate for liposuction then I encourage you to choose ultrasonic liposuction. The cost is worth it. If a tummy tuck is the answer for you right now is a great time to do it. Costs are down because of the state of the... more

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+1

You can't shrink skin significantly (including Smart Lipo).

If significant skin is part of your problem after pregnancy, only an abdominopasty will help you. Naturally, your other choice is to do nothing. I would not waste my time, money, and discomfort on anything in between. Now, I admit that I am speaking generally not having seen a picture of you, but I can say unequivocally that if you have an excess of skin that bothers you, my initial remarks apply.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

+1

Liposuction and tummy tuck for mommy makeover

Loose skin, loose muscle, and some residual fat are common after multiple pregnancies. A tummy tuck will remove the excess skin and tighten the belly area, while liposuction can remove fat from areas where excess skin does not need to be removed. These two procedures in combination will most likely give you the best result. ('regular' liposuction is just as effective as SmartLipo in removing fat, don't get hooked be the great marketting name of SmartLipo) Sincerely, Martin... more

Martin Jugenburg, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

www.torontosurgery.ca

+1

A tummy tuck will help you get your pre-pregnancy figure back

Thank you for the question! SmartLipo is great to treat small amounts of fat in limited areas but will not produce the great results you're looking for in these larger areas. Liposuction is a great way to remove fat but your skin needs to be closely evaluated to make sure that it has enough elasticity to contract afterwards. If you have extra abdominal skin or if your skin has stretch marks, a tummy tuck would provide the best results in a post-pregnancy abdomen. Best- Pat Pazmino, MD,... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

+1

Plastic surgery after pregnancy. Usually skin is the issue.

Great question. I would say after 3 kids and considering your areas of concern either a tummy tuck combined with liposuction (not smart lipo) or a body lift to address your outer thighs would be the answer. The fact that a plastic surgeon has already discussed this with you, then it sounds appropriate. Be careful trying to do an easier, less expensive procedure because it will unlikely deliver the results you would like, and you may find yourself back getting the procedure you needed in the... more

Andrew P. Trussler, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

+1

Tighter versus Thinner

If you are looking for the area to become "thinner" then lipo may do it. If you want it "tighter" as well, then a tummy tuck is your best bet. Lipo alone doesn't really tighten anything. Smartlipo tightening is very inconsistent. Best Regards.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

+1

Choosing the best stomach area procedure after pregnancy

Unfortunately, without an examination I cannot offer you the correct advise. However, I agree with most surgeons, if you have had three pregnancies, there is a high chance you have loose skin. Liposuction of loose skin will only make it worse. Most likely you will require a tummy tuck and may be an extended tummy tuck to address the loose skin around the hips. Regarding SmartLipo, I recommend comparing before and after photos of regular liposuction with SmartLipo results. I can guarantee... more

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD
Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon

+1

Liposuction or Tummy tuck following pregnancy

Odds are that you would benefit more from a tummy tuck which addresses the fat, skin, and muscle. IF you skin and muscle are in relatively good shape then a mini tummy tuck or liposuction alone may accomplish a satisfactory result. There is little evidence to support the use of laser lipolysis. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

+1

Pregancy fat liposuction

If you have small areas of fat in the lower abdomen and hips, you may be a good candidate for liposuction. If you have severe laxity of the skin and weak muscles, then I would recommend a tummy tuck.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

+1

Pregnancy fat - Liposuction or Tummy Tuck

Pregnancy fat is tough. As a plastic surgeon and mom of three young kids, I understand both sides of the post baby body- as a surgeon and a woman. 1. Give yourself time to get your body back in shape. You need to get a good diet and exercise routine. And with young children, especially close together, it can be impossible to devote any time to you. Ignore magazines with photos of movie stars back to their "pre baby shape in two months!" The movie stars have trainers, special... more

Lauren Greenberg, MD
Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon

+1

Getting Rid of a 3 pregnancies Pooch

The key to a great cosmetic result is proper matching of the operation(s) to the patients condition. On the other hand, trying to get one operation to substitute for another often results in a disappointment and sometimes even a disaster. The MAIN defect in a single pregnancy and SURELY in 3 pregnancies is a separation of the Rectus (six pack) and other abdominal muscles. THAT is the reason for BOTH the pooch and skin laxity. Liposuction (including VASER) and especially (not - so) Smart Lipo... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

+1

Smart Lipo vs Tummy Tuck

First, Smart Lipo is a gimmick. It does not tighten the skin. For the excess skin, you need a Tummy Tuck. With the Tummy Tuck, the incision is designed to deal with the problems of the pubic region whether it is fat removal and lift of the combination. For the excess fat at the hips you need LIPOSUCTION.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

+1

Abdominoplasty works best for post pregnancy fat

Niffer, Pregnancy causes tremendous stresses on the abdominal wall which are compounded by the effect of steroids, bedrest, and multiple pregnancies. It is probably not reasonable to expect your abdomen to be corrected to your satisfaction by liposuction alone. Tummy tuck will allow for tightening of the abdominal muscle, and correction of the loose skin including the pubic area that you mention has now become prominent. I often combine some liposuction where needed to help contour and... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

+1

Determine which procedure is right for you

Sounds like a consulation and an exam by a board certified plastic surgeon is the best way to determine your ideal option. Obviously, cost is an issue for most patients. The best advice I can give you is first determine which procedure is the best for you and then look at the cost. If you have extensive skin sagging and looseness, you will need a tummy tuck. If you do anything less because of cost, you may spend less but will not get the result you want. Therefore, it will like throwing your... more

Bahram Ghaderi, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

+1

Vaser Lipo and Lipolite are a good alternative.

It sounds like what you probably need is some aggressive recontouring and an additional amount of fat shrinkage. This can be done without an invasive abdominoplasty unless you have extensive skin damage with bad stretch marks. The Vaser technique involves ultrasonic blasting of the fat which then allows for much more efficient removal of the fat. The LipoLite technology is very good at tightening the skin and promoting better contouring and shaping of the skin over the new contour. These... more

Talmage J. Raine, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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How to Get Rid of Pregnancy Fat?