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After going through big life changes like having a baby or losing a lot of weight quickly, some women find they have extra loose skin hanging down from their belly. People often call this a ‘mummy tummy.’
If you’re a woman who’s dealing with a mummy tummy, you’re probably wondering how to make it go away. This article talks about different ways you can improve how your tummy looks. You’ve got options, both surgical, like a tummy tuck, and non-surgical ones as well.
If you’re serious about tackling your mummy tummy, why not book an appointment with us at Centre for Surgery? We’re a leading clinic in London that specialises in shaping your body. Our expert surgeons have carried out hundreds of successful tummy tucks and other procedures to change the shape of your body. They’ll use their skills and know-how to help you achieve a big improvement in how your upper body looks.
RELATED: C Section Pouch – Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Understanding the Root Causes of Mummy Tummy Overhang
If you’re struggling with what’s commonly known as a “mummy tummy,” you’re not alone. This condition often occurs in women following significant life events such as pregnancy or rapid weight loss. While dealing with mummy tummy can be frustrating, understanding its underlying causes is the first step toward finding an effective treatment plan tailored for you. Let’s delve into some of the main factors that contribute to this condition.
Pregnancy and Its After-Effects
When you’re pregnant, your uterus grows to accommodate your baby, which in turn stretches the muscles and skin in your abdominal region. After childbirth, it’s not uncommon for this stretched skin to lose its elasticity, resulting in a hanging belly or overhang. For those who have had a Caesarean section, the scar can act like a tight band around the lower abdomen, forcing the loose skin and muscle to bulge out over it, exacerbating the appearance of a mummy tummy.
RELATED: Belly Overhang After C-Section
Stubborn Fat Accumulation
Pregnancy typically leads to weight gain, which is entirely normal. However, shedding those extra pounds postpartum can be a challenging task for many women. Sometimes, the mummy tummy is not just loose skin but also consists of stubborn fat that refuses to go away despite dieting and exercise. This fatty layer can make the skin appear even more lax and droopy.
Dietary Choices and Alcohol Consumption
The transition into motherhood can bring about new cravings for carbohydrates and sugars. If not moderated, these high-calorie foods can lead to added belly fat. Also, some mothers may resume consuming alcohol after abstaining during pregnancy. It’s worth noting that alcohol is calorie-rich and can contribute to the accumulation of abdominal fat, thereby adding to the overhang.
Stress-Related Factors
The stress of becoming a new parent can lead to elevated cortisol levels in the body. Elevated cortisol can trigger cravings for high-calorie, fatty, and sugary foods. Over time, these unhealthy eating habits can result in additional belly fat, making it even harder to get rid of your mummy tummy.
The Impact of Ageing
As we age, the elasticity of our skin naturally diminishes. The loss of skin elasticity is a significant factor when it comes to drooping skin. When coupled with the natural accumulation of subcutaneous fat that occurs over time, ageing skin is more likely to sag, making existing mummy tummy issues even more noticeable.
Consult a Nutritionist for Personalised Guidance
If you’re struggling with a poor diet or weight gain, consulting a nutritionist can be a practical step. They can help you design a personalised diet plan tailored to your needs, lifestyle, and specific health conditions, setting you on the right path toward addressing your mummy tummy.
Is Surgical Intervention the Only Way to Eliminate Mummy Tummy Overhang?
While a tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is often considered the most effective way to address mummy tummy, particularly if the main issue is loose skin, there are alternative approaches that may work, especially for those whose overhang is more fat-based. Here are some non-surgical routes you might consider:
Boost Your Aerobic Activities
Engaging in regular aerobic exercises can make a noticeable difference in the appearance of your mummy tummy. Activities like yoga, pilates, and jogging are excellent choices as they can help in burning the fatty tissues that contribute to your drooping stomach. The idea is to raise your heart rate consistently, which will help in fat reduction and improve your overall physical fitness.
RELATED: How To Get Rid Of Stomach Overhang & Belly Fat
Adjust Your Diet and Maintain a Caloric Deficit
Another key element in battling mummy tummy is having a balanced and healthy diet. The goal here is to establish a caloric deficit—meaning that you are burning more calories than you consume. This will help in reducing both subcutaneous and visceral fat, which are often culprits behind the overhang.
Explore Non-Surgical Treatment Options
If surgery isn’t your preferred path, there are innovative non-surgical treatments that can address both skin laxity and excess fat:
- BodyTite: This is an advanced form of liposuction that employs radio frequency (RF) energy to permanently dissolve fat while simultaneously tightening the skin. BodyTite can be particularly effective for those who have a hanging belly following a Caesarean section.
- Morpheus8: This is another treatment option that uses radio frequency energy but in a slightly different way. Morpheus8 employs microneedles to deliver controlled-depth heating, inducing minor trauma in the skin and the fat beneath it. The resulting controlled trauma stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, key proteins that help improve skin elasticity and contour. This can be particularly useful for treating bellies that hang due to loss of skin elasticity post-pregnancy.
Tackling Mummy Tummy Overhang with Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
If you’re dealing with a mummy tummy, a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty can offer significant benefits in improving the appearance of your stomach area. This surgical procedure is tailored to address issues such as diastasis recti (muscle separation) and sagging skin, making it an ideal treatment for those experiencing overhanging skin on their abdomen. It can be combined with a mummy makeover for even more dramatic results.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The abdominoplasty surgery is conducted in a controlled clinical environment to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
Type of Incisions
The nature of the incisions made by your surgeon will vary based on the specific type of tummy tuck you’ll be undergoing. In a standard full tummy tuck, an incision is made along the bikini line. However, if you’re having an extended tummy tuck or a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, the surgeon will use different types of incisions tailored to your needs.
Removing Loose Skin and Addressing Muscle Separation
Once the incisions are made, the next step is to remove the excess, sagging skin around the lower part of your abdomen and near your navel. If you’re also experiencing a protruding bulge due to separated abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti, your surgeon will deal with this too. The separated muscles will be pulled back together and tightened using dissolvable sutures to provide a flatter, more toned appearance to your stomach.
What makes abdominoplasty a particularly effective option for treating mummy tummy is its comprehensive approach. Not only does it remove excess skin, but it also addresses the muscle separation that often occurs after pregnancy or significant weight loss. This dual action is what helps deliver a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing abdominal area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mummy Tummy Overhang
What is Mummy Tummy Overhang?
Mummy tummy overhang is a common term used to describe the excess, sagging skin that hangs over the lower abdomen. This condition often occurs after events like pregnancy or rapid weight loss.
RELATED: How Soon Can I Have A Mummy Makeover After Pregnancy?
How is Mummy Tummy Overhang Different from Belly Fat?
While belly fat is the accumulation of adipose tissue beneath the skin, mummy tummy overhang often involves not just fat but also loose, sagging skin. Sometimes it’s also accompanied by separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
What Causes Mummy Tummy Overhang?
Common causes include pregnancy, rapid weight loss, ageing, poor diet, and stress. During pregnancy, the abdomen stretches, causing the skin to lose elasticity and muscles to separate. These factors combined can contribute to a protruding belly post-pregnancy.
Are There Non-Surgical Ways to Treat Mummy Tummy Overhang?
Yes, regular exercise and a balanced diet can help to a certain extent, especially if the overhang is primarily due to fat accumulation. Non-surgical treatments like BodyTite and Morpheus8 can also be effective but might not offer the same level of results as surgical interventions.
How Effective is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Treating Mummy Tummy?
Abdominoplasty is highly effective for treating mummy tummy overhang, especially when it involves skin laxity and muscle separation. It removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles for a flatter, more toned appearance.
What Are the Risks Associated with Abdominoplasty?
Like any surgical procedure, risks include infection, scarring, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. However, these risks are generally low when the surgery is performed by qualified, experienced surgeons.
How Long is the Recovery After a Tummy Tuck?
Recovery times vary but expect to take at least two weeks off work and refrain from strenuous activities for six weeks. Always follow your surgeon’s post-operative care guidelines for the best results.
Can I Consult a Surgeon About Mummy Tummy Overhang at Centre for Surgery?
Yes, our experienced team of surgeons at Centre for Surgery can offer a comprehensive consultation to explore the best treatment options for you.
Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Your Abdominoplasty?
When it comes to selecting a clinic for your abdominoplasty, you deserve nothing but the best. At Centre for Surgery, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive, patient-centred approach that sets us apart in the field of plastic surgery.
Expertise and Experience
Our team of highly skilled surgeons has successfully performed hundreds of abdominoplasties and other body contouring procedures. With our vast experience, we can assure you of a dramatic and aesthetically pleasing transformation. Our surgeons’ in-depth knowledge allows them to tailor each procedure to your specific needs, ensuring you receive desired results.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Located at 95-97 Baker Street in London, our clinic is equipped with the latest technology in a comfortable and hygienic environment. We maintain strict safety protocols and adhere to the highest medical standards, assuring you peace of mind throughout your treatment journey.
Patient-Centric Approach
At Centre for Surgery, you’re not just a patient; you’re a valued individual deserving of personalised care. From your initial consultation to your post-operative follow-ups, our dedicated staff is committed to ensuring that your experience is as comfortable as possible.
Patient Testimonials
But don’t just take our word for it. Listen to what our satisfied patients have to say:
- “I had my abdominoplasty done at Centre for Surgery, and the results are amazing. The staff were incredibly supportive, and my surgeon was brilliant. I couldn’t be happier.” – Emily, London
- “Choosing Centre for Surgery was the best decision I ever made. The patient care was exceptional, and I felt comfortable and secure throughout the entire process.” – Sarah, Manchester
Easy Consultation Booking
Ready to transform your life? Schedule your consultation today by:
- 📞 Calling us at 0207 993 4849
- 📧 Emailing us at contact@centreforsurgery.com
- Visiting our clinic at 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN
For more information, feel free to check out our plastic surgery blog at Centre for Surgery Blog, where you’ll find a wealth of information to guide you through your surgical journey.
Choose Centre for Surgery for an unparalleled healthcare experience that prioritises your needs, safety, and satisfaction.
