As the weather warms up, you might look forward to donning your swimsuit and enjoying time in the water again. For some new mothers, however, the lighter layers and shorter clothing of spring and summer can bring discomfort.
When your body adapts to pregnancy and childbirth, it can create unwanted changes in skin laxity, muscle strength, and body fat distribution that linger after your little one has joined your family.
Your body has done something amazing—and that’s something you should always feel proud of. But if the appearance of your midsection is affecting your self-confidence, there’s no need to cover up or struggle in silence.
At Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, Dr. Faulkner can restore your silhouette with slimming nonsurgical and surgical procedures. Keep reading to explore your treatment options, or book your consultation for a tummy tuck near Washington, DC.
Navigating Your Changing Body
Motherhood is beautiful—and transformative in more ways than one.
Bringing new life into this world is an accomplishment in itself. And after nourishing and caring for a child in your womb for 9 months, it’s natural to see alterations in your anatomy. For many new parents, loose skin, stubborn fat, and weakened muscles persist long after delivery.
But why exactly do these changes stick around postpartum?
Why Do Fat Deposits Linger?
When you are pregnant, your levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen, rise to 100 times higher than your prenatal levels. Surges in estrogen support your placental health and future lactation, but also prompt fat storage, especially around the waistline.
Similarly, your adrenal glands produce increased cortisol during pregnancy—up to 3 times higher than normal—to regulate energy consumption, blood pressure, and inflammation. With heightened cortisol circulation, the stress hormone compels your body to hold onto excess body fat, storing it for future fuel in this time of perceived distress.
If you aren’t getting enough rest as you adjust to your newborn’s sleep routine, your fatigued body will need more fuel. States of exhaustion and stress trigger your hunger hormones, which regulate your appetite. That means when you’re tired, you might feel constant cravings.
Some women also struggle with mobility and even finding time to get active as their families grow. As you heal, pain, discomfort, and incontinence can linger, hampering your usual activity levels.
What Causes Skin Laxity?
During pregnancy, the skin stretches to accommodate the developing fetus. Once pulled taut around your growing belly, the fibrous framework of collagen and elastin that gives your skin structure and elasticity pulls apart and weakens. Without a strong foundation, the skin falls slack after childbirth. Up to 90% of mothers also notice stretch marks on their skin, especially on the abdomen or pubic region.
Pregnancy hormones are a powerful thing. As your estrogen levels crest and fall through each trimester, the hormonal imbalance can further contribute to skin laxity as the skin thins and stretches. Without enough estrogen, your cells produce less collagen and elastin, decreasing the skin’s density.
What Makes Abdominal Muscles Separate?
As your body makes room for your growing baby, your uterus expands, forcing the connective tissue between your abdominal muscles to separate in a condition called diastasis recti. This band of tissue, called the linea alba, might naturally heal, drawing back together after delivery. For some mothers, however, the linea alba loses elasticity and is unable to “snap back” into place.
When this gap doesn’t close itself, your lower belly might appear to stick out. The separated abdominal wall can also make your core muscles feel weaker, even leading to discomfort when lifting your little one.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Dr. Faulkner understands the physical demands of motherhood, having helped many women reclaim their bodies after pregnancy. As he works with you to plan your postpartum procedure, Dr. Faulkner listens attentively to your medical history, treatment expectations, and lifestyle.
For patients with weakened abdominal muscles, less extensive abdominal fat, and goals and habits that align with a less invasive treatment plan, Dr. Faulkner might recommend targeted sculpting treatments. Our board-certified physician helps many patients achieve a smoother, more toned midsection with CoolSculpting, Morpheus8 Body, and Emsculpt NEO.
CoolSculpting
During a CoolSculpting treatment, Dr. Faulkner uses noninvasive cryolipolysis to eliminate unwanted fat deposits. After applying the applicator to your abdomen, gentle cooling therapy freezes the targeted fat cells, crystallizing them. Once broken down, your body gradually flushes the cells from your system.
Typically, Dr. Faulkner recommends returning for a series of 2 to 3 treatments for optimal results.
Morpheus8 Body
Morpheus8 Body can also be a powerful option for postpartum women looking to restore their figures without surgery.
This treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production deep within the skin, helping to tighten loose or stretched areas commonly seen after pregnancy.
Targeted Morphus8 Body treatments can improve the appearance of stretch marks, smooth uneven texture, and even target small pockets of stubborn fat, resulting in firmer, more toned skin.
Because it works beneath the surface and requires minimal downtime, Morpheus8 Body offers a gradual, natural-looking way to rebuild confidence and support the body’s recovery after childbirth. Most patients return for a series of 3 to 4 sessions, each spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Emsculpt NEO
An Emsculpt NEO session targets weak muscles and unwanted pockets of fat. The noninvasive device uses:
- High-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to contract and strengthen your abdominal muscles.
- Radiofrequency energy to create controlled heat damage in the underlying fat cells and induce the skin’s healing response, breaking down fat deposits and gently tightening the targeted tissue.
Many patients return for 4 to 6 Emsculpt NEO sessions to reach the desired muscle tone and abdominal contours.
Surgical Procedures
If you are experiencing more extensive skin laxity, unwanted fat, and abdominal wall separation after pregnancy, Dr. Faulkner can address your concerns and achieve your aesthetic vision with BodyTite or a tummy tuck near Washington, DC.
BodyTite
BodyTite is a minimally invasive and highly effective means of tightening the skin and reducing fat in the treatment area. When performing a BodyTite procedure on the abdomen, Dr. Faulkner inserts a small probe under the skin. The device sends thermal RF energy into the treatment area, liquifying the surrounding fat cells and stimulating skin repair in the tissue above.
Then, Dr. Faulkner uses a small cannula to remove the melted fat cells. As the skin heals itself from this controlled damage, collagen and elastin production increases, steadily firming and tightening the tissue to better hug your slimmed figure.
Tummy Tuck
For patients hoping to achieve comprehensive skin removal, fat reduction, and muscle strengthening in a single procedure, Dr. Faulkner can perform an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, near Washington, DC.
As with every treatment at Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, Dr. Faulkner tailors your tummy tuck procedure to fit your body and your goals. For many patients, a tummy tuck near Washington, DC, includes:
- Removing excess skin around the lower abdomen and tightening the remaining tissue
- Restoring the linea alba connecting the abdominal wall, which strengthens the core muscles
- Liposuction to gently remove unwanted pockets of fat around the abdomen and love handles
How to Prepare for Surgery
Prior to your tummy tuck near Washington, DC, Dr. Faulkner reviews the steps you should take to prepare for your procedure. By observing these guidelines, you can support the efficacy of your abdominoplasty and the speed of your recovery. Though your pre-care instructions may vary based on your lifestyle and health history, Dr. Faulkner typically recommends:
- Avoid tobacco products at least 6 weeks prior to surgery
- Discontinue use of blood-thinning medications and other drugs as directed
- Fast from food and water for 8 to 12 hours before your tummy tuck
- Arrive at your appointment with clean skin, free from lotions, oils, or fragrances
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your comfort after treatment
- Arrange transportation home from surgery
Caring for Your Body After Surgery
After surgery, your body needs rest. Dr. Faulkner reviews your after-care steps before and after the procedure, monitoring your recovery in regular follow-up visits. Often, these post-surgery instructions include:
- Resume light activity, like walking, within a few days, but avoid strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks after your procedure
- Take pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Faulkner
- Wear your compression garments to manage swelling and support your healing body
- Use a cold compress and elevation to reduce inflammation
- Keep your incisions clean and dry, avoiding direct water pressure
- Return to work after 1 to 2 weeks
- Care for your healing scars as instructed, protecting them from direct sun exposure for 6 to 12 months after surgery
- Maintain a healthy diet, exercise routine, and sleep schedule after you recuperate
Taking steps to care for your body elevates your healing process so you can enjoy your newly sculpted physique. As you recover from your tummy tuck in Washington, DC, be sure to maintain healthy habits and communicate any changes in your healing to Dr. Faulkner.
Find Comfort in Our Care
Becoming a parent is an incredible feat. But you don’t have to let motherhood define you—or your figure. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin through every season of life.
So, as summer approaches, consider putting yourself a little higher on your list of priorities. At Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, you can embrace your body again with a board-certified surgeon who centers your goals.
Redefine Your Relationship With Your Body
You can find joy in motherhood and in yourself. Together, we can rise to meet your body’s changing needs. Reclaim your figure with nonsurgical and surgical abdominal procedures like a tummy tuck near Washington, DC.
Learn about Dr. Faulkner’s approach to other transformative procedures like neck fat removal.
