Having children can cause a range of unfavorable changes in the body and excess abdominal skin is a common concern experienced by patients following pregnancy. For most patients, pregnancy reduces skin elasticity in the abdomen and the skin is unable to “snap back” to their original body shape. As a result, there is often an apron of loose skin left on the lower abdomen that cannot be corrected with dieting and exercise alone. While board-certified plastic surgeon Wesley Schooler, MD understands how frustrating excess skin can be, our Santa Barbara practice offers both surgical and non-surgical treatments to help you regain a smoother, tighter abdominal contour: 

• Tummy Tuck: A tummy tuck is the most effective treatment to rid the abdomen of excess, hanging skin. Results can be immediately noticeable and long-lasting, providing patients with a slimmer waistline and a sleeker, more defined abdomen. 
• BodyTite^®: Those looking for non-surgical improvement may benefit from BodyTite^®, a minimally invasive skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to help promote skin tissue contraction. This can help enhance loose skin on the abdomen without the commitment of a surgical procedure and recovery period. 
• Post-Bariatric Body Contouring: Also known as a lower body lift, body contouring after weight loss can help address excess skin left in multiple areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. This is a combination treatment plan designed to correct hanging skin in many different regions, resulting in all-encompassing improvement. 

There are many different options available to improve the abdomen after pregnancy and Dr. Schooler would be happy to meet with you to formulate an ideal treatment plan to obtain the results you envision. 

Loose abdominal skin left after pregnancy can negatively affect your abdominal contour, but Dr. Schooler offers solutions to give you the smooth, sleek stomach you desire. Don’t hesitate to contact our Santa Barbara office to book an appointment with Dr. Schooler or to learn more about our services. 

The best timing for a Mommy Makeover is a frequently asked question raised by patients in Santa Barbara and beyond. For many women, the desire to return to their pre-pregnancy body as soon as possible after giving birth is very common. Unfortunately, there are some concerns that cannot be improved with healthy living and an active lifestyle, such as separated abdominal muscles, hanging skin, and stubborn fat. A Mommy Makeover is perhaps the most effective and comprehensive way to reclaim your pre-baby contours, but it’s essential to give your body time to “settle” after giving birth before putting it through additional stress. In general, patients should wait at least six months to one year after their pregnancy before considering a Mommy Makeover.

While it typically takes six months to one year for the body to heal after having children, other factors may also affect the best timing for your Mommy Makeover. For example, many women choose to wait until their childcare responsibilities are less demanding — often through enlisting outside help or by waiting until their newborn is a little older — to ensure they have adequate time to recover and rest after surgery. That said, it’s never too early to start planning for your Mommy Makeover and to receive guidance on your potential treatment options during a consultation. The right timing for your surgery is unique to your situation, and Dr. Schooler will be there to help guide you through the process.

Regardless of when you decide to start pursuing a Mommy Makeover, consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to determine how to safely and effectively achieve your goals. Dr. Wesley Schooler can answer all of your questions and help you develop the right treatment plan for your needs, so don’t hesitate to contact Santa Barbara Plastic Surgery today.