How to clean the stomach after childbirth
Miscellaneous / / January 20, 2022
We analyze all possible methods - from diet and exercise to plastic surgery.
Will the stomach recover after childbirth if nothing is done
Within 2 to 6 weeks postpartum, weight decreases rapidlyG. J. Cho, H. J. Yoon, E. Kim. Postpartum Changes in Body Composition / Obesity, but this happens mainly due to water. Fat accumulated during pregnancy does not disappear anywhere.
After the birth of a childL. Oh Walker, b. S. Sterling, G. M. Timmerman. Retention of pregnancy‑related weight in the early postpartum period: implications for women’s health services / Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing two-thirds of women weigh more than before pregnancy. An increase of 3–7 kg can last up to six months, and sometimes stay with the mother for life.
We must not forget about problems with sagging skin and folds on the stomach. Strong stretching of the skin thinsK. Sami, A. Elshahat, M. Moussa. Image analyzer study of the skin in patients with morbid obesity and massive weight loss / Eplasty
strands of collagen - the protein of which it consists, and a decreaseD. M. Reilly, J. Lozano. Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty / Plastic and Aesthetic Research its amount after childbirth can slow recovery.However, it is still possible to bring the stomach in order. Especially if you take up the restoration of physical fitness in time.
How to remove the stomach after childbirth on your own
To increase the effect, it is better to combine several measures: stick to a diet, add physical exercises over time, and try supplements to improve skin condition. Below we will discuss these points in more detail.
How to eat to lose belly fat
In a meta-analysisP. van der Pligt, J. Willcox, K. D. Hesketh. Systematic review of lifestyle interventions to limit postpartum weight retention: implications for future opportunities to prevent maternal overweight and obesity following childbirth / Obesity Reviews 11 scientific studies have confirmed that the diet is most effective for weight loss after childbirth.
Before embarking on any diet, consult with a dietitian or gynecologist who has managed the pregnancy.
If you do not have health problems, try a mild option:
- Reduce your calorie intake by 500 calories.
- Consume 50-60% of energy from carbohydrates, 30% from fat and 10-20% from protein.
- Limit sweets to 100 grams per week.
- Make lunch and dinner so that half the plate is occupied by vegetables.
- Try to choose foods with fewer saturated fats and sugars.
In one experimentF. Bertz, H. K. Brecke, L. Ellegard. Diet and exercise weight‑loss trial in lactating overweight and obese women / The American journal of clinical nutrition 68 lactating women began to adhere to such a diet at 10–14 weeks after childbirth and lost an average of 8 kg after three months.
How to exercise to remove the stomach
Physical exercise is not very effective for weight loss, especially without dietary control. However, you can't call them useless either.
Svetlana Shcheglova
The doctor is a gynecologist-endocrinologist. Specialist in intimate plastic surgery and chief physician of the Women's Health Center "NK-clinic"
After childbirth, a woman's body undergoes a serious hormonal restructuring. A sharp drop in estrogen progesterone, increases the level of prolactin and oxytocin. During pregnancy, all the muscles were stretched, and the body was tuned only to support the muscular corset of the small pelvis to carry the baby. In the postpartum period, the muscles weaken and relax.
Physical exercise can strengthenExercise after pregnancy: How to get started / Mayo clinic abdominal muscles weakened during pregnancy, help 1. A. A. Thabet, M. A. Alshehri. Efficacy of deep core stability exercise program in postpartum women with diastasis recti abdominis: a randomized controlled trial / Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions
2. A. Michalska, W. Rokita, D. Wolder, J. Pogorzelska. Diastasis recti abdominis – A review of treatment methods / Gynecologia Polska in the elimination of diastasis, as well as improve sleep, reduce stress and relieve symptoms of postpartum depression.
But at the same time, you should not buy a fitness subscription or take on pumping the press immediately after discharge.
Svetlana Shcheglova says that during pregnancy, some organs, such as the bladder and intestines, move under the influence of the growing fetus, and within two months after the birth of the child, they become on their own places. Therefore, serious training should be postponed.
But walking around won't hurt. Walking is a great way to increase the load on the body and build endurance without risking joints.
After two months, you can move on to light exercises to strengthen your muscles. Here is an example of a workout that you can try during this period:
- diaphragmatic breathing - 3 sets of 20 breaths and exhalations.
- Pelvic floor training - 5 seconds contraction, 10 relaxation (3-5 sets).
- plank - 3 sets of 10-20 seconds.
- Tension of the abdominal muscles in the prone position - 5 seconds contraction, 10 seconds relaxation (3-5 sets).
- Twisting on the press - 3 sets of 20 times.
After six months, you can gradually cross over to power loads with the weight of your body and light shells, as well as to do more intense cardio on the simulators or in the pool.
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What supplements to take to restore skin condition
Several studies have shown that taking 5-10 g of hydrolyzed collagen for 8 weeks increases 1. G. Aguirre Cruz, A. Leon‑Lopez, V. Cruz-Gomez, R. Jimenez Alvarado. Collagen Hydrolysates for Skin Protection: Oral Administration and Topical Formulation / Antioxidants (Basel)
2. N. Inoue, F. Sugihara X. wang. Ingestion of bioactive collagen hydrolysates enhance facial skin moisture and elasticity and reduce facial aging signs in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study / ournal of the science of food and agriculture
3. N. Ito, S. Seki, F. Ueda. Effects of Composite Supplement Containing Collagen Peptide and Ornithine on Skin Conditions and Plasma IGF‑1 Levels‑A Randomized, Double‑Blind, Placebo‑Controlled Trial / Marine drugs
4. C. L. Kalil, V. Campos, S. Cignachi. Evaluation of cutaneous rejuvenation associated with the use of ortho‑silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed marine collagen / Journal of cosmetic dermatology density and elasticity of the skin.
In two meta-analyses 1. R. b. Miranda, P. Weimer, R. C. Rossi. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta‑analysis / International journal of dermatology
2. F. D. Choi, C. T. Sung, M. L.W. Juhasz. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications / International journal of dermatology scientific papers also recognized that taking 2.5–10 g of hydrolyzed collagen for up to 90 days has a positive effect on skin firmness and elasticity. Moreover, it works for women at any age.
Try hydrolyzed collagen supplements - take 5-10 grams per day, 30-60 minutes before meals. Give preference to options with vitamin C: it contributes 1. D. M. Lis, K. Baar. Effects of Different Vitamin C‑Enriched Collagen Derivatives on Collagen Synthesis / Sport nutrition and exercise metabolism
2. J. M. Pullar, A. C. Carr, M. C. M. Vissers. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health / Nutrients collagen synthesis and increases the effectiveness of supplements.
What else is important to consider in order to remove the stomach
In addition to nutrition and exercise, it is also important to reduce stress levels as much as possible.
Svetlana Shcheglova
There is such a thing as “cortisol belly”. Fat cells in the abdomen are very sensitive to the level of this hormone, so when stressed, fat quickly accumulates in this area. In addition, cortisol contributes to an increase in the amount of visceral fat that is formed on the internal organs. Very often it becomes more noticeable around the waist and lower abdomen, and we see the same roller.
According to research 1. G. J. Cho, H. J. Yoon, E. Kim. Postpartum Changes in Body Composition / Obesity
2. E. P. Gunderson, b. Sternfeld, M. F. wellons. Childbearing may increase visceral adipose tissue independent of overall increase in body fat / Obesity
3. C. K. McClure, J. Catov, R. Ness. Maternal Visceral Adiposity by Consistency of Lactation / Maternal and child health journal, pregnancy and childbirth do increase the risk of accumulating visceral fat, especially in women who are not breastfeeding.
The first thing to do is to lower the level stress. It is clear that it is extremely difficult to do this with a small child, but there are still several ways:
- Delegate some of the responsibilities to close relatives.
- Try to rest more often - for example, during the daytime sleep of the child, go to bed with him.
- Walk more often and engage in moderate physical activity.
- Try relaxation techniques - yoga, breathing exercises, meditation.
What cosmetic procedures can help to remove the stomach after childbirth
Beauty salons offer a wide range of non-invasive (without breaking the integrity of the skin) procedures using ultrasound, infrared radiation, massage and cold.
According to a number of studiesReza Nassab. The Evidence Behind Noninvasive Body Contouring Devices / Aesthetic Surgery Journal, such methods can reduce the waist circumference by 2-5 cm and improve skin firmness.
But at the same time, one should not expect miracles: even in research, procedures do not help all participants. In addition, they are not able to cope with serious defects.
LPG massage
This is a type of therapy in which the skin on the problem area is drawn into the apparatus and massaged with special rollers. The procedure disrupts the membranes of adipocytes - fat cells, which contributes to the release of fat into the bloodstream and weight loss at the site of exposure.
The effectiveness of the technique is low: in one studyP. Chang, J. Wiseman, T. Jacoby. Noninvasive Mechanical Body Contouring: (Endermologie) A One‑Year Clinical Outcome Study Update / Aesthetic Plastic Surgery after 14 weeks of treatment, waist circumference decreased by 2.65% and weight by 1.84%. At the same time, about a third of patients, on the contrary, additionally recovered.
In anotherZ. Kutlubay A. Songur. An alternative treatment modality for cellulite: LPG endermologie / Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy In a scientific study, 15 sessions of LPG massage helped almost all participants reduce the girth of different parts of the body by an average of 2.9 cm, and weight by 2.7 kg.
The cost of the procedure starts from 1200 rubles.
RF devices
Such devices heat the epidermis and dermis, acting on the collagen strands, shortening them, and also stimulate the synthesis of a new protein in the skin, which contributes to its tightening.
The popular VelaSmooth and VelaShape devices act with infrared light on the surface layers and radio frequencies on the deeper ones, reduce 1. R. Wanitphakdeedecha, W. Manuskiatti. Treatment of cellulite with a bipolar radiofrequency, infrared heat, and pulsatile suction device: a pilot study / Journal of cosmetic dermatology
2. L. Brightman, E. Weiss, A. M. Chapas. Improvement in arm and post-partum abdominal and flank subcutaneous fat deposits and skin laxity using a bipolar radio frequency, infrared, vacuum and mechanical massage device / Lasers in surgery and medicine waist circumference is on average 2-4 cm. The cost of such procedures starts from 1,500 rubles.
Also, some salons offer to use the Vanquish device, a non-contact device that acts on adipose tissue without overheating the skin. In one experimentK. Fajkosova, A. Machovcova, M. Onder. Selective radiofrequency therapy as a non-invasive approach for contactless body contouring and circumferential reduction / Journal of drugs in dermatology four such sessions reduced participants' waist circumference by an average of 5 cm. However, the effect was not observed in all subjects.
These procedures are more expensive. The cost of one session starts from 14 thousand rubles.
Ultrasonic lipolysis
Such devices destroy adipose tissue by acting on adipocytes with ultrasonic waves without touching the skin and blood vessels.
In one studyJ. Moreno-Moraga, T. Valero‑Altes, A. Martinez Riquelme. Body contouring by non‑invasive transdermal focused ultrasound / Lasers in surgery and medicine three sessions with the Ultrashape device helped to reduce fat thickness by 2.28 cm and waist circumference by 3.9 cm. In a differentb. Ascher. Safety and efficacy of UltraShape Contour I treatments to improve the appearance of body contours: multiple treatments in shorter intervals / Aesthetic surgery journal three courses with an interval of two weeks reduced the waist circumference by 3.58 cm.
The cost of ultrasonic lifting starts from 1,500 rubles per procedure.
cryolipolysis
This is the freezing of fat cells with the help of special devices. The fat fold is sucked into the applicator and exposed to low temperatures.
According to research 1. S. R. Coleman, K. Sachdeva, B. M. Egbert. Clinical efficacy of noninvasive cryolipolysis and its effects on peripheral nerves / Aesthetic plastic surgery
2. C. C. Dierickx, J. Mazer, M. sand. Safety, tolerance, and patient satisfaction with noninvasive cryolipolysis / Dermatologic surgery, one session of cryolipolysis helps to reduce the fat layer by 20-25.5% 2-6 months after exposure. Although in one scientific workS. Y. Shek, N. P. Y. Chan, H. H. Chan. Non‑invasive cryolipolysis for body contouring in Chinese—a first commercial experience / Lasers in surgery and medicine received less optimistic results: a 14.7% reduction in body fat after three months.
The cost of one procedure starts from 25-30 thousand rubles.
How to remove the stomach after childbirth with abdominoplasty
With a strong stretching of the skin and a deformed navel, numerous stretch marks, a rough scar after a cesarean section and overhanging of the skin over it, as well as a significant divergence of the rectus abdominis muscles, diet and exercises. In such cases, 1–1.5 years after childbirth, the shape of the abdomen can be corrected using abdominoplasty.
What can be achieved with this method
Abdominoplasty is an operation in which theTummy tuck / Mayo clinic excess fat and skin with stretch marks and a scar from a caesarean section, diastasis is sutured.
Anna Ryzhankova
plastic surgeon
The main task of abdominoplasty is to restore the muscular frame, remove excess overstretched skin, and form a natural navel.
Anna says that this operation is almost always performed with liposuction - the removal of excess adipose tissue.
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There are also options with the transfer of the navel or its preservation on the anterior abdominal wall.
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Who should not have an abdominoplasty
Contraindications includeTummy tuck / Mayo clinic:
- Large overweight and obesity (BMI above 30).
- Plans for significant weight loss in the near future.
- Chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation.
What to do before surgery
First of all, you need to undergo an examination and pass all the necessary tests that the doctor will prescribe. This can be done both in the clinic where the operation will be performed, and in the hospital at the place of residence.
Also before abdominoplasty is:
- Avoid taking certain medications. Your doctor will warn you not to drink aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding.
- Maintain a stable weight. It is best if you stay at the same weight for the last 12 months before the operation. If you have a lot of extra pounds, it is better to lose weight first.
- Take care of how to get home. It's good to have someone help you get home after the operation and stay with you for at least the first night.
How is the operation
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen, and then performs the planned actions: removes excess fat, eliminates the divergence of the rectus muscles, makes the desired shape of the navel and cuts off excess skin.
Then stitches are applied. After healing, a neat scar will be located in the lower abdomen and will not be visible under the linen. Depending on the volume of work, the operation lasts from 3 to 5 hours.
How is recovery going?
Anna Ryzhankova says that her patients spend two to four days in the hospital, and then follow some precautions during the recovery period.
Anna Ryzhankova
I recommend to wear compression underwear (nice and quite comfortable bodysuit) for at least 2 months after the operation. Limit physical activity for 2 months, the load on the abdominal press - for 4 months.
What are the risks associated with the operation
Abdominoplasty has some risksTummy tuck / Mayo clinic, including:
- Accumulation of fluid under the skin (seroma). To prevent this from happening, special drainage tubes are placed after the operation.
- Poor wound healing. To prevent infection, prescribe antibiotics.
- Unsatisfactory appearance of the scar. After the operation, it is located below the level of the bikini, but its visibility may vary.
- Tissue damage and death. During the operation, adipose tissue can be damaged or die. The risk is increased in smokers. Depending on the size of the area, the tissue may heal on its own or require reoperation.
- Change in skin sensitivity. The intervention can damage the nerves in the abdomen. During the recovery period, you may experience decreased sensation or numbness. But it usually goes away after a few months.
As with other types of surgery, there is also a risk of bleeding and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
How much is it
Anna Ryzhankova says that the cost of the operation depends on the complexity, volume of surgery and the qualifications of the doctor. On average, it will take at least 250 thousand rubles.
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