Your skin can undergo a number of changes during pregnancy. However, occasionally, loose skin is left behind after delivery even though the majority of them dissolve. Because it is made of collagen and elastin, the skin expands as weight increases. The skin may have problems regaining its natural shape after being stretched.
For women who desire their bodies to return to how they were before becoming pregnant, loose skin can be psychologically upsetting. However, it’s crucial to remember that this may take some time.
Your body has recently undergone severe stress, so remind yourself to be patient.
- When you find yourself getting upset, try deep breathing.
- Play your preferred music
- Take use of the fresh air as much as you can play with your infant and concentrate on providing the most happiness and comfort for it.
- Take a snooze when your child is napping to avoid being overtired.
- Meditate
Setting your mental and emotional health as a top priority can help you put in the physical effort needed to tighten loose skin after pregnancy.
Try to be kind to yourself; your body has accomplished an extraordinary feat by giving birth.
Here are some actions you may take to tighten sagging skin:
Cut down on stretch marks While You’re Pregnant
They believe that prevention is always better than cure, ounce for ounce. That is undoubtedly the case when slack skin after pregnancy has to be rejuvenated. Once your baby is delivered, you can keep your skin tight by using the same techniques you used to reduce stretch marks during the first nine months of your pregnancy.
By nourishing the skin on your hips, thighs, stomach, and bust with a product like Stretch Marks Oil, you can allow it to stretch without leaving scars. After your baby is born, it is much simpler for the skin to restore its usual form thanks to the improved suppleness these treatments give.
Create a cardio program
Cardio workouts can help you lose weight and build muscle. Try swimming, running, biking, or brisk walking. Discuss with your physician if you can resume being active before starting a new habit. Start slowly and progress to more strenuous activities by beginning softly. Excess skin can be prevented or reduced with regular exercise.
Consume proteins and healthy fats
You may gain muscle mass by eating proteins and lipids that are healthy. Collagen may be found in proteins. You may have different protein demands depending on your height, weight, amount of exercise, and other factors. If you are nursing, you could also require additional protein.
Engage in routine strength training
For better muscular definition and tone, use strength-training exercises. Loose skin may benefit from increased muscle tone as well.
Situps and pushups are common stomach-busters, but planks and other exercises from Pilates, yoga, and barre classes require you to maintain a sustained angle of contact with your hip, glute, and core muscles. Increasing your muscular tone helps you look longer and tauter.
If you’re working out with a trainer you train or taking a class, let the teacher know. You might need to refrain from using certain maneuvers.
Consume water
Water hydrates the skin and increases its elasticity. More water also makes your body function more effectively. It can increase fat burning and lessen belly water retention.
Use oils for massage
Certain plant-based oils may aid in skin restoration. Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities may be the cause of this. Almond oil, as an illustration, may aid in the treatment of stretch marks.
Essential oils are neutralized in carrier oils, which are also advantageous for the skin’s health. To help tighten the skin, try massaging carrier oils like coconut oil or jojoba oil along the belly button. A few drops of an essential oil, such as frankincense or neroli, could be added.
Make use of skin-firming items
The goal of many skin-firming solutions on the market is to boost your skin’s collagen and elastin levels. Restoring skin firmness may be facilitated by substances like collagen, vitamin C, and retinoids.
Get a skin wrap at the spa
A particular event could be appropriate for spa wraps. They can, albeit only momentarily, aid in skin firming. A spa wrap could contain clay, sea salt, or powdered kelp. These aid in cleansing, softening, and toning the skin.
Feed your baby breastmilk
Your kid and you will both benefit from breastfeeding. For babies, breast milk is a very beneficial source of nutrients. It promotes their physical and mental development and maintains a fully functional immune system.
You may tighten loose skin after pregnancy and decrease weight by breastfeeding your child. When you breastfeed, your body uses more of the daily calories you take in to produce milk.
Your body consumes some of the body fat you currently have while also storing fewer calories as fat in order to maintain milk production.
That implies that you may tighten loose skin after pregnancy and reduce weight more quickly by doing what comes naturally, which is fantastic news for new mothers.
Elective procedure
An alternative to tightening muscles and removing extra skin through surgery, sometimes known as a “stomach tuck,” But it can’t take the place of a diet or exercise regimen.
In order to remove superfluous skin, surgeons will make cuts in the abdomen.
To tighten muscles and remove extra skin, an alternative is abdominal surgery, sometimes known as a “stomach tuck.” But it can’t take the place of a diet or exercise regimen.
In order to remove superfluous skin, surgeons will make cuts in the abdomen. The skin that is still present will be sewn together, and a new belly button opening may be made as well.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that the average cost of a belly tuck is $6,253. (ASPS). Anesthesia, operating room equipment, and other associated costs are not included in that. Despite the fact that the majority of health insurance plans do not pay for this procedure, many cosmetic surgeons offer their patients different payment plans.
The ASPS suggests that if you decide to have surgery, you look for a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in your area.
Key message
Several physical changes occur during pregnancy. The skin must enlarge as your tummy swells. Many women may have loose skin on their stomachs after giving birth.
If you’re worried about it or want to tighten it back up, there are a number of do-it-yourself options you can use. You may also choose to have the extra skin removed by elective surgery.
References:
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10.1016/j.biopen.2017.01.003 - Khodabakhsh, P., et al. (2015). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Citrus aurantium L. blossoms essential oil (neroli): involvement of the nitric oxide/cyclic-guanosine monophosphate pathway.
link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11418-015-0896-6 - Lin TK, et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. DOI:
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mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/skin-changes-during-pregnancy/faq-20416440 - Tummy tuck. (n.d.).
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