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In Dr Tavakoli's practice, an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is almost always combined with liposculpture because this offers a better result. The procedure is designed to tighten any laxity of the abdominal wall, which is a result of skin stretching, by removing excess fat and skin. 'The women who usually require an abdominoplasty are those who have had multiple pregnancies and/or have had large babies in relation to their body size,' he says.

Liposculpture

Some women request liposculpture as an isolated procedure after their pregnancy. Often it is the case that the problem areas were there before the pregnancy but the pregnancy has accentuated these areas. 'In other words, difficult areas can become more prominent,' he says.

Recovery

According to Dr Tavakoli, many women choose to have breast and body surgery at the same time. The recovery time for a breast enhancement, abdominoplasty and liposculpture is longer (about three to four weeks) but the advantage is that the surgery is all over and done with at once.

He adds that recovery from a breast augmentation takes 10 days while more elaborate breast surgery takes from two to three weeks.

Liposculpture requires two weeks recovery time and an abdominoplasty requires three weeks. Abdominoplasty also requires a hospital stay of two nights but the other procedures can be performed as day procedures.'Cosmetic surgery after pregnancy can have a very positive effect,' concludes Dr Tavakoli. 'As long as the expectations are realistic, the overall satisfaction rate in this group of patients is very high.'