Hmmm…I wonder what could have interested me in this topic… perhaps my four pregnancies? Especially the pregnancy with twins that meant my belly carried around 14lbs of babies? Hmmmm… nonetheless, Dr. Bloch –recognized as one of the foremost practitioners of modern Plastic Surgical techniques and who appeared on Oprah — gives the scoop after Breezy Mama was, ahem, for some reason wondering if there is a solution outside of surgery or even sit-ups alone on how to get rid of excess skin after pregnancy has stretched out your belly and left it with some, er, let’s be honest, a whole lotta skin.

Can sit ups alone reduce excess skin after pregnancy?

No. There are no muscles in the skin so sit-ups have no effect in tightening the skin other thanincreasing muscle mass and tone and thereby adding underlying bulk which may give the illusion of skin tightening.

I’ve read that reducing carbs from foods other than veggies can reduce excess skin — any thoughts on that?

Doubtful. Any changes that occur are more related to fluid retention.

Outside of a tummy tuck, is there a non-evasive way to reduce the skin?

For mild to moderate laxity of skin, non-invasive techniques such as Vaser shape have been demonstrated to reduce excess skin. Basically the non-invasive techniques heat up the underlying collagen and sufficiently cause the collagen to contract and thereby reduce skin laxity.

What’s involved?

The treatment is painless. Basically the ultrasound device is passed over the skin heating the underlying tissues, reducing fat cell size and stimulating the collagen. Typical treatment is about an hour. No bruising, slight temporary redness. Most patient see immediate improvement and reduction in volume.

What kind of doctor performs the Vaser shape?

Vaser shape can be performed at a medical spa, ideally under the supervision of a plastic surgeon. I believe a plastic surgeon is ideally suited to evaluate the patient and determine which technology is best suited for them. Furthermore he is in a position to guarantee any non-surgical treatment since they have the capability to operate as well.

Can a body cream or body wrap do the trick, too?

Body wraps or creams can only provide temporary improvement, meaning hours.

Have you ever heard of The CRT Skin Tightening System (skin brushing with a particular body brush in a sequential pattern to stimulate the lymphatic system and help to break up the clumps of fat (cellulite) underneath the skin. Instead of skin creams, body-wraps, or elaborate machines that provide expensive, yet temporary results, the CRT Skin Tightening System works from within?) Any thoughts on that process?

CRT is a non-invasive treatment for cellulite. I have no experience with it but I doubt that it works since it can’t change the underlying cause of cellulite which is the irregular bands of collagen. Other than causing perhaps some temporary swelling, I can’t see how it could possibly work.

About Dr. Steven Bloch

Dr. Steven Bloch has an unsurpassed reputation of innovation and excellence.
He is internationally recognized as one of the foremost practitioners of modern Plastic Surgical techniques.

He received his medical degree at State University of New York, Kings County
Hospital, and became board certified in Plastic Surgery. Dr. Bloch then completed a surgical internship at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and served residences in surgery and Plastic Surgery at the University of Wisconsin where he was Chief Resident in Plastic Surgery. He has received specialized training in aesthetic surgery. He also served as past president of the Chicago Society of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Bloch has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, The Discovery
Channel, CBS, NBC, WGN and the Fox News Network. He has been featured in Vogue and Allure magazines. He has also been honored by his peers as “Top Doctors” in Chicago Magazine and Castle Connolly.