32 The Green, Firs Court
Hardingstone, Northampton, NN4 6TB

Mummy Tummy and Stretch Mark Tips

weight_lossThe news of the royal arrival is dominating the headlines and the eyes of the world are on Kate, already probably the most photographed woman, to see how quickly she regains her slim figure.

Yet it takes 9 months to expand the tummy flesh to accommodate a growing baby and it is not realistic to expect it to ‘ping back’ in a very short time.

Dr John Tanqueray from Mulberry House Clinic in Hardingstone Northamptonshire explains:

During pregnancy, the skin tissues and stomach muscles are stretched dramatically, especially during the latter months when the bump reaches its maximum size.

While many new mums are keen to regain their shape, it is important to do so in a healthy and safe way.

This is definitely not a time to start a diet. While breastfeeding, it is vital to eat and drink a healthy balanced diet in order to provide nutrition for the baby. The act of nursing itself helps many mums to lose a few pounds that they have inevitably gained during pregnancy.

However, after breastfeeding is finished and the baby is a few months old, there are treatment options that can help women to recover their tone and banish problems such as ‘mummy tummy’ or stretch marks.

Stretch Marks

Stretchmarks affect an estimated 80% of pregnant women and can leave permanent scarring. They are caused by a breakdown in the deep skin tissues. Hormones soften the fibres in your skin during pregnancy, so they can become thin and over-stretched and some may break, developing indented lines which allow the blood vessels below to show through with a red or purplish tinge. The colour eventually fades as the blood vessels contract and stretch marks then change to a silvery-white colour.

Treatments that can help include Dermaroller microneedling or Portrait skin regeneration. Both of these work to stimulate the skin’s own healing processes and boost production of collagen for firmer, tighter skin. A course of treatment may show significant improvement in the appearance of stretch marks.

Tummy Tone

The ‘jelly belly’ after pregnancy is perhaps the most commonly associated consequence of pregnancy. The muscles that previously held things tight become stretched and separated in pregnancy and often don’t go back quite how they were. Add the fact that many women struggle to find the same time for exercise after childbirth and tummy tone can be an issue.

Sensible diet and moderate exercise are always recommended as a first port of call, but these don’t regenerate the skin’s elasticity and tightness. If the tummy area remains stubborn to toning, then professional treatments can help.

Thermage treatment works by using radio-frequency waves to heat the skin, triggering tightening of the collagen which promotes a tighter and smoother skin.

Dermaroller micro-needling may also be considered.

Northamptonshire Skin Treatments

A practising GP and fully registered with the GMC, Dr John Tanqueray has worked in cosmetic treatments since 1999. He can advise patients on the basis of full medical expertise as well as knowledge of cosmetic and medical treatments.

The clinic offers the latest skincare technology including LED therapy, Portrait PRP skin regeneration, Thermage radio-frequency and laser.

He established Mulberry House Clinic in 2003, which remains an independent, doctor-managed company.

Private Consultation

A consultation offers opportunity for individual assessment of the patient’s concerns and discussion of the best treatment options. There is no obligation to proceed.

For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.