By Steven J. Rottman, MD – Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Baltimore, Maryland
After pregnancy, many women in Baltimore notice changes in their abdomen that don’t fully respond to diet and exercise. Loose skin, stretch marks, and weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) are extremely common—and often frustrating.
A question I hear frequently in my Baltimore practice is:
“Can laser treatments fix this, or do I need a tummy tuck?”
The answer depends on your anatomy, the severity of changes, and your goals.
Understanding Post-Pregnancy Abdominal Changes
Pregnancy affects the abdominal wall in three primary ways:
Skin laxity (loose, stretched skin)
Localized fat deposits
Muscle separation (diastasis recti)
Each of these requires a […]
Expert Guidance from a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Baltimore
By Steven J. Rottman, MD
Patients frequently ask whether they need a tummy tuck or liposuction to achieve a flatter, more contoured abdomen. While both procedures can dramatically improve the midsection, they address very different problems. Choosing the right option depends on your anatomy, skin quality, muscle integrity, and aesthetic goals.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Baltimore, my role is to help patients understand these differences clearly so they can make an informed, confident decision.
Understanding the Core Difference
The simplest way to think about it:
• Liposuction removes excess fat• A tummy tuck removes excess […]
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing tummy tuck surgery in Baltimore, Maryland, I can tell you this with certainty: most patients prepare extensively for the surgery itself – but far fewer truly understand what recovery will feel like.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a transformative procedure that can restore abdominal contour, improve core strength, and renew confidence. However, recovery is not always intuitive, and unrealistic expectations can lead to unnecessary anxiety. My goal with every patient is not only to deliver an excellent surgical result, but also to ensure they are fully prepared – physically and emotionally […]
You can do everything right after pregnancy—eat balanced meals, maintain a consistent exercise routine, stay well-hydrated, and prioritize rest whenever possible—and still feel as though your body isn’t responding as you hoped. The good news is that this isn’t a matter of discipline; it’s related to the anatomy of your body.
Pregnancy causes permanent changes by stretching the skin, connective tissue, and muscles in ways that diet and exercise alone often cannot reverse. Understanding which changes are biological, not behavioral, is essential for finding practical solutions.
At Rottman Plastic Surgery, this understanding is at the heart of our approach. Dr. Steven J. […]
If you’re struggling with a stubborn midsection that won’t respond to diet and exercise, you’re not alone. For many people—especially after pregnancy or significant weight changes—the abdominal skin and muscles can become loose and unresponsive to traditional fitness efforts. At Rottman Plastic Surgery in Baltimore, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven J. Rottman offers expertly performed abdominoplasty procedures that help restore a firm, toned, and aesthetically pleasing abdominal contour.
Read on to discover how a tummy tuck can redefine your silhouette and boost your self-confidence.
What Is a Tummy Tuck, and Why Is It So Effective?
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy […]
This article is part of a weekly Q & A blog series by Steven J. Rottman, MD, a Baltimore Top Doc, and double board certified plastic surgeon. This is published in syndication on Mink + Rich, Baltimore’s premier destination for wellness and beauty. This article is about post baby body and how a Mommy Makeover can assist.
Dear Dr. Baltimore,
Since having kids, I haven’t felt comfortable in my skin. I work out as much as possible and eat pretty well, yet I still can’t seem to get back my post-baby body. I have heard playground whispers about women having Mommy Makeover […]
I was referred to Dr Rottman by another plastic surgeon because I was interested in getting breast augmentation. I was advised that he specialized in breast augmentations and simply he was the best surgeon to go to. And that was from one of his peers.
My first visit with Dr Rottman solidified the referral. He was extremely professional, and completely on top of all the newest advancements in augmentations. I felt I had done my research before my visit, and he was still able to teach me some things and make me aware of some things I didn’t think about. […]
Dear Dr. Rottman,
Ever since having kids I haven’t felt comfortable in my own skin. I work out as much as possible and eat pretty well, yet I still can’t seem to get back my post baby body. I have heard playground whispers about women having Mommy Makeover procedures and am curious as to what this entails.
Sincerely yours,
Maybe a Mommy Makeover Mom
Dear Maybe a Mommy Makeover Mom,
Most women struggle with body image issues post-pregnancy and the truth is that the miracle that is childbirth, wreaks havoc on a woman’s body. Throw in breast feeding and multiple pregnancies or multiple births and you would be hard pressed to […]
One of the most frequent questions I get in my practice is liposuction – exactly what it is and whether it is the right choice for your individual needs. Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, reshapes and streamlines body areas by removing unwanted fat from specific areas. These problem areas include the abdomen, hips, buttocks, back, arms, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, upper arms, cheeks, love handles, breasts including male breast enlargement, saddlebags, and the neck.
While liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, it can eliminate those stubborn areas of fat that don’t seem to […]
This is an important question that I receive quite often from patients who may wish to combine treatment of the abdomen, flanks, and hips during a single procedure. While combining the two procedures can produce dramatic results, the major consideration is to combine them safely and minimize risk to the patient.
So, what are the risks of a combined procedure?
The overall health of the patient as a whole is important, taking into account their age and other risk factors. A surgeon might perform liposuction in several areas in a young, healthy patient at the time of abdominoplasty. In older patients with […]
