Fibroid removal is an important step towards better health for many women suffering from fibroid symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and abdominal swelling. One common question that arises for those undergoing this procedure is: Will my stomach be flat after fibroid removal? The answer to this is nuanced and depends on several factors. We discuss some factors below.
Can Fibroids Cause a Belly Pooch?
Yes, fibroids can contribute to the development of a “belly pooch” or stomach bulge in some cases. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in or on the uterus, and depending on their size, number, and location, they can cause noticeable abdominal distension.
Will Fibroid Removal Make My Stomach Flat?
Fibroid removal can lead to a reduction in the size of your stomach, but whether it will become completely flat depends on various factors. While many women experience a noticeable improvement in abdominal appearance after fibroid removal, achieving a completely flat stomach might not be guaranteed.
Fibroid Treatment Options:
There are various surgical options for fibroid removal, each with different implications for your body and recovery:
- Myomectomy: Myomectomy can be performed through traditional open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or hysteroscopic surgery, depending on the size and location of the fibroids.
- Hysterectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the entire uterus.
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): This minimally invasive procedure reduces fibroid size by cutting off their blood supply. It’s an option for women who prefer not to undergo surgery and leaves the uterus intact while treating multiple fibroids and sizes. USA Fibroid Centers is home to expert interventional radiologists that focus solely on uterine fibroids and UFE. Our doctors perform thousands of UFE on qualified patients with a high efficacy rate.
Post-Fibroid Treatment Recovery and Appearance
After fibroid removal, many women notice a reduction in abdominal size. However, whether your stomach will be completely flat depends on several factors:
- Size and Number of Fibroids: Larger and more numerous fibroids tend to cause more significant abdominal distension. Removing them can lead to a more noticeable reduction in stomach size.
- Type of Surgery: The method used for fibroid removal can impact recovery and abdominal appearance. For example, a laparoscopic myomectomy might result in less postoperative swelling compared to an open myomectomy.
- Body’s Healing Process: Each person’s body heals differently. Swelling and fluid retention post-surgery can temporarily affect the appearance of your stomach. It may take weeks to months for the swelling to subside completely.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Other factors such as overall weight, muscle tone, and abdominal fat also play a role in how your stomach looks post-procedure.
Long-Term Outcomes
In the long term, many women experience a significant reduction in abdominal size and an improvement in symptoms. However, achieving a flat stomach might also require lifestyle adjustments post-surgery, such as:
- Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet can help reduce bloating and maintain a healthy weight.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in core-strengthening exercises can help tone the abdominal muscles and improve overall body composition.
- Managing Stress: Stress management techniques like yoga and meditation can also play a role in overall well-being and body perception.
Will My Stomach Be Flat after UFE?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) can potentially contribute to reducing the size of your stomach due to several reasons below:
- Reduction in Fibroid Size: UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that involves blocking the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. As the fibroids decrease in size, you may experience a reduction in abdominal distension and a flatter appearance.
- Individual Response: Everyone’s body responds differently to UFE. Some women may experience a significant reduction in abdominal size following the procedure, while others may see more modest changes. Factors such as the size and number of fibroids, their location within the uterus, and individual healing processes can influence the outcome.
- Post-procedure Recovery: It’s essential to note that there may be some temporary swelling or discomfort following UFE, which can affect the immediate appearance of your stomach. It may take several weeks to months for the full effects of the procedure to be realized as fibroids continue to shrink.
- Realistic Expectations: While UFE can be highly effective in reducing fibroid-related symptoms and abdominal size for many women, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Complete resolution of all symptoms and achieving a perfectly flat stomach may not be guaranteed for everyone.
If you’re considering UFE for fibroid treatment and are concerned about the appearance of your stomach, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our fibroid specialists near you to get an individual response.
Contact USA Fibroid Centers Today
While many women do see a notable improvement in the size of their abdomen after fibroid removal, achieving a completely flat stomach is influenced by multiple factors, including the initial size and number of fibroids, the type of surgical procedure, individual healing processes, and overall lifestyle. Remember, the primary goal of fibroid removal is to improve your quality of life and alleviate the symptoms associated with fibroids.
With over 40 locations across the USA, our goal is to provide access to nonsurgical fibroid treatment near you with experts. We accept most insurances. To discuss your goals with one of our doctors, please call us at 855-615-2555 or schedule online safely and securely. We hope to hear from you soon!
