Considering the size your belly grows during pregnancy combined with the inevitable c-section scar, chances are you won’t be very happy with your abdominal region after delivering your baby. The good news is there is a way to get back to your pre-pregnancy abdomen – or an even better one.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that delivers a tighter, flatter, and smoother abdominal region. It can successfully remove excess skin, stretch marks, and fat deposits as well as tighten muscles in the abdominal wall. You can walk away with the beautiful, sculpted abdomen you’ve always wanted.
If you are wondering if a tummy tuck is right for you after a c-section, here are some things to consider.
Wait At Least Six Weeks
Some women schedule a tummy tuck immediately after giving birth, which is not recommended. You should wait at least six weeks after delivering a baby via c-section before going in for a tummy tuck. A c-section on its own has risks, complications, and a lengthy healing process. Getting a surgery immediately following a c-section is not advisable because your wound will not have healed by then, and there is a higher risk of complications.
Moreover, it can lengthen your healing time, because instead of recovering from a single surgery, you will be recovering from two. Recovery will also be more difficult as you will have a new baby to take care of. It can be exhausting physically and mentally to be recovering from two surgeries while catering to the needs of a newborn.
Think About Your Family Planning Goals
If you plan to have more children in the near future, you may want to consider holding off on a tummy tuck. If you get pregnant again, your abdomen will go through the same physical changes, and chances are, you will develop stretch marks and excess skin again. It is best to wait until you are done having children to get a tummy tuck.
Stabilize Your Weight
Many women gain a lot of weight during pregnancy. It can take a while for you to get back in shape – sometimes even years. As such, you should wait to get a tummy tuck until you reach and maintain your ideal weight. During a tummy tuck, your abdomen will be sculpted according to your current body. If you lose (or gain) a lot of weight after the tummy tuck, the effects of the procedure will not remain the same. As such, getting the procedure done when your weight is stabilized and ideal for you is the best way to go.
If you have any questions about our obstetrics and gynecology services, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, you can fill out our appointment request form online or call us today at (305) 981-0231.