Introduction: Tummy Tuck after C-Section
A tummy tuck after C section is a routinely requested procedure that involves correcting pregnancy-related abdominal changes. During pregnancy, your tummy will grow to accommodate your growing fetus. This is an amazing time for moms as they create a miraculous bond with their about-to-arrive baby. Unfortunately, the dramatic growth of the baby in your tummy results in unwanted stretching of your muscles and stretching of your skin. Stretching of the belly skin will cause overgrowth of skin cells and skin redundancy as well as tearing of the skin, observed as stretch marks.
After your C-Section, you will be left with a horizontal incision line along your pubic region. This provides a perfect opportunity to consider a tummy tuck as it will replace this incision with another incision. Although this incision is slightly longer than the C-Section scar, it allows your surgeon to remove all of the unwanted redundant skin but also to eliminate most of your stretch marks.
When you consider a tummy tuck after C section, you can be encouraged by the fact that you are going to lose all of your undesired pregnancy changes, including a protruding belly and the skin changes discussed above.
When can I get my Tummy Tuck after C-Section?
It is prudent to wait at least 6 months to 1 year until you consider your tummy tuck so that all of the swelling in your belly has resolved. This is because a tummy tuck will also include tightening of the abdominal muscles like bringing in a corset.
When attempting to tighten the abdominal muscles, it is a prerequisite to have slack of the muscles. Slack in the abdominal muscles can only be appreciated once the intra-abdominal swelling resolves. This usually happens when your weight returns to near your pre-pregnancy weight. So you cannot rush having your tummy tuck after the c-section. We recommend that you attempt to return to your routine lifestyle. This will include getting back to your prior eating schedule and exercise regimen. We recommend that you not lose more than 1 pound a week so that your body does not become stressed out. In addition, we recommend that you spend this time bonding with your baby and not become malnourished so that you can breastfeed your baby. When the time is appropriate, you can choose to proceed with your tummy tuck.
Conclusion: Tummy Tuck after C-Section
The first year of your baby’s life is very precious as they will need your undivided attention. Surgery to put you back together is likely to take lower priority! In addition, remember that your child needs a reliable caretaker for the first two weeks after your tummy tuck because you will be incapacitated for a brief period. Ultimately, a tummy tuck after a C-Section is a very effective surgery for all of our amazing moms. Please contact our office to complete an evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate.