Tummy tuck (a.k.a., abdominoplasty) is a wonderful procedure for mothers that want to feel confident and sexy after giving birth. The surgery can help women fit into skinny jeans, wear a bikini proudly and enjoy a more youthful figure. Whether a woman delivers vaginally or via C-section doesn’t affect her candidacy for tummy tuck. However, there are some special factors to consider for tummy tuck after C-section, which Dr. Robert Graper and Dr. Garrett Harper explain in this post.
Is Tummy Tuck after C-Section Safe?
Tummy tuck after C-section is perfectly safe. And, in addition to flattening the stomach and narrowing the waist, tummy tuck may help improve the appearance of some C-section scars, making them less noticeable and relocating them to a less prominent position. The key to a safe and successful tummy tuck after C-section is to work with a trusted Charlotte plastic surgeon and time the procedure properly.
Timing Tummy Tuck after C-Section
Although it is tempting to have tummy tuck quickly after C-section, undergoing tummy tuck too soon after delivery could jeopardize the outcomes of surgery and raise the risk of complications. Dr. Graper and Dr. Harper work closely with each patient to time her surgery for the best and safest outcomes.
Most of the time, the surgeons ask that patients wait at least six months after C-section before pursuing tummy tuck. The body needs time to recover from the pregnancy and surgery, and to stabilize. It’s also best for mothers to let things settle down emotionally and logistically after giving birth, and before having plastic surgery.
Here’s another consideration: ideally, new moms should attempt to return to their pre-pregnancy weight before having tummy tuck. Maintaining a stable weight before and after surgery is critical to preserving the results of tummy tuck for many years to come.
It is also recommended that tummy tuck patients postpone surgery until they are finished having children. Becoming pregnant after tummy tuck can reverse many of the effects of surgery and require additional corrective surgery.
Finally, there are realities of the recovery process to consider. Tummy tuck patients require at least two weeks of downtime after surgery to heal. During this time, bending, straining and heavy lifting (including lifting a baby) are forbidden, as they can cause complications. It’s important for tummy tuck candidates to consider these limitations and schedule surgery for a period during which they will have sufficient help with childcare.
Contact Our Tummy Tuck Surgeons
For more information about tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Graper and Dr. Harper invite you to contact our practice and request a consultation. Please call 704.375.7111 or send us an email today.