January 10, 2014 | Blog
4 minute read
A woman’s body undergoes many changes as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. Skin may be stretched or sagging, especially in the abdominal region. The only way to get rid of this problematic tissue is to meet with a skilled plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck surgery.
We’ve fielded numerous questions about having a tummy tuck combined with a C-section. That’s right: can a woman undergo a tummy tuck immediately after they have delivered a child via C-section?
There is a general consensus in the medical community about this very issue, and we’d like to go over the basics right now in case you were wondering. Let’s start by explaining the two surgeries.
What a C-Section Involves
A Cesarean section or C-section involves incisions made through a woman’s abdomen and uterus in order to deliver a child or multiple children. In most cases, the C-section surgery is performed when a woman is unable to deliver the child through the birth canal, which can pose a health risk to the mother, the child, or both the mother and the child.
What a Tummy Tuck Involves
Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the lower abdominal area. By doing this, a trimmer, tighter, and more appealing body contour is achieved, free from stretch marks and sagging.
Is a tummy tuck immediately after a C-section advisable?
No.
The majority of people in the medical community agree that combining a C-section and tummy tuck surgery is not a good idea.
Why is this the case?
A C-section is a major surgery that often results in major blood loss and extensive trauma to various structures in the lower abdominal region. Women who undergo a C-section will need to recover in bed for several days, and adding another surgery to this may result in an even longer recovery period which could be better spent with the mother’s child or children.
In addition, a woman will not have lost all of her pregnancy weight immediately after the C-section. The body will continue to go through changes for weeks after giving birth, so an aesthetic treatment at that moment would be very premature. By waiting to have a tummy tuck, natural weight loss can occur and better skin tightening results are possible.
When should a woman undergo a tummy tuck following a C-section?
This will vary from patient to patient, but a tummy tuck should not be considered until a woman has fully healed from the C-section. This will usually take between four to six weeks, but it can vary. Even then, it may be advisable to wait several more weeks so that all of the pregnancy weight is lost and the condition of her skin and body contour can be properly assessed. If a woman is planning on having another child, it will be best to delay the tummy tuck even further.
Consider a Full Mommy Makeover
In addition to a tummy tuck, there are other surgeries to consider that can rejuvenate a woman’s appearance after childbirth. These surgeries can tighten the thighs and buttocks, boost the perkiness of the breasts, and trim and tone the rest of the body as well. We will be more than happy to discuss the possibility of a full mommy makeover during your consultation.
Learn More About Your Options for Advanced Body Contouring
For more information about tummy tuck surgery and your many other options for advanced body sculpting and contouring, be sure to contact our Manhattan and Long Island plastic surgery centers today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve an excellent body contour that makes you feel vibrant and totally rejuvenated.