Can I Get A Tummy Tuck After A C-Section?

New moms often wonder whether or not it’s safe to get a tummy tuck after a c-section. While the six- to twelve-month period following a c-section is not the ideal time for more abdominal surgery, it can definitely be considered after this period of time has passed.

Why wait for a tummy tuck after a c-section?

A tight, flat belly is possible after a c-section, but patience is key. It takes time for your body, especially your abdomen, to heal after pregnancy. This is especially true if you delivered your baby via c-section. Your post-op paperwork probably described a six-week healing period, but the full healing process cannot be rushed.

Firstly, postpartum moms need time to lose any weight gained during pregnancy. During the weeks and months following delivery of your baby, your weight will likely fluctuate. Waiting for your body to reach a stable weight will help ensure that the results of your tummy tuck last. Secondly, recovering from a tummy tuck requires rest. Anyone who has ever cared for a newborn knows that rest is hard to come by. For the optimal recovery experience, wait until your baby is able to sleep in intervals that last longer than two hours. And lastly, your body undergoes natural changes following a c-section. Your muscles and skin regain elasticity, and your hormones fluctuate drastically. It is difficult for a surgeon to foresee these changes, making it difficult for him or her to plan the optimal surgery for your body.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck after a c-section?

A tummy tuck following a c-section can offer big benefits. With the help of a tummy tuck, healthy women who have fully recovered from their c-sections may even see an improvement upon their pre-pregnancy figures. Some common benefits of a tummy tuck include:

• Removal of excess skin: Pregnancy can stretch the skin on your abdomen to the point that it may never return to normal. A tummy tuck can tighten the loose skin so that your stomach appears flat and firm.
• Fewer visible stretch marks: During a tummy tuck procedure, the skin between your navel and pubic area is tightened and often removed. If you have stretch marks in this area, they will no longer be visible after your tummy tuck surgery.
• Smaller waistline: A tummy tuck can shape the waistline into an attractive hourglass figure. An experienced surgeon will contour your abdomen so that your waistline is tightened, yet proportionate to your body.

If you’re unsure about whether or not you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, download a free copy of our e-book,A patient’s guide to tummy tuck surgery. To find out the best timing for a tummy tuck in your particular case, request a consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons.