In the previous article, we busted some common myths about pregnancy after a tummy tuck surgery. However, one aspect that deserves more attention is tummy tuck after a C-section, and today we are going to cover it.
A Few Stats on the Tummy Tucks
According to the Plastic Surgery Statistics Report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, around 119,000 tummy tucks were done on female patients in 2019, which makes it the fifth most popular cosmetic surgical procedure. Most women opt in for a tummy tuck at the age of 40-54 or in other words, when they are done having kids.
Pregnancies often affect the way women look and feel about themselves, and the abdomen is the weakest area in this case. Women after childbirth seek to improve their abdominal contours and return to their pre-pregnancy appearance, i.e. to tighten loose skin, get rid of fat deposits, and repair stretched muscles and hernia, if any.
Abdominoplasty (widely known as tummy tuck) is designed specifically to solve these problems and return a flatter belly, slimmer waistline, and overall restored abdominal contours. When extra body “tune up” is needed, a tummy tuck can be done together with either liposuction or breast lift, all in one session. At SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics, we offer a tailor-made mommy makeover package that includes customized surgical and non-surgical procedures based on women’s individual needs and wishes.
Is It Safe to Have Tummy Tuck After a C-section?
When considering abdominoplasty after a C-section, two aspects should be considered: timing and scarring. A woman that delivered via a C-section needs time to recover after the surgery. It’s highly recommended to wait at least a year before going for another major surgery, a tummy tuck.
Your body should completely heal after childbirth and get back to its normal weight and functions that again, takes about a year (although some women may need more time). Eventually, the abdominal muscles have to become firm again after extensive stretching during the 9 months of pregnancy. This way, the tummy tuck results will be optimal.
Tummy Tuck to Improve C-section Scarring
Scarring after a C-section doesn’t always heal neatly (from the visual perspective) because OB-GYNs are simply not trained in the cosmetic aspects of the surgery. Therefore, some women are concerned about the aesthetic appearance of their scars after giving birth. Along with repairing abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat, a tummy tuck can address these concerns, too. However, be aware that depending on the complexity of the tummy tuck procedure, your scar might be slightly longer than the one after the C-section.
In fact, a mini tummy tuck is a great option that women often choose when they aim to improve C-section scars only.
Can I Undergo a Tummy Tuck Right After the C-section?
Although it might seem like a good idea to get your abdomen fixed up immediately after giving birth via a C-section (which is technically possible), many surgeons do not recommend it. Higher risks, longer and harder recovery, and possibly unsatisfactory results are just a few reasons for that. The combination of these two procedures even has its own name “C-tuck”, and Dr. Angelina is going to explore this topic in detail in one of the upcoming posts.
Conclusion
Abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck) after a C-section is not less safe or less effective for female patients. To learn more about the procedure and to understand whether it is right for you, as well as to see more patients’ before and after pictures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Angelina Postoev.
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer a tummy tuck to men and women in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Buckhead, and other surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia.
