Women often face significant pressure to return to their pre-pregnancy weight quickly after giving birth. Some women even consider undergoing a tummy tuck at the same time as their C-section. However, combining both procedures can have traumatic effects on the body. Waiting until you are fully recovered is vital to ensure you experience the full benefits of abdominoplasty and avoid further health risks. In addition, undergoing a tummy tuck immediately after pregnancy can make caring for your newborn difficult. At our office in Darien, CT, Dr. David Passaretti can determine your candidacy for a tummy tuck after C-section and discuss any concerns you may have during a private consultation.
Women who have a C-section typically have a four to six inch scar above the pubis area. This incision takes at minimum six weeks to heal properly, and the body generally requires at least eight weeks to adjust to physical changes. At this point, your physician may allow you to start a light exercise routine. Putting undue stress on your body during this period can have adverse effects.
Most surgeons advise waiting at least six months to a year after a C-section before scheduling a tummy tuck procedure. Waiting to fully heal after a C-section can improve your results, protect your health, and reduce stress immediately after childbirth. While a tummy tuck may sound simple, it is a major surgery involving the alteration of muscle, tissue, and skin. Studies show that combining Cesarean delivery with abdominoplasty increases the chance of surgical complications by 51 percent and is less likely to deliver the desired aesthetic results.
The benefits of waiting at least six months or more after a C-section are substantial. Giving your body time to heal lowers the chance of surgical complications. It also allows time for you to bond with your new baby without the added stress of an additional procedure. You will need at least two weeks of almost complete downtime after your tummy tuck procedure alone, during which you may need help caring for your child.
Waiting also gives you a chance to address pregnancy weight gain with diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. It is designed to remove excess skin, so you can achieve a smoother silhouette. If you are closer to your ideal weight when you undergo a tummy tuck, more excess skin can be removed. In such cases, the surgeon is sometimes able to move the cesarean scar below the bikini line.* Dr. Passaretti is dedicated to providing safe procedures that offer incredible results without impacting your overall health
The stress of pregnancy combined with C-section delivery can dramatically change your appearance. As such, many women are interested in a tummy tuck procedure, which can deliver comprehensive results. However, it is important to allow time to recover before undergoing treatment. Dr. Passaretti is dedicated to providing safe procedures that offer incredible results without impacting your overall health. He can even combine multiple procedures to create a custom mommy makeover. To learn more about tummy tucks after a C-section or one of our other body contouring procedures, call our office at (203) 884-8624 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. *
If you are considering plastic surgery in Darien, CT, or anywhere around Fairfield County, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation with top plastic surgeon Dr. Passaretti.
722 Post Rd, Ste 201, Darien, CT 06820