A Mommy's Guide To C-Sections And Tummy Tucks

Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, is cosmetic procedure used to tighten and thin a person's abdomen wall. The question is – is it a safe procedure for getting rid of that bothersome baby weight following a C-section? Since you are going under the knife anyway, could a tummy tuck be performed during a C-section? Here's everything you need to know.

What is a C-Tuck?

A C-tuck is the name used to describe a tummy tuck that is performed during a C-section. It is a controversial procedure, as there are some medical professionals who believe the procedure should not be done at the same time as a C-section. There are, however, other medical professionals who believe that if a woman is obese, she may be a good candidate to have a tummy tuck performed at the same time as a C-section.

This belief is largely due to the fact that obese individuals pose a higher risk with any surgery. By opting not to have the tummy tuck done during the C-section, plastic surgeons may require the woman to lose weight before she's deemed a good candidate to have a tummy tuck at a later time. Doing the procedure during the C-section prevents the woman from having to lose a certain amount of weight before having the procedure.

How Long After a C-Section Should You Wait?

If you are not a good candidate to have a tummy tuck during your C-section, the next big question is – how long are you going to have to wait? Many surgeons agree you should wait several months after your C-section to have a tummy tuck performed. This will give your body and your hormones time to recover.

Another important question for you to ask and answer is – are you breastfeeding your baby? If you've made the decision to breastfeed your baby, you may need to wait until you have finished breastfeeding to get a tummy tuck. Furthermore, you have to think about the well-being of the baby as you will not be able to lift the baby without assistance for several weeks following the procedure.

A tummy tuck following a C-section – whether it happens immediately after the procedure or several months later – can be extremely beneficial to a mother. For starters, it will get rid of abdominal stretch marks as well as your C-section scar. The tightening of your stomach and the contouring of your waist are also going to do wonders for your self-esteem which may help you avoid struggling with post-partum depression. Don't be afraid to talk to your OBGYN about getting a tummy tuck after your C-section. It is a safe and beneficial procedure. 

For more information, contact Renaissance Center For Facial & Body Sculpting or a similar location.