Working as a plastic surgeon in Toronto, I see a large number of moms seeking cosmetic surgery procedures like a tummy tuck after childbirth. A common question among women who have a scheduled c-section is, “Can I have a tummy tuck right after my delivery?” Although this may seem logical in theory, it isn’t advisable. Here’s what you should know about a tummy after c-section.
3 Reasons To Wait Before Your Tummy Tuck
Although an immediate, post-delivery tummy tuck may make sense on paper—the doctor is already “in there,” so to speak, and can presumably tighten things up after the baby is born—the reality is a bit more complicated. There are several reasons I would advise you to wait before undergoing surgery, including:
#1. Your body needs time to recover from childbirth
Pregnancy and childbirth put a tremendous amount of strain on your body. Adding another elective surgical procedure on top of that will make your first few weeks of motherhood very difficult. Give yourself plenty of time to recover so that you can keep up with the demands of your new baby.
#2. Your weight should stabilize before a tummy tuck
It’s best to be at a stable, healthy before surgery. This is generally true for any body contouring procedure since subsequent weight gain or loss can affect the results of your procedure. If you can’t shift the baby weight, that’s okay, too! In many cases, it’s less weight gain and more muscle separation (a condition called diastasis recti) that has caused the change in your abdominal contours.
#3. The final shape of your abdomen will take time to develop
Your skin and muscles will take some time to shrink back down to their original state. It’s best to wait and see how your body responds to pregnancy before undergoing surgery. In some women with good skin elasticity, a tummy tuck may not even be necessary.
How Soon Can I Get a Tummy Tuck After Giving Birth?
In most cases, we recommend women be at least 6 months post-partum before getting a tummy tuck. If you are looking to address other pregnancy-related changes as part of a broader mommy makeover, we recommend waiting until after you have stopped breastfeeding. You can learn more about how a mommy makeover can address c-section scars and other concerns in our related blog post.
Explore Your Tummy Tuck Options
Learn more about contouring your abdomen and restoring your pre-pregnancy shape by calling us at (905) 273-3045 in Mississauga, or (416) 207-9090 in Toronto or requesting a consultation online.
Had an emergency c-section (vertically) 18 years ago and just recently on Feb 31/13 did a hysterectomy (cut vertically) and revision of scars. Since the hysterectomy I noticed that my scar as broaden and stomach is even more looser, could a mini tuck still be performed with an vertical cut existing. I am a person of dark complexion and my scars did not heal very well. I am also a smaller person so did not need to loose any more weight.
Dear Georgene,
Thanks for your inquiry on our blog. It is of course always difficult to be specific regarding your question without seeing you in person, however, I can make a few comments that may be helpful. You mention that you are a “small person and do not need to lose weight.” I take this to mean you are close to your ideal weight for height, and you would therefore likely be a candidate for some sort of tummy tuck procedure to reduce a bulging tummy with loose abdominal skin. The fact that you have a previous vertical C section scar should not typically, in and of itself, be a contraindication to tummy tuck surgery. In fact it may make you a better candidate for a full tummy tuck as you may wish to have this vertical scar completely removed.
Whether you would be best with a conventional tummy tuck, or whether you might be able to have a “mini tuck” really depends on many factors, including the amount of skin and fat to be removed, and the condition of your abdominal muscles, so the only way to really determine that is to see you personally for a consultation. If I can be of any further help, please feel free to book an appointment with me for a personal consultation by contacting my patient coordinator at (905) 273-3045.
Yours very Truly,
Dr. Michael J Weinberg, Chief of Plastic Surgery, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Ontario