About 1 in every 3 births in the United States are now delivered via C-section, making this surgery the single most common operating room procedure. After having a C-section, many women feel unhappy with their new abdominal profile, which oftentimes leads to considering a plastic surgery procedure like a tummy tuck. If you’re thinking of planning a tummy tuck after a C-section, following a few tips can help you get the most out of your procedure.
Planning Your Tummy Tuck after a C-Section
It’s worth mentioning that combining a C-section with a tummy tuck is never a good idea. Colloquially dubbed a “C-tuck,” combining these procedures isn’t safe or effective. Instead, it’s generally recommended that women wait anywhere between 6 and 12 months after their C-section to get a tummy tuck.
Of course, you can go ahead and choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon in the meantime, and you might even want to schedule a consultation with him or her sooner than you plan to have your procedure. This might help you to more clearly outline your goals and get a better understanding for the timeline of your procedure.
You may want to hold off on getting a tummy tuck until you’ve completed your family.
Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Tummy Tuck
Even though it’s best not to schedule your tummy tuck right away after your C-section, there are still a few things you can do in the meantime to help prepare for your procedure down the road:
- Wait until your body is ready. After pregnancy and childbirth, it’s to be expected that your body is going to need some time to rest and recuperate. Give your body enough down time in between your C-section and tummy tuck to reduce the risk of complications and have a smoother, more comfortable recovery.
- Give yourself time to reach your fitness goals. A tummy tuck can help to tighten and tone your abdominal area after a pregnancy, but it won’t address any stubborn pockets of fat that might be bothering you as well. As a general rule, it’s best to come as close as possible to your ideal weight prior to getting a tummy tuck to limit the chances of needing a revision surgery down the road.
- Arrange for help with your kids. New moms have a lot on their plates, so make sure you have plenty of help lined up to take care of your kids and you while you recover from your abdominoplasty. You should also plan to take enough time off work to simply rest and relax.
- Don’t rush your recovery. As tempting as it might be to try to be Super Mom, the fact of the matter is that rushing your tummy tuck recovery is only going to prolong it in the long run. On top of this, pushing yourself to do too much too soon can also lead to complications and may interfere with your final outcome. Don’t be afraid to let others help you before and after your tummy tuck.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
