Tummy Tuck With C-Section: Can I Have Both at Once?

Would you like to have a tummy tuck with your c-section? If you're pregnant, you may already know that you're going to have a c-section. Your doctor may schedule this ahead of time if you have a high-risk pregnancy or if you've had a c-section before. If so, then you may be wondering if it's possible to have a tummy tuck during your surgery. Here are some things you'll want to know:


Too Much, Too Soon?

If you consult with your obstetrician and/or plastic surgeon about having a tummy tuck right after delivery, it is very likely that they will advise you to wait. Pregnancy changes your body's hormones which greatly affect your muscles and tendons. Since they do not have their normal elasticity and rigidity, you need to give them some time to "reset" back to normal before you consider plastic surgery.

Your doctor may ask you to wait at least six months to give your body time to demonstrate what it will do on its own. At that time, it will be easier to judge whether you even need a tummy tuck and if so, exactly how much things need to be changed.

In the Mean Time...

While you're waiting for your postpartum surgery consultation, try a low-impact exercise program to lose some of your baby weight. This will reduce the fat stores that are laying on top of your abs. That will allow you to see whether your tummy is poking out due to stretched out ab muscles and connective tissue or due to excess fat. You may be surprised to find just how much progress you can make on your own without surgery.

Even if you're convinced that you'll still need surgery, you'll be able to shape up other parts of your body that aren't involved in a tummy tuck. This will allow you to get a better overall look after your c-section and tummy tuck.