I prefer to have my patients wait three months following childbith before undergoing an abdominoplasty.  During pregnancy, a woman's blood volume will increase 40-50%.  This generally will go back to normal 3-6 weeks following childbirth.  These changes can lead to worsening anemia (low red cells or hemoglobin).  Additionally, there are many hormonal and psychological changes that can occur following childbirth.  One should also consider the fact that they won't be able to take care of their newborn immediately following surgery.  Of course, one should be avoid breast feeding during this time and post operatively.

There are many reasons to wait six months before having a tummy tuck.

The deep layer, or fascia is both ripped and stretched.  The stretching is largely recovered by 6 months; the ripping of course is not.  That is what the deep layer of the tummy tuck improves.  The hormones that cause the deep fascial layer to soften to accommodate the baby are no longer active  by six months.  The tissues literally hold stitches better.  This is one of the many reasons most plastic surgeons won't perform a tummy tuck at the same time as a C-section.

Women who are breast feeding give whatever is in their bloodstream to the nursing child.  There are also risks to the baby to giving an anesthetic to a woman who is actively breast feeding.  This can be overcome by pumping and discarding the milk during the period the woman has anesthetic or pain medication in her bloodstream, but it is a disruption.

Many women are still struggling with their baby weight after the birth of their child.  It is hard work, but well worth it to become as active as possible after childbirth to lose that baby weight.

Women who are shortly postpartum have to lift their babies frequently. Frequent heavy lifting can damage the results of a tummy tuck, especially if a hernia repair is performed at the same time.  By six months, most moms have their routines down and are more efficient with lifting their babies.

The goal is of course to return to a pre-pregnancy weight.  While this is often possible with a great diet and lifestyle, occasionally it is not.  Women are often demoralized by their post-baby appearance and, despite very hard work, reach a stubborn plateau.  If this is the case, it is generally acceptable to have tummy tuck surgery.  Many women find that after their tummy tuck surgeries they now are able to see the results of their efforts better, and are structurally better able to work out without having the loose skin and loose fascia hampering them.

4 of 4 found this helpful

Helpful?

Contact the doctor

Hello,

I advise waiting until you are complete with childbearing. Wait 3-6 months at least or until you have reached your "stable maintenance weight." You want to avoid losing or gaining much weight following a tummy tuck to limit your chances of changing the result.

Helpful?

Contact the doctor

Great question!

The answer depends on several factors. Most importantly, but not obvious to all, is if or when are you planning to have another child. If you are planning to have back to back children, then an abdominoplasty does not make much sense.

I recommend the patient to wait at least 6 months from the time of delivery. This will give your body a chance to "return to normal". Hopefully, this will also be enough time for you to return to a stable weight which you are happy with.

Helpful?

Contact the doctor

With all due respect to my colleagues, I'll say if your weight is stable, I would recommend waiting only 6 weeks after delivery. The stretched and damaged skin and muscle layers are about 80% healed at this point. I also believe that pregnancy creates a "delay affect" by stretching the skin and soft tissues and thus allowing for an improved reconstruction.  I am not sure what are these "adjustments" that happen after 6 weeks. I do agree that it is important to go to an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for this type of abdominal surgery. 

1 of 3 found this helpful

Helpful?

Contact the doctor