How long should I wait to get a tummy tuck after pregnancy?

Thanks for the great question Fallon - In my San Francisco area practice there are several things we look for when performing a tummy tuck after pregnancy in order to insure a great result. The first is that you are at or close to your ideal body weight. Many times pregnancy pounds take some time to come... more

It is important to wait 6 months to have a tummy tuck as your body is still adjusting from the pregnancy. If you plan to lose weight, do it before you have a tummy tuck. Always go to an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon (certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery) and have a full... more

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... more

I tell most of my tummy tuck patients to wait at least a year until they have surgery.  This allows your weight to normalize and stabilize, and it also allows the abdominal skin time to naturally retract as much as possible.  I have had patients who had either abdominal or breast surgery 6 months or... more

Our protocol for timing after pregnancy is based on several factors: Whether or not you have had a C-section Are you breast feeding Are you planning to have any more children I ask patients to wait approximately 6 months after ending breast feeding, as the circulating hormones will continue to stretch out... more

As suggested by my colleagues, your health is the most important factor. However, there are many variations in opinion when it comes to this. Of course, you should not be nursing. It is also generally felt that you be at a stable weight. As plastic surgeons, we undertand the desire to take advantage of the... more

Usually three to six months is enough, provided you stopped breast feeding and have returned to you pre pregnancy weight. A tummy tuck is designed to tighten the abdominal wall and get rid of excess skin. You need to get rid of the excess weight first.

It is important first to be as sure as possible that this is going to be your final pregnancy.  Secondly, at least 6 months are necessary to have your body reach its own final improvement after delivery.  Finally, remember that while a tummy tuck in the hands of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is... more

I usually have patients wait 6 months to a year after their pregnancy.  Patients should get back to their pre-pregnancy weight first. 

Pregnancy is a significant event - not only emotionally but also physically. I know there are rumors about having a tummy tuck at the time of your c-section or delivery. That is not a safe practice and will put yourself at undue risk when you should be paying all your attention to your new baby and healing... more