Should I wait until I am done breastfeeding to get a tummy tuck?

Question

Hello All, My baby is five (5) months old and I'd like to get a tummy tuck soon. I wanted to breastfeed for two (2) years at least but I'm concerned that I will not be able to breastfeed post-op due to pain meds or whatever else comes with post-op territory. Can I still breastfeed my baby after having surgery or should I wait until I am done breastfeeding to get a tummy tuck? Thanks!

Ashley N. Amalfi, MD · Answer

As a mommy who breastfed two kiddos, I would recommend waiting until you are done breastfeeding for the surgery.  First, you would have to 'pump and dump' after surgery due to the anesthetic and pain medications that you get during surgery.  Second, your body will change! After breastfeeding some women lose more weight, and some gain a little.  Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories, and your body and fat distribution will continue to change with the cessation of your milk and the hormone changes.  For the ideal result, I would recommend waiting until you have been done breastfeeding for 3 months to get the optimal result of your surgery.

Michael Chiaramonte, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question. This is one I hear often at my office in Maryland. It is best to wait to have a tummy tuck or any invasive plastic surgery procedure until you’re done breastfeeding because your body and breasts need time to return to normal. It’s recommended to wait at least three months after you’re done breastfeeding to have a tummy tuck. Additionally, if you plan on having more children, you run the risk of losing your results and may need another procedure later.
Best of luck! 
  
Dr. Michael Chiaramonte, ASPS board-certified plastic surgeon

Germán Newall, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Be sure you are done having children because during surgery, the vertical muscles are tightened and future pregnancies can divide those muscles. You may want to wait until you are done breast feeding until you have a tummy tuck. Speak with your board certified plastic surgeon about your options.Hope this helps,Dr. Newall

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear firefly2017,
if your are planning to breastfeed, you should consider postponing a surgery. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, woman's body changes a lot. It is the best wait until your body recovers from the pregnancy and then consider a surgery. Always look for a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Robert Applebaum, MD · Answer

My recommendation is to discuss any breast feeding issues with your pediatrician and gynecologist. I tend to agree that you should not be breast feeding with anesthesia and pain meds in your system. The answer you will likely get is to wait until you are done breast feeding.

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Should I wait until I am done breastfeeding to get a tummy tuck?

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