How soon after a c-section can you get a tummy tuck?

Question

I have had 4 babies. 3 were csections and each were 10lb babes. I have a large hernia above the incision and will probably need muscle reconstruction. How long should I wait to have surgery to repair my stomach and get a tuck? I hope to have it all done at the one year mark since my last cesarean, but I am not sure if this is a realistic option.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, cloverqueen.If you have a large hernia, you may need to be evaluated by a general surgeon who specializes in hernias because not all plastic surgeons choose to fix hernias. Other than that, 3 months is a good amount of time to wait. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Take care, 
Moises Salama M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

A Tummy Tuck is a procedure to correct the effects of pregnancy or weight loss. A tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction of the abdomen and waist. Good candidates for a tummy tuck are in good health and have reached a stable weight. I do not advise tummy tucks for those who are unable to stop smoking. A tummy tuck will correct:	1. Loose skin and stretch marks of the lower abdomen	2. Abdominal bulge resulting from separation of the abdominal muscle (diastasis recti)	3. Localized fat deposits of the abdomen and waist	Hernias of the abdominal wall may be corrected at the time of a tummy tuck, but are not part of the tummy tuck procedure. Generally, a tummy tuck is recommend for women after having their last child. I recommend surgery 6 months after your last baby.	I would recommend a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.	Best regards,	Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS

Itzhak Nir, MD, FACS · Answer

Most plastic surgeons would recommend waiting at least 6 months, if not longer, to have a tummy tuck after a C-section. This will allow your body and hips to return to a more normal alignment. I hope this has helped.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I recommend waiting at least six months from the date of your c-section, so you will definitely be okay since you are waiting one year.  If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  In the majority of cases patients can pursue a tummy tuck at six months after delivery, or three months after nursing, whichever is later.  This allows your tissues time to fully heal minimizing risk and improving surgical outcomes.  At a year's time you should definitely be okay to have the procedure.  Hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for mommy makeover surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.   I would suggest you wait at least six months after you have completed pregnancy, have reached your long-term stable weight, and when your newborn is somewhat less dependent.
Best wishes.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Good question. Three month after your last breastfeeding day, and if you are not breastfeeding three month after the C-Section.Congratulations for you and your baby.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

You will get a variety of answers about how long to wait after childbirth before having a tummy tuck. Most ethical plastic surgeons would suggest waiting at least 6 months after delivering because:
 Your body, including your abdomen is still changing.
 You may have not lost all of your pregnancy weight.
 You cannot lift the baby postoperatively for weeks after a tummy tuck or “mommy makeover”. The number of 
 weeks depending on the extent of the procedures performed. 
 You will need additional support at home to take of the baby as well as you.
 
 Most plastic surgeons suggest that you finish having children, get your weight within 10 pounds of your ideal weight, and have a BMI less than 30 before undergoing an abdominoplasty with repair of the stretched out abdominal muscles and liposuction of selective areas, in order to achieve the best long term cosmetic result with the least potential complications.      I would suggest that you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.
 
 Robert Singer, MD FACS
 
 La Jolla, California

Erica Anderson, MD · Answer

I would advise you wait 6 months after your c-section to have your tummy tuck performed. If you can be patient and wait longer that would be ideal. Your body is recovering from a pregnancy and it takes longer than we all realize. Best wishes.

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