How long after having a C-Section do you have to wait before considering having a procedure such as Smart Lipo performed?

Question

I am currently 180lbs and 5”10. I had a cesarean on 6/14/18.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

If you're having abdominal lipo, I would recommend six months of healing beforehand. For other areas, 3 months would be sufficient. If you are breastfeeding, I would wait until you are done.

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You will need to wait at least six months before having a liposuction procedure in the abdominal area if you have recently had a C-section. This will allow enough time for your body to heal before your liposuction procedure. If you are currently breastfeeding, you will need to wait until after you have stopped breastfeeding. Schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, have a full exam, and discuss your detailed goals with him or her. Good luck! 
- Jacqueline T. Cheng

Mark Edward Hennessy, MD · Answer

I would recommend waiting 6 months for lipo of the abdomen and flanks. You should wait at least three months to have lipo of other (non abdominal) areas.Hope this finds you well.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You'd want to wait until you've reached a stable weight following pregnancy, typically 3 or more months afterward should be fine. We do use some medications that may affect breastfeeding if that pertains to you. Best wishes

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Adequate time for your tummy to shrink down is usually 3-6 months. Back and flanks may be sooner if weight loss has stabilized. If you are also breast feeding, you should wait until finished.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Stability is the goal. It is always best to exhibit restraint in the post-partum period. This is due to the fact that your body is changing dramatically during this period. The hormonal fluctuation can alter size and shape widely during the immediate post-partum period and can continue through the period of nursing. Body contouring during this period is the equivalent of hitting a moving target.
The optimal candidate for surgery has reached a healthy stable weight. In the setting of a recent pregnancy and delivery this stable weight can take some time to reach. A general rule of thumb is at least 6-9 months post-partum. If you choose to breast-feed through the first year of life you should allow at least three months following the discontinuation of breast-feeding before considering any procedures.
While there may be variations in the recommendations from one physician to another, the goal is the same...stability. Thus a delay of 9 months or 3 months post cessation of breast feeding (whichever is longer...will ensure that you have reached a plateau).
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend waiting at least 3-6 months. However, for best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction, which can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck, depending on skin laxity. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Paul E. Cox, MD · Answer

There are lots of variables to consider. How much weight did you gain in your pregnancy and how much would you like to lose? The closer you are to your ideal weight the better your results from Smartlipo will be. Do you have help with childcare? Mothers need to consider help with small children as there may be a few days where holding your child may make you uncomfortable after the procedure depending on the area addressed, so having close family or social support during that time may be very helpful. Also were there any complications from your C section such as wound infection or scarring? Those issues may need time to completely resolve before further procedures in the area.

Renata Wix-Harris, MD · Answer

It depends on the area you want to do. It is recommended to wait at least 6 months after your C-section for SmartLipo of the abdomen and 3 months for other areas.

Alfred Sofer, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Since you had a recent pregnancy, I would recommend to wait a minimum of 6 months (for breastfeeding, 9 months from the time you stop producing milk). If you are planning on having more children, it is best to wait until after your pregnancies to consider this procedure. I also recommend being at your ideal weight for best results.

How long after having a C-Section do you have to wait before considering having a procedure such as Smart Lipo performed?

Answers (11)

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