When you consider all the factors that go into a surgery, being able to combine two procedures into one session seems very appealing. And the thought of caring for your new child with a slimmer figure makes the road back from your pregnancy body seem a little less daunting, too. However, there are a number of reasons why getting a tummy tuck alongside your C-section is a bad idea.
Unspectacular Results
Because your muscles and skin stretch during your pregnancy, having a tummy tuck before they’ve had time to heal and return to their normal shape would likely lead to results that would have you hiding from your mirror. While a post-C-section tummy tuck isn’t uncommon, you’ll see much better results if you wait at least 6 months after weaning your child before considering plastic surgery.*
A Distracted Surgeon
Labor and delivery can happen at any time, so scheduling your tummy tuck to coincide with your C-section would mean trying to coordinate a lot of moving parts. Can you imagine having your plastic surgeon on call along with your OB? Would there be problems deciding which surgeon should be in the driver’s seat in the OR? Once you start thinking about logistics, it’s easy to see why a simultaneous C-section plus tummy tuck is a terrible idea.
Possible Complications
Finally, but perhaps most importantly, having a tummy tuck so soon after your pregnancy could lead to serious medical issues like blood clotting and infection. Pregnancy and childbirth are tough on your body, and you need all your energy to go into healing and taking care of your newborn—not recovering from a tummy tuck to boot. Give yourself some time to get back on your feet before scheduling your tummy tuck consultation.
*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.
Related Posts
- All About Lipo-Abdominoplasty
- Our 5 Top Plastic Surgery Procedures
- Which Body Contouring Options Are Right for You?
Author: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francesco Campanile is a cosmetic surgeon in Denver who is focused on body contouring and breast enhancement. Time and time again, the women and men who choose Dr. Campanile say that they’ve found “the whole package” – a doctor who cares deeply about the quality of their results and has the skill to achieve excellence.
