Can a Tummy Tuck Be Performed with a C-section?

While the end result of pregnancy is an absolute joy for any new mother, the process can result in many changes to the woman’s body. The effects of pregnancy can be especially noticeable on the stomach area. Because of stretching of the skin and abdomen during pregnancy, women are often left with excess skin and stretch marks across the abdomen, flanks, and even the back. Additionally, women who once had flat stomachs may experience excess weight, flabby skin, lax abdominal muscles, and/or a loss in natural firmness of the stomach after pregnancy. The question is not whether or not women will experience a change in their body during and after a pregnancy, the question is how women can best get their pre-pregnancy body back after childbirth.

There are many different options to treat the stomach during pregnancy. Some women use special creams and lotions on the tummy during and after pregnancy. Other women exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. Some women swear by breastfeeding after childbirth to help shed excess weight throughout the body, including the tummy. While all these options are a great way to lose weight and look great, many women also consider a tummy tuck either after pregnancy, or directly after the C-section.  While surgery is a potential option, there are a few things to consider before taking this route.

Most Doctor’s Do not Recommend Tummy Tuck with a C-Section

Even though it is possible to receive a tummy tuck directly after a C-section, most doctors do not recommend it. During delivery, the body undergoes a lot of stress and a series of hormonal changes that not only affect emotions, but also affect the tissues surrounding the stomach. It’s hard for doctors to gauge how loose, or firm, the tissue surrounding the stomach really is immediately after a woman has undergone childbirth. As a result, the tummy tuck can be performed inaccurately by removing too much skin and resulting in a feeling if tightness, or removing too little skin and requiring re-treatment. 

Other reasons why a tummy tuck should not be performed at the same time as C-section include:

• Heightened Risk of Infections - Under regular circumstances, tummy tuck patients can develop infections. When a doctor performs a tummy tuck with a C-section, it can actually increase the risk of infection. The reason for this is because during a c-section the stomach is open and exposed to outside contaminants, thereby increasing the chances of infection.
• Clotting - There is an increased risk of blood clotting during pregnancy and a tummy tuck. As a result, when childbirth and a planned tummy tuck surgery are combined, it can lead to a further increased risk of blood clots.
• Pregnancy - Another thing to consider before scheduling a tummy tuck with a C-section is tummy tucks are not recommended for women who are planning on getting pregnant again. The reason for this is mostly cosmetic. When a woman becomes pregnant again, the stomach muscles and skin will stretch again, reversing the results of the tummy tuck. Women should consider scheduling a tummy tuck after childbearing years are over.

To find out if you are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery, contact Crawford Plastic Surgery.