Unhappy with your post-baby body? Find out if you can have a Tummy Tuck after a C-Section.

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Medically Reviewed April 2023, by George Samouris - Consultant Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck after a c-section

Throughout the pregnancy process, the abdominal muscles can become stretched and separated due to progressive tension. This can also lead to stretching of the overlying skin. For some women, this is not an issue and represents a fond memory. However, many mothers feel that restoration of their pre-pregnancy body shape would reinvigorate their self-confidence. In some cases, your skin may snap back as it once was, but most people may be left with loose skin on your tummy.

Mr George Samouris abdominoplasty tummy tuck surgery before & after

It is no surprise then that one of the most common indications for tummy tuck surgery is the changes that occur during pregnancy, but is this complicated by caesarean section deliveries?

The answer to the question ‘can I have a tummy tuck after a c-section?’ is a resounding yes, and a tummy tuck will not only help to remove excess skin, and repair and tighten the abdominal muscles but may also help to improve the appearance of the c-section scar.

See one of our lovely patients before & afters

How soon can I have a tummy tuck after a c-section?

You may have read about the concept of undergoing tummy tuck surgery at the same time as a c-section. This procedure is requested by some women to combine the two and avoid future surgery. However, a study published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that c-section combined with abdominoplasty increases the risk of complications and does not provide the desired cosmetic outcome for the patient.

In order the achieve the best possible results from abdominoplasty, a sufficient amount of recovery time must be allowed between the c-section and tummy tuck surgery. This recovery period ranges from 6 to 12 months and will ensure that the c-section scar is properly healed, any bruising or swelling has resolved and also allows enough time for the body to return to the pre-pregnancy shape.

We understand that many women will be anxious to undergo tummy tuck surgery as soon as possible following a c-section. However, it is essential that the body is afforded the time it needs to recover from not only invasive c-section surgery, but the pregnancy itself.

If you are considering tummy tuck surgery after a c-section, our expert surgeons at The Harley Medical Group are available to discuss your desired results and personal circumstances. As well as allowing your body to heal physically following pregnancy and c-section, it is important to consider the impact that abdominoplasty will have on your activity and ability to interact with and take care of your child.

At The Harley Medical Group, we will work with you to find the best solution for your needs, and can offer either a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck depending on your desired outcome. Following your surgery, you will have a scar, but this will sit along the bikini line, lower on the body than a Full Abdominoplasty scar. A Mini Tummy Tuck scar will also be smaller, only a little larger than a C-Section scar, rather than the traditional hip-to-hip incision.

Who is tummy tuck surgery most suitable for?

Abdominoplasty is most suitable for those with excess abdominal fat and loose skin. Unfortunately for many, even the most dedicated lifestyle changes in diet and exercise cannot remove loose skin or stubborn pockets of fat.

tummy tuck after a c-section

Tummy tuck surgery is not a weightloss solution and patients are required to be of stable body weight and in good physical health before undergoing the procedure.

It is also important that patients are undergoing surgery for the right reasons and the operating surgeon will discuss your rationale to gain an understanding of your motivation for choosing to have a tummy tuck after a c-section.

Mr George Samouris:

Find out from Mr George Samouris what happens during the consultation process with him.  He is keen believer of patient centred care and works with his patients to obtain the best personal aesthetic outcome for the individual. He has published his studies in many renowned international journals and has given many lectures on domestic and international medical conferences. With countless amazing results and reviews from his many patients, you can be sure that you are in the safest possible hands.

If you are considering a tummy tuck after a c-section, you can find out more about the procedure, view results and explore the costs. You can also discuss any questions relating to your personal circumstances during a free no-obligation consultation with a Patient Advisor at The Harley Medical Group.

Other Options:

Choice is always a good thing, it means that you can make the right decisions for you, based on your needs and your desired result. At The Harley Medical Group, we will never perform a surgery if we do not believe it is right and there is never any pressure to book in with us. Cosmetic surgery is an important decision and we want to support you, regardless of your choices. If you're not sure that a tummy tuck after a c-section is right for you, we also offer other Body Contouring procedures which could help you achieve your desired results such as vaser liposuction.

If you'd prefer something less invasive than a tummy tuck after a c-section, try our body contouring and weightloss treatments at our clinic partners sk:n.  We offer radiofrequency treatments, fat freezing, cellulite treatments which all break down fat cells, and Mediweight which can aid weightloss either before a surgical procedure, or as an alternative.

Posted August 18, 2022
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