Tummy Tuck After C-Section

Cesarean sections, or C-sections, make up 21% of childbirths according to The World Health Organization (WHO) and research has found that this number will increase by 9% by 2030. During a C-section, a horizontal or vertical incision is made in the abdomen and uterus. Although a decision for a C-section can be made prior to labor during your pregnancy, more often than not, the decision is made when labor starts.

WHY ARE C-SECTIONS PERFORMED?

Whether your doctor decides during pregnancy or during labor, a C-section is done because you or the health of your baby may be at risk. Some reasons why C-sections are performed include:

• The baby is in breech, or feet down, position
• The baby isn’t getting enough oxygen or has an irregular heartbeat
• The baby has certain birth defects, like hydrocephalus
• Labor dystocia
• If the mother is carrying more than one baby
• Placenta problems such as placenta previa
• If you have an infection that can be passed down to the baby during vaginal birth like HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and gentical herpes
• Other health concerns such as heart or brain conditions, diabetes, and high blood pressure
• Umbilical cord pinch or prolapse 
• You’ve had previous C-section or other uterus surgery

CAN I GET A TUMMY TUCK AFTER MY C-SECTION?

Though it may seem like you’re killing two birds with one stone getting a C-section tummy tuck, or a c-tuck, most Plastic Surgeons and other healthcare providers will advise patients not to do so. C-sections and tummy tucks both come with risks and recovering from the two surgeries at the same time could be difficult for your body and could increase a woman’s potential risk for complications including bleeding, infections, blood clots, fluid retention, and poor healing. 

Additionally, during your pregnancy, your uterus, abdominal muscles, and skin undergo dramatic stretching. For many patients, your weight, shape, and size dramatically changes postpartum. Many women can lose nearly 10-15 pounds of weight after giving birth. For these reasons, and many more, Dr. Crofts advises his patients to wait at least 6-months to a year after giving birth for a tummy tuck.

WHO’S THE IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK?

An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who’s done having children, in overall healthy condition, at an ideal and stable weight, a non-smoker, and bothered by the appearance of their abdomen area due to sagging, excessive skin and fat.

CAN I COMBINE MY TUMMY TUCK WITH ANOTHER PROCEDURE?

Yes! Tummy tucks can be a part of a mommy makeover where they’re combined with other cosmetic procedures such as breast procedures, liposuction, and Renuvion. For more information on mommy makeovers, click here.