Pregnancy and childbirth inevitably result in long-term changes to a woman’s body. From decreased breast size to darkening skin to hair loss, there are many ways the indications of a pregnancy remain on a woman’s body.
A change to the muscles in the abdominal region is one of the most noticeable for many women due to the stretching they undergo as the baby grows. The results can include excess skin, loose muscles, and stretch marks.
When a caesarean, or C-section, is undertaken rather than a vaginal delivery, there are other changes that may also be involved, such as a pouch-like shape that can hang low or a reduced ability to lose weight. Subsequently, some women choose to undertake a tummy tuck after a C-section.
Body changes after pregnancy and a C-section can affect confidence and self-esteem. Find out what is involved in a tummy tuck and if it could be suitable for you.
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The Benefits Of A Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is considered major surgery and candidates must meet certain requirements before undergoing the procedure. If an experienced and qualified surgeon approves a patient for the procedure, there are several benefits to gain after a C-section.
Abdominoplasty, which is the medical term for a tummy tuck procedure, can strengthen the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin from the area. This can result in a firmer appearance and enhance the abdomen’s contours. Many women find that it can be difficult to achieve a desired look by methods such as exercise and healthy eating after a C-section. This is often due to the subcutaneous or scar tissue that can form at the incision site, or as a result of the extended healing time attached to receiving a C-section. Even after the initial inflammation improves, the pouch-like shape may not flatten completely. A tummy tuck can assist with this issue.
Many women find that having a tummy tuck to achieve their body goals helps them in other areas of their life, such as improving the way they view and feel about themselves and having a positive effect on personal relationships.
A tummy tuck can also help improve incontinence issues that may result after pregnancy, remove the C-section incision scar, and assist with better posture due to improved strength in the abdomen region.
Who Can Have A Tummy Tuck?
There is a range of factors surgeons consider before performing a tummy tuck. These can include:
Physical Health
It is generally best to enable the body to heal sufficiently after a C-section prior to undergoing a tummy tuck to facilitate a positive recovery process for both surgeries. This can mean waiting for at least six to twelve months.
Smoking can interfere with recovery, so it is also important to be a non-smoker for at least six weeks prior to and post surgery.
It is ideal to be at a healthy and stable weight before surgery. A tummy tuck focuses more on the removal of muscle and skin than the removal of fat.
It is preferable to have a tummy tuck when no more pregnancies are planned. Having had a tummy tuck does not mean pregnancy cannot occur again, however.
Mental health
As this is a major surgical procedure, it is important to be in a healthy state of mind before proceeding, both in terms of making the decision and in dealing with recovery. Waiting to have a tummy tuck also gives time to recover mentally after pregnancy and undergoing a C-section, and provides time to bond and care for the newborn baby.
What To Expect When Undergoing A Tummy Tuck
After thorough assessment, a comprehensive decision process, development of a care plan, and sufficient healing time post C-section, the surgical procedure can be undertaken for ideal candidates.
A tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision being made along the pubic hairline. The size of this incision, and whether a second cut is made around the belly button, is reliant on the amount of excess skin to be removed. Abdominal muscles can also be repaired through the incision. The procedure can take approximately three to five hours. The recovery process can involve pain and difficulty walking and undertaking certain tasks. Appropriate pain relief and wound care will be discussed and provided.
A Tummy Tuck After A C-section Has Benefits For Many Women
Pregnancy can be a challenging and rewarding experience, and one that can significantly affect a woman’s body. The changes can be positive signs and symbols for many people. Some women desire to have assistance with some of the differences in their bodies, particularly in the tummy region. If you are considering this, a tummy tuck might be for you.
Please book an appointment for a consultation to discuss the options and whether you are a candidate for a tummy tuck after a C-section.
