Post-pregnancy is one of the most popular times to opt for a tummy tuck. But how soon is too soon? What is the best timing? As plastic surgeons, we strive to help women enjoy confidence-boosting transformations in the safest fashion possible. Part of this commitment is providing information about the right time to choose body contouring surgery after having a baby.
Here are a few things you should consider as you plan your post-pregnancy tummy tuck.
Are you breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding causes hormonal changes in the body that can lead to weight fluctuations and affect the recovery process. Additionally, the medications you’ll need during and after your surgery can make their way into your breastmilk and pose a danger to your baby.
Waiting 3 months after you finish breastfeeding will give your body time to return to its baseline state, which will make the healing process easier. This will also allow you to combine your tummy tuck with breast enhancement surgery for a more comprehensive transformation if desired. Nicknamed the mommy makeover, this combined approach gives you the cosmetic benefits of multiple surgeries while requiring only one recovery period.
Has your weight stabilized?
Pregnancy typically causes weight gain, and those extra pounds can linger after your baby is born. While a tummy tuck will help improve the appearance of your abdomen, it’s not intended to be a weight loss procedure. In fact, it’s typically most effective when you are at or near your ideal weight and are not experiencing fluctuations.
Significant future weight gain or loss can affect the laxity of your abdominal skin and essentially “undo” the results of your tummy tuck. It’s best to wait until your weight is stable at or near your goal. The time this takes varies for each person.
Are you planning future pregnancies?
Along with weight fluctuations, additional pregnancies can stretch your abdominal skin and muscles, diminishing the tightening your tummy tuck achieved.
A tummy tuck won’t prevent you from having children in the future, but your investment of time and money will be more worthwhile if you’re able to maintain your results for as long as possible. Learn more about tummy tuck and other cosmetic surgery costs in our previous blog post.
When can you plan your tummy tuck after having a baby?
In general, waiting 6 months to a year after the birth of your baby will allow your body to heal, your weight to stabilize, and your hormone levels to rebalance. If you are unsure whether you are ready, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you determine when a tummy tuck is right for you. Learn more issues you should consider before choosing a tummy tuck on The Aesthetic Society website.
The Results Are Worth the Wait
If you’re anxious to get your trimmer midsection back after pregnancy, that’s understandable. Still, waiting those few extra months to make sure your body is ready for surgery is worth the gratifying results you’ll achieve. To see examples of the type of tummy tuck results you can expect at UVA Plastic Surgery, take a look at one of our patient’s results below and visit our photo gallery for more before and after pictures.
If you would like to learn more tummy tuck advice from plastic surgeons in the Charlottesville-Richmond, VA, area, please contact us online or call (434) 924-1234.
Leave a Reply