Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) After Caesarean Section

Tummy Tuck surgery, also known as Abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and the associated fatty tissue from the abdomen and repairs abdominal muscles.

Is It A Good Idea To Have Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery With Caesarean Section?

It may seem like a good idea to have a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) alongside your C-section. You probably consider that it will save you the rigour of having two different surgeries and hasten your recovery. However, this is not appropriate. Most surgeons recommend that a Tummy Tuck Surgery should not be combined with a caesarean section as it increases the risk of a negative outcome. You should wait for a minimum of 6-12 months after a caesarean section before having a Tummy Tuck. This gives your body sufficient time to recover from the first surgery before undergoing the second. Most people tend to undergo a Tummy Tuck after they’ve completed their family, in other words, not planning on having any more children.

A common question I get asked is “can I get pregnant after a Tummy Tuck?” The answer to this is YES you can. Surgery, of course, will not stop you from getting pregnant and most importantly it will not prevent your tummy from growing during pregnancy. So, it’s not going to complicate future pregnancies.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)After A C-section

You can benefit from Tummy Tucks in many ways, particularly if you have a caesarean section scar and other persistent pregnancy-associated changes. A Tummy Tuck will;

• Improve the quality of your caesarean section scar
• Remove loose, excess skin
• Repair weakened abdominal muscles
• Repair any existing hernias, especially those associated with your belly button.

Why Do I Have To Wait After C- Section To Get A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Waiting for 6-12 months after giving birth might seem like a lot of time, but it is in you and your baby’s best interest. Here are some of the reasons you should wait a while after a C-section before getting your Tummy Tuck surgery;

• Time for your body to heal:  It is best to take some time to recover from the stress of giving birth before getting a Tummy Tuck.
• Time for your body composition and muscle tone to stabilise 
• Time to bond with your baby: Mothers must develop strong relationships with their babies. Waiting 6-12 months after a C- section before a tummy tuck surgery helps to foster the mother-child bonding. You can enjoy your time with your child without worrying about recovery from a Tummy Tuck surgery.
• Sufficient time to plan for the procedure: Waiting for some time before having your tummy tuck gives you time to plan, prepare, and schedule the care you’ll need during that time to focus on recuperating.
• Give yourself time to work out whether you truly want the surgery: Your body has gone through a lot of changes, so you need to let things stabilise and re-evaluate.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgical Procedure

Prior to your surgery, you will be taken into the theatre anaesthetic bay. This is where Dr Dona will see you, have a final chat about the surgery, and remind you about what to expect when you wake up.

The anaesthetist will also talk to you about the anaesthetic and the medications they’ll be giving you after surgery to keep you as comfortable as possible. Finally, you get taken into the actual operating room and have the surgery.

During your surgery, a horizontal cut is made along your pubic hairline. The length of the surgical cut made will be determined by the amount of excess skin needing to be removed. Another incision around your belly button which allows for the belly button to be released and to facilitate exposure of the underlying abdominal wall muscles up to the level of the lower rib cage.

Dr Eddy Dona can also repair your weakened abdominal muscles through the incision. The skin of the upper abdomen is pushed down. The excess skin is cut away, and the remaining skin is sutured back together. A new belly button opening is made and the belly button is brought to the surface and sutured in place. After the objectives for the surgery have been achieved, the cuts are closed with sutures and skin adhesives. The procedure typically lasts 3-5 hours.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Recovery

Many women claim they find the experience and discomfort like that after a caesarean, with the first 24 hours being the least pleasant. You’re attached to all these tubes, largely confined to bed, sometimes feeling a little nauseous, and not the most comfortable in the world. This is when most patients question their sanity and wonder why they’ve done this to themselves and paid for it as well.

However, before you leave the hospital, all your drips, drains and catheters have been removed and you’re up walking around, albeit a little slowly and slightly hunched over.

Rest assured, this is normal, fortunately very short-lived, and settles down.