How Soon After Childbirth Can I Get a Tummy Tuck?

It is not unusual for Dr. Kenrick A. Spence and Dr. Fernando Ovalle of Hillcrest Plastic Surgery to see women in their office seeking tummy tuck surgery after childbirth. Many changes occur to the body during pregnancy and childbirth, and should be taken into consideration before choosing cosmetic surgeries. Understanding how the tummy tuck works and when the best time to have the procedure done is critical to determining a patient’s candidacy.

Understanding the tummy tuck procedure

A tummy tuck, formally known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. It is often performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or after pregnancy, when the skin and muscles have been stretched out.

What happens during the tummy tuck procedure?

The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes two to three hours to complete. The surgeon will make a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen and remove the excess skin. The abdominal muscles are then tightened and the incision closed with stitches.

How soon after childbirth can I get a tummy tuck?-

This is a common question asked by women who have recently had a child and have noticed significant changes to their body. We do recommend that patients allow their bodies to return to their original weight as much as possible before considering tummy tuck surgery. Additionally, patients who are considering more children in the future may want to hold off on surgery, as future pregnancies can impact the results over time.

What can I expect from the recovery?

Most patients experience some swelling and discomfort following surgery, which can be relieved with pain medication. Most people are able to return to work within two weeks, but strenuous activity should be avoided for six weeks. The results of a tummy tuck are typically permanent, although the skin may continue to sag over time if you lose weight or have children.

How do I learn more about the tummy tuck procedure?

The team at Hillcrest Plastic Surgery believe in providing patients solutions for body contouring that can improve their self-esteem and confidence. If you have been considering a tummy tuck after children and want to find out if this procedure is right for you, connect with Dr. Kenrick A. Spence, Dr. Fernando Ovalle, and their team by calling (407) 999-2585 for an appointment. His office is conveniently located at 130 Hillcrest Street in Orlando, FL.