Facts about tummy tuck after caesarean section

More women than ever before are now taking back control of their bodies following pregnancy and a caesarean section. Women are choosing to regain their pre-pregnancy tummy with the help of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Below we explore what a tummy tuck actually is, how it can benefit women post caesarean section, and a few common questions about this cosmetic procedure. 

What exactly is a tummy tuck?

When you hear the phrase, tummy tuck, you might think that this is a fairly simple procedure. In fact, a tummy tuck is a complex and invasive cosmetic surgery procedure that involves the cutting and removal of skin, muscle tissue, and fat. This is why it's important to find a reputable plastic surgeon to carry out your procedure. 

Caesarean section and your tummy

When you have a caesarean section the surgeon will need to cut through your stomach muscles and tissue to access the womb. As a result, scar tissue can form and the skin can sag. Exercise will not help this excess skin to become firm. 

Benefits of tummy tuck following caesarean section

A huge benefit for women who have had a caesarean section is that the cosmetic surgeon can repair the damaged rectus abdominis muscles. This will help to strengthen your stomach and help to create a flatter looking tummy. Any scars can also be removed, as well as those unwanted stretch marks. 

Things to consider before having a tummy tuck post baby

Before being assessed for a tummy tuck post-pregnancy, it is important that you are physically fit and healthy, and that you are back to your pre-pregnancy weight. You will also need to have fully healed following your caesarean delivery. If you are fit and healthy and your body has healed, then you will be able to have a consultation. 

When should you have the tummy tuck?

So, how long should you wait after having your caesarean? It's important that you don't plan to have any more children, as there can be complications related to your tummy tuck with any following pregnancy. It's advised that you wait at least 6 months following delivery and have no plans for more children.

To learn more about the tummy tuck cosmetic surgery procedure with us here at the Belvedere Clinic, then please do get in touch with us today.

FAQ's Abdominoplasty - Tummy Tuck Surgery

ABDOMINOPLASTY FAQ’S

If you are considering Abdominoplasty, you likely have some questions. This FAQ will help answer some of the more common questions for those seeking a tummy tuck in the UK

ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS WITH A TUMMY TUCK?

Complications with a tummy tuck are rare. However, there can be bleeding and infection, which is a risk with any surgery. There can also be fluid collection, poor scarring and an asymmetrical appearance. To reduce the possibility of complications, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions 100 per cent. Discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand the potential complications and consequences.

ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS WITH A TUMMY TUCK?

Complications with a tummy tuck are rare. However, there can be bleeding and infection, which is a risk with any surgery. There can also be fluid collection, poor scarring and an asymmetrical appearance. To reduce the possibility of complications, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions 100 per cent. Discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand the potential complications and consequences.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE A TUMMY TUCK?

You will meet your surgeon to talk about why you want surgery and what you want. The surgeon will make a note of any medical history you have or have had in the past. They will also make a record of any medication you are on, including herbal remedies and medicines that are not prescribed by your doctor.
Your surgeon will examine your tummy, and may take some photographs for your medical records. They will ask you if you want to have someone with you during the examination, and ask you to sign a consent form for taking, storing and using the photographs.
The nurse will measure your height and weight at pre assessment to make sure that it is safe to do an operation. If you are overweight, pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your surgeon may suggest delaying your operation.

WHAT IS A MINI TUMMY TUCK?

Here, a smaller amount of skin and fat is removed from the lower tummy, though there will still be a long horizontal scar above the pubic hair. Sometimes the muscles will also be tightened. No scar is left around the tummy button, which may be stretched to become a different shape.
A mini tummy tuck will give less of an effect than a full tummy tuck.

The fleur-de-lis

For patients with lots of extra skin on the lower and upper tummy, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck might be appropriate. Here, as well as the long horizontal cut of the standard tummy tuck, there is a vertical cut too, so the scar looks like an anchor.

HOW IS A TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE DONE?

Generally, when a patient receives a tummy tuck, he or she, under general anaesthetic, gets an incision that is made above the pubic area from one hip to the other hip. An additional incision is made to release the navel from the surrounding skin, which is then released from the abdominal wall, revealing the fascia and muscles that are to be tightened with sutures.  Sometimes, liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck for further tightening.  A patient may receive a dressing and compression garment to drain any excess fluid.  A conventional tummy tuck typically takes three hours, and only one procedure is needed.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?

Tummy tucks are usually carried out under a general anaesthetic (so you would be asleep). The operation usually takes about three hours, and you would usually spend up one days in hospital.
When you wake up from your operation you may have a drip to give you fluid while you are not drinking. You might be given antibiotics to keep the wound clean. Also, you may have drainage tubes in your lower tummy to drain away any fluid or blood. These tubes will be taken out when the fluid or blood has stopped draining, usually before you go home. Your tummy will feel tight and sore. Simple painkillers should be enough to keep you comfortable.

You will have some dressings on your tummy. You may need to wear a well-fitting support garment, usually for weeks after the operation. You will be asked to keep your knees and hips bent whenever possible to take the strain off your stitches.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME FOR A TUMMY TUCK?

You will be out of bed on the same day as your surgery, and doing light activities after two weeks. You should be back to normal exercise in six weeks. While you are in hospital, you will be given blood-thinning injections, and support stockings, to reduce the risk of a clot in the leg (DVT) or the lung (PE). Avoid strenuous activity for 10 to 12 weeks. Most patients take up to four weeks off work after the operation, depending on their job. Your tummy will be sore and swollen for weeks to months after the operation. Do not lift heavy things for several weeks, and avoid sex for at least three weeks. With all activities, start gently. Do not drive until you feel safe and are comfortable wearing a seatbelt. Check your insurance documents if you are not sure.

At first your tummy skin may seem too tight. This usually settles down within six weeks of the surgery. Most patients are pleased with the final result, but some find their new shape difficult to get used to. This may happen to you. You may have more or less sensation in the skin on your tummy, and this can change over time.

SHOULD YOU HAVE A TUMMY TUCK TO LOSE WEIGHT IF YOU ARE SEVERELY OVERWEIGHT?

Abdominoplasty procedure is not intended for people who are severely overweight to lose weight. There are other procedures that are more appropriate for serious weight loss.

DOES THE PROCEDURE LEAVE A SCAR?

Tummy tucks are usually carried out under a general anaesthetic (so you would be asleep). The operation usually takes about three hours, and you would usually spend up one days in hospital.
When you wake up from your operation you may have a drip to give you fluid while you are not drinking. You might be given antibiotics to keep the wound clean. Also, you may have drainage tubes in your lower tummy to drain away any fluid or blood. These tubes will be taken out when the fluid or blood has stopped draining, usually before you go home. Your tummy will feel tight and sore. Simple painkillers should be enough to keep you comfortable.

You will have some dressings on your tummy. You may need to wear a well-fitting support garment, usually for weeks after the operation. You will be asked to keep your knees and hips bent whenever possible to take the strain off your stitches.

AM I TOO OLD OR TOO YOUNG FOR A TUMMY TUCK?

Ethical cosmetic surgeons will not perform a tummy tuck on anyone under the age of 18.  As far as being too old, your doctor can access your health and fitness condition.

SHOULD I HAVE A TUMMY TUCK IF I WANT TO GET PREGNANT?

It is recommended that you wait until after your pregnancies to have a tummy tuck. If you are a woman who plans to get pregnant or have a series of pregnancies

WHAT IF I ALSO WANT TO GET BREAST SURGERY OR SOME OTHER PROCEDURE WITH MY TUMMY TUCK?

Although many patients combine liposuction with their tummy tuck surgery, additional surgery, such as breast augmentation, is in an entirely different area, and therefore, is subject to the condition of your health and the go-ahead from a doctor. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand the potential complications and consequences.