Can You Combine a Tummy Tuck with a C-Section?

A Caesarean section, also known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure involving the delivery of a baby through an incision made in the lower abdomen, which exposes the uterus. The uterus is then opened to deliver the baby. Tummy tuck surgery is a cosmetic surgery aimed at tightening abdominal skin by removing redundant skin and excess fat from the abdomen and flanks.

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Many women commonly ask us if they can combine having their upcoming C-section procedure with a tummy tuck doing the same procedure.

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Can a tummy tuck be combined with a C-section?

In the UK, it is not recommended to have a tummy tuck at the same time as a C-section, and it is highly recommended to avoid having an abdominoplasty for a minimum of at least three months after having a C-section. A woman’s body is still changing during childbirth, and it can take at least three months before the shape of the abdomen maintains a degree of stability. Many women are less physically active during the early stages of giving birth, and this may mean that they are at a higher risk of developing DVT following any subsequent surgical procedure. There are several risks and complications of tummy tuck surgery that can be mitigated by being in optimum physical and mental health. Our surgeons would always advise deferring having a tummy tuck until you have ideally completed your family. Having a tummy tuck and then going on to have further children may diminish the results of the tummy tuck procedure, which may necessitate further revision surgery down the line.

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At the Centre for Surgery, we are fortunate to have some of the most experienced tummy tuck surgeons in London and will be able to advise you on the optimum timing of having a tummy tuck as well as the specific technique used, such as a Brazilian tummy tuck which involves a combination of liposuction with a tummy tuck. For further information, please get in contact with one of our highly experienced and knowledgeable patient coordinators to learn more about the tummy tuck procedure and how it could benefit you.

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How long should I wait after C-section before getting a tummy tuck?

Whilst specific advice may vary depending on the individual, we would generally recommend waiting for a minimum of four months after having a C-section before getting a tummy tuck. During the postpartum period, a woman’s body continues to undergo several changes due to the influence of hormonal factors. It is generally considered after four months that stability has been reached in the size and shape of the woman’s abdomen. Recovery after a C-section takes at least three months to allow the incisions to heal fully and allow women to return to their normal physical activities to maintain a healthy body mass index. Many women may develop a fold of skin above the C-section scar, which can be easily addressed with a C-section scar revision procedure, often combined with liposuction or a mini tummy tuck to tighten the lower abdominal skin.

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Whilst other providers may be quick to offer earlier abdominoplasty surgery, we would strongly advise against having surgery too early to minimise the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery. Tummy tuck surgery carries a significant period of recovery time and if carried out too early may interfere with mother and baby bonding.

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We would always recommend having a face-to-face consultation with an expert tummy tuck surgeon in London to get an idea of the treatment options available and which could work best for you.

What is a Brazilian Tummy Tuck?

A Brazilian tummy tuck, also known as lipoabdominoplasty, is a type of tummy tuck that differs from a full tummy tuck in several ways. Some of these differences include:

1. TIVA Anaesthesia: Brazilian tummy tuck surgery involves the use of TIVA anaesthesia combined with specialist medicines to significantly reduce intraoperative bleeding. This leads to less inflammation and a smoother recovery.
2. Tumescent Anaesthesia: Tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA) is used during Brazilian tummy tuck surgery. This involves injecting a diluted local anaesthetic into the abdomen before the procedure starts. TLA has revolutionised the safety of abdominoplasty, reducing pain, shortening recovery time, and reducing bruising and swelling.
3. Liposuction of the Flanks: Unlike traditional tummy tuck surgeries that may omit this step, our surgeons routinely combine liposuction of the flanks with abdominoplasty to shape and contour the waist area, avoiding an unsightly “muffin top.”
4. SAFElipo Technique: We use the SAFElipo technique to contour the abdomen and create defined surgical planes for accurate tissue dissection.
5. Advanced Belly Button Reshaping Techniques: Our surgeons use advanced techniques to reshape the belly button, ensuring a natural-looking result.
6. Barbed Suture Technology: We utilise barbed suture technology to improve scar cosmesis and achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome.
7. Shortest Scar Possible: Our surgeons aim to utilise the shortest scar possible while still achieving the desired results to minimise scarring and optimise recovery time.

By choosing a Brazilian tummy tuck at Centre for Surgery, you can expect to receive the highest standard of care using the most advanced techniques and technologies available. Our surgeons are highly experienced and committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for each patient.

What are the risks of combining C-sections with tummy tucks?

The effects of pregnancy can cause skin wrinkling and looseness of the abdominal skin as a result of the growing uterus expanding outwards during pregnancy and then rapidly shrinking after childbirth. Many women continue to experience hormonal imbalances in the first few months after childbirth, and this can influence the appearance of the size and shape of the abdomen. Virtually all women will agree that pregnancy and childbirth can be physically demanding and can be very tiring. The risks of combining tummy tuck surgery with a C-section are significantly increased and could lead to a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis as well as an increased risk of wound complications which could result in surgical site infection.

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As part of the pre-operative preparation for surgery, our expert nursing team do their very best to get you in peak physical condition for your surgery. This process can be made very difficult when you are currently pregnant. It is also vitally important to make sure the baby is kept safe and not exposed to unnecessary risks. If you would like further information on tummy tuck surgery, we would recommend a face-to-face consultation with one of our expert abdominoplasty surgeons. We are experts in mummy makeover surgery, which commonly involves a combination of a tummy tuck and a breast uplift procedure.

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