It’s understandable that after giving birth, you are anxious to get your pre-baby body back. But how long should you wait before getting a tummy tuck?
Changes During Pregnancy
The body changes significantly during pregnancy. Not only does the abdominal skin stretch, but all layers of the uterus, abdominal wall and skin will stretch during pregnancy to accommodate the size of the growing baby.
Many women are disappointed to discover that they still look pregnant after delivering a baby. This can be attributed to many factors. For instance, after childbirth, it takes at least six to twelve weeks for the uterus to shrink to its original size. It takes about six to twelve months for the abdominal muscles to strengthen, tighten and return to their original position. The bottom line is, you’ll need to give your body time to rebound after pregnancy.
When to Have a Tummy Tuck
It is not recommended to have a tummy tuck too early after giving birth. Doctors recommend waiting at least six to twelve months, giving the body the time it needs to restore itself. If the tummy tuck is performed before the soft tissues and skin of the abdomen have had the time to contract and recover from pregnancy, the abdominal skin will be loose.
Waiting to have a tummy tuck is important for many reasons. During those six to twelve months you will also give yourself the opportunity to lose the baby weight. This is important to ensure the best result for your tummy tuck. You should also wait until after you are done breastfeeding to get a tummy tuck.
There is another consideration when deciding when to have a tummy tuck – future pregnancies. Ideally, you should wait until you are done family planning. If you know you will be having another baby, it is best to wait.
To find out if a tummy tuck is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Connecticut Surgical Arts is located in Norwich, Connecticut, serving residents of Colchester, Mystic, Waterford, Glastonbury and other Connecticut communities.