Tummy Tuck Article

Tummy Tuck + C-Section Operation = Not Recommended

Not all surgical procedures are meant to be combined during one setting. Although the "Mommy Makeover" – an operation that has gained popularity due to its ability to create an overall post-pregnancy enhancement through multiple procedures – can be an effective and convenient solution for women seeking a newly improved body contour, many medical professionals would advise against a particular combination: abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck") and a cesarean ("c-section").

Because the stomach is the number one problem area for women after pregnancy and childbirth, commonly leaving patients with a protruding belly, many want to take preventative measures and do something about it before it becomes unbearable. This is why many women who are planning to undergo a c-section may request a tummy tuck to be performed in conjunction with this medical procedure. A convenient idea? Seems like it. For many women, their logic may be along the lines of: “The doctor is already making an incision for the baby – I just want a little bit of the extra skin and fat removed too.” While this may seem like a simple, ideal thing to do, in reality it can cause unnecessary complications.

Although abdominoplasty and a c-section target the same area of the body, they are two completely different types of procedures. A tummy tuck is an invasive type of cosmetic surgery that is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. During abdominoplasty, the underlying muscles and tissues are also tightened in order to create a smoother and firmer abdomen. Typically, an abdominoplasty takes anywhere from three to six hours to perform (under general anesthesia), with the initial recovery potentially lasting up to two weeks. A tummy tuck can provide beautiful, long-lasting results, but if combined with the stress of childbirth, the risk of complications increases. This may include wound breakdown and blood clots, which could cause fatal pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung). In addition, the patient would be exposing herself to a higher risk of infection due to the fact that an open abdomen is exposing internal organs. A “panniculectomy,” which entails only the removal of over-hanging, excess skin is also not recommended as it too will put extra pressure on the abdominal region.

Besides these serious medical concerns, another factor should also be acknowledged: plastic surgery should only be performed after an individual has exhausted the natural means of weight loss. Although a woman is retaining a lot of water and has a swollen abdomen, her body will naturally change over the next few months; she will experience hormonal fluctuations, which can cause changes in weight and even skin elasticity. Therefore, it is important that women heal from the c-section and wait until their weight and hormones have stabilized. According to a recent health article on opposingviews.com, “It is also true that much of the abdominal fat is going to resolve naturally and that many physicians feel this would be a very unnecessary surgery.” Should an individual still remain unhappy with the excess skin and fat that surrounds her abdomen after her weight has stabilized, and diet and exercise has not improved her mid-section, she is encouraged to consult Dr. Millard, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, regarding her options with tummy tuck surgery or other body contouring procedures.

Any type of cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure should be performed by a qualified surgeon – someone who specializes in the particular procedure; an obstetrician is not the ideal medical professional to perform a tummy tuck. Be sure to keep these aforementioned factors in mind if you are scheduled for a c-section. Your health should be the number one concern before focusing on a cosmetic enhancement procedure.