Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy - What Moms Need To Know

Pregnancy can significantly alter the body of a woman, especially the abdominal area . A growing baby in the uterus can stretch the muscles  and skin across the abdomen. This results in diastasis recti - separation of the right and left muscles of abdomen  or sometimes ventral hernia  in scenarios like twin pregnancy , polyhydramnios or bib baby and repeated pregnancy . There can also be stretches  of skin in the lower abdomen which leaves a loose crescent below the belly button with sketch marks . The metabolic changes that happen during gestation can also lead to accumulation of fat around the waist and love handles that are stubborn and do not reduce with exercises.

How does tummy tuck surgery procedure help to regain the prepregnancy body shape?

• Removes all the excess skin  below the navel that hangs down after pregnancy and does not tighten with any exercises or nonsurgical interventions 
• Tightens the diastasis muscle by closing the gap in abdomen . This helps in restoring the core stability and you can go about with regular core strengthening exercises after 6 weeks post tummy tuck surgery
• Restores a youthful umbilicus - the shape of umbilicus can change  after pregnancy and can appear  everted/ protruded and downturned or sad.  A tummy tuck procedure always involves an umbilicoplasty .
• Removes the stubborn fat deposits in love handles, muffin tops and waist  to get a firmer abdominal profile 
• Better fitting clothes due to more proper body proportions is a known benefit of abdominoplasty 
• In women with ventral hernia or umbilical hernia, a repair with mesh can be combined with abdominoplasty to achieve a functional and cosmetic benefit.

When is it safe to undergo tummy tuck for mothers?

Timing of procedure is very crucial for getting the best results after tummy tuck surgery. Dr Sandhya Bala, who is the best plastic surgeon in Hyderabad, recommends waiting at least 6 months to a year  after delivery to undergo a safe and successful tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck done during cesarean section - C tuck is not recommended as the body undergoes a lot of changes in the first 6 months after delivery.

Key considerations for timeline 

• Postpartum recovery -  Allow at least 6 months for the uterus to involute and abdomen to shrink and muscles to recover from the stretched status.
• Breast feeding -It is advised to wait until you finish feeding the baby and hormonal and metabolic changes related to lactation settles down.
• Stable weight - Women should be close to  their target weight and maintain that weight for 3 months before surgery . Weight changes can affect the results of surgery. 
• Future pregnancies - It is ideal and recommended not to have future pregnancies as the subsequent events can stretch the muscles and skin and undo the results .
• Maintain healthy lifestyle- It is also advised to maintain a good routine in physical activity and diet to have a long lasting results 
• Good general health - It is also important to get a clearance from your physician about your overall health and chronic issues that would impede wound healing.

For women combining multiple procedures like breast lift or breast enhancement often referred to  as mommy makeover-  Dr sandhya would recommend additional planning based on individual needs and goals.

What does  the time for recovery look like after a tummy tuck?

The recovery downtime after tummy tuck surgery is around 10-14 days . It involves healing of a long suture line in the lower abdomen along the panty line , the swelling and bruises to minimize and soreness to fade . The internal recovery of muscles and fat would take around 4-6 weeks . This is the timeframe for getting back to regular workouts and exercises . You would need initial help in your regular household chores for the first 2 weeks . It is best to avoid bending down , lifting weights and stretching out too much in the first 2 -4 weeks . You can start driving and going to work in 2-3 weeks.Gradually after 4-6 weeks include exercises , core stability and building , healthy diet to maintain a permanent result.

If you are looking for a tummy tuck surgery in Hyderabad or Bangalore, Dr Sandhya Balasubramanyan would be available for consultations on booking the appointment . She would examine and recommend the best option for you . A detailed consultation would also take you through the procedure details , recovery timelines and post surgery advice.