Pregnant women planning to get a C-section may come across discussions of the “C-tuck,” or getting a tummy tuck immediately after a C section. Even though the idea sounds appealing, there’s a lot wrong with the concept.  As a plastic surgeon who frequently performs tummy tuck surgeries here in New Haven, I’m hesitant to recommend this approach to any new moms.

In this blog post, I’ll explain why the C-tuck just isn’t a good idea, from the immediate safety concerns to the long-term implications.

OB/GYNs Aren’t Plastic Surgeons

Physicians who perform C-sections don’t have the specialized training required to perform plastic surgery. Because of this, C-tucks often only include minimal excess skin removal at the end of delivery, sometimes to remove another existing C-section scar. While this might seem like a perk, it really isn’t a tummy tuck at all.

Tummy tucks don’t only involve skin tightening. They also involve muscle repair, especially after pregnancy, that helps create a firm, flatter midsection. Having this done by anyone other than a board-certified plastic surgeon won’t be safe or successful. You’ll have to choose between very minimal corrections or a more extensive procedure that may be performed wrong.

Your Body Won’t Be Ready

Perhaps the most significant reason a C-tuck isn’t a great idea is that a woman who has just delivered a baby is not an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck—not even close. A few reasons include:

• The uterus is swollen, stretching the skin and making it difficult to determine the amount that needs to be removed
• Most women gain weight during pregnancy, but we recommend tummy tuck patients maintain a healthy, stable weight before surgery
• Hormonal fluctuations after pregnancy can cause changes to the body that may alter the results

Recovery Will Be More Difficult

Between hormones, your body’s response to the birthing process, and the responsibilities of caring for your new baby, it will likely be very difficult for you to heal smoothly and successfully. Because your body is in a compromised state, you may be at a higher risk for complications such as blood clots. Not to mention C-section recovery is tough as it is, and making further corrections to the abdominal area will keep you out of commission for even longer.

A Tummy Tuck Is Worth Waiting For

Waiting until you’re finished breastfeeding to get a tummy tuck means your body will be in a better place and you’ll be able to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated experience with the procedure. This also gives you the option of combining the procedure with others, such as breast augmentation or liposuction. We call this combination a mommy makeover.

To see examples of the results you can expect from a tummy tuck performed on its own, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.

If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck options here in New Haven, please contact us online or call (203) 689-5295.