3 Things You Should Understand About Mommy Tucks
If you are about to give birth or have recently given birth, you may be considering getting a tummy tuck in order to flatten your stomach and look more like your pre-pregnancy self. These are often referred to as "Mommy Tucks." While a post-pregnancy tummy tuck may improve your self-esteem and help you feel like yourself again, there are several things that you should know about having a tummy tuck after giving birth before you make a decision about when you should have the procedure.
You May Need to Wait a Significant Time After Giving Birth Before Receiving a Tummy Tuck
Because of rumors of celebrities having tummy tucks the day they give birth and images of women having flat stomachs just weeks after giving birth you may think that a tummy tuck can and should be done as soon as possible after giving birth. Some women even ask if a tummy tuck can be completed at the same time as a cesarean birth. However, you may need to wait several weeks or even months after giving birth before the optimal time for your tummy tuck.
Several factors surrounding birth affect when you will be able to have a successful tummy tuck. These include:
- Hormone levels. Throughout pregnancy and after you give birth, your body changes the amounts of various hormones that it produces. It can take a few weeks for your hormone levels to return to normal. If you are breastfeeding, your hormone levels will generally not return to normal until after your baby weans. Your post-pregnancy hormone levels can cause complications with major surgeries, such as a tummy tuck.
- Increased risk of blood clots. Women are at an increased risk for blood clots for up to six weeks after giving birth. Many surgeons may not want to operate on you during this period as surgery on its own also increases your risk of having a blood clot.
- Elasticity of the skin and tendons. Throughout pregnancy, your body becomes more elastic to compensate for the fetus growing in you. After birth, that elasticity may continue for several weeks, making positive results difficult to achieve.
Your Recovery May Affect Your Ability to Provide Child Care
A tummy tuck is considered a major surgery. It will likely be five weeks before you can resume normal activities, and it is suggested that you take three weeks off of work. You may think that maternity leave would be a good time to schedule a tummy tuck because you already have the time off of work. However, during this time lifting an infant and providing basic care for him or her would be quite difficult. If you choose to have a tummy tuck when you have a small child, it is important to make alternative child care arrangements for him or her.
It May Not Be Possible to Achieve Your Exact Pre-Pregnancy Appearance
When you are pregnant, your body undergoes numerous changes. After you give birth, your hips may be wider and your breasts may change their shape and texture. While a tummy tuck can give you an attractive, flat tummy, it may not be possible to get the exact shape that you had before you became pregnant. Instead of focusing on how you looked before you got pregnant, consider focusing on looking your best with your current body.
Realistic expectations of what a tummy tuck can achieve and goals that take your current skeletal structure into account can give you a better surgical experience. Instead of returning to what you once were, you can evolve your look into something new.
A mommy tuck may be just the thing you need to regain your confidence after giving birth. However, it is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon from a clinic like Renaissance Center For Facial & Body Sculpting and listen to their advice about the best time and type of tummy tuck for you.