How Long After Giving Birth Can I Have a 3D Abdominoplasty?

Once a woman has given birth, she may begin to think about getting back to her pre-pregnancy shape. However, many women struggle with stubborn fat and loose skin after pregnancy that never fully resolves, even with a dedicated diet and exercise regimen. At Sawan Surgical Aesthetics, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan performs 3D abdominoplasty surgery in Oklahoma City, OK, to help women combat the unwanted cosmetic side effects of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding and finally look and feel more like themselves again. If you’re like many women, you may be wondering how soon after giving birth you can have a tummy tuck. Keep reading for the answer to this and other tummy tuck FAQs to help you better understand what the appropriate timing for your post-pregnancy cosmetic surgery may look like.

How can I get my pre-baby body back?

Despite all the joys of motherhood and the postpartum period specifically, many women begin to feel anxious about feeling more like themselves physically after nine months of carrying a child. While a healthy diet and regular exercise are certainly beneficial for losing postpartum weight and boosting your health overall, they may not be enough to fully restore your pre-pregnancy figure. For many women, loose skin on the stomach, stretch marks, stubborn pockets of fat, and abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) are among the most frustrating side effects of pregnancy and childbirth that do not “snap back” with diet and exercise alone. For these women, a 3D tummy tuck may be a suitable solution.

How does a tummy tuck after pregnancy work?

Because every woman’s concerns, anatomy, and goals are unique, Dr. Sawan will conduct a personalized consultation and develop a custom surgical plan for each tummy tuck case. In general, 3D abdominoplasty is performed via a horizontal incision on the lower abdomen, through which excess fat is removed with liposuction, the abdominal muscles are repositioned and reinforced, and loose skin is trimmed away. To ensure a balanced and proportionate result, the 3D tummy tuck also addresses the lower back and flanks. Oftentimes, Dr. Sawan will reposition the belly button as well for more appropriate placement on the newly slimmed abdomen and a natural appearance overall.

How long do I have to wait to get a tummy tuck after giving birth?

While it may be tempting to schedule your tummy tuck as soon as possible after giving birth, there are several important reasons why you’ll need to wait. On average, patients should plan to wait at least 6 – 12 months after delivery to schedule their tummy tuck. This allows time for:

• The body to fully heal and recover from giving birth
• The patient’s weight to stabilize, as weight fluctuation can impact the results of a tummy tuck
• The patient to finish breastfeeding if desired
• Efforts with diet and exercise to be exhausted

By waiting the recommended amount of time between giving birth and having a tummy tuck, you can set yourself up for a more successful procedure and recovery, as well as a more optimal and longer-lasting outcome.

Ready to get your pre-baby body back? Consider a 3D abdominoplasty in Oklahoma City, OK

Many of the changes that come along with motherhood are welcome, but the unwanted cosmetic side effects of having children can take a toll on a woman’s self-esteem. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with them. If you’re interested in tackling stubborn fat and loose skin after pregnancy, contact the caring team at Sawan Surgical Aesthetics to schedule your Oklahoma City tummy tuck consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan today, and take the first step toward looking and feeling more like yourself once again.