Many women are eager to get back to their pre-pregnancy shape after giving birth. A tummy tuck removes excess stomach skin and can tighten loose abdominal muscles, making this the perfect post-baby procedure. However, the months immediately following a pregnancy may not be the ideal time to get cosmetic surgery. Here’s why new mothers should wait at least six months after pregnancy before scheduling a tummy tuck.
Take Time to Get Back to Target Weight
Candidates for a tummy tuck are encouraged to achieve their target weight prior to surgery. This is because a tummy tuck cannot remove excess pounds to give you the waistline of your dreams. Waiting at least six months after giving birth gives a woman enough time to resume a fitness routine and adopt a healthy diet in order to shed pregnancy pounds. If you still have stubborn abdominal bulges after reaching a stable weight, a tummy tuck with liposuction can reveal a fitter look.
Newborns Need Lots of Care
Infants require a lot of lifting, which means new moms are constantly engaging their midsection to care for their babies. After a tummy tuck, it’s important to minimize stress on the abdominal region, as frequent movement can disturb the healing process or undo results. Waiting at least six months after pregnancy gives mothers the chance to develop an efficient routine and adapt to their baby’s needs so that their tummy tuck doesn’t interfere with the need to care for their baby.
Hormonal Shifts
Hormones secreted during pregnancy allow abdominal muscles to stretch and soften to accommodate the growing baby. Many pregnancy hormones remain at higher levels throughout nursing. By waiting until you’ve finished nursing and pregnancy hormones have returned to normal levels, you can ensure the best possible tummy tuck results.