I Just Had a Baby: When Can I Schedule a Tummy Tuck and What Can I Expect?

It’s no secret that having a baby is life-changing. Meeting your new child is an amazing and joyous experience — but as many moms know, pregnancy and childbirth take a toll on your body.

Pregnancy stretches your abdominal muscles and skin, often permanently changing the way your midsection looks. A healthy diet and regular exercise can only do so much, but the good news is that you don’t have to accept these changes as an inevitable part of motherhood.

You deserve to be happy with the way your body looks, and a mommy makeover could help you restore your pre-baby figure. Mark Elliott, MD, Lee Thornton, MD, and our team at Meridian Plastic Surgery specialize in tummy tucks, and we’re here to help you decide if this cosmetic surgery is right for you.

Getting a tummy tuck after having a baby

Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding all put your body under significant stress. The muscles, tissue, and skin around your midsection stretch to accommodate your growing baby, and your breasts grow due to hormones and milk production.

Your body begins to recover after you give birth, but many women find that their abdomens simply don’t look like they did before pregnancy. Your abdominal muscles may be looser, and you might notice stretch marks and sagging skin. Even if you exercise and eat right, it might be impossible to achieve a flat, toned midsection after having a baby.

If you’re bothered by the look of your abdomen after pregnancy, a tummy tuck could be a good option to restore your confidence. Tummy tucks lift and tighten abdominal muscles and skin, and this popular cosmetic procedure is the only way to fix abdominal damage from pregnancy.

Your experience is unique, so there’s no “perfect” time to schedule your post-baby tummy tuck. If you’re interested in having a tummy tuck, Dr. Elliot and Dr. Thornton work with you to determine when you can schedule it.

Many women choose to get tummy tucks after they’re done having children. In general, our doctors may recommend waiting until it’s been six months to a year after your child was born to give your body enough time to recover properly.

What a tummy tuck procedure can do

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that targets sagging skin, muscle, and tissue around your midsection. It’s a customizable procedure, and it’s a popular option for women who are unhappy with the look of their abdomens post-pregnancy.

During a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Elliot and Dr. Thornton lift sagging skin to access the muscles and tissue beneath. They repair damaged muscles and remove extra tissue as needed. They pull your abdominal skin tighter and trim away excess for a smoother, slimmer look.

Tummy tucks are effective and considered safe for people who are close to their ideal body weight and who are in generally good health. It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is still a major surgery, so you should understand the risks before choosing the procedure.

Our team gives you instructions for recovery after your tummy tuck. You’ll need help around the house for the first few days after surgery, and you should avoid driving for about two weeks.

Full recovery can take up to eight weeks. After you heal, you’ll notice a slimmer midsection with tighter abdominal muscles and skin.

Are you curious what a tummy tuck could do for your confidence after having a baby? Schedule a consultation at Meridian Plastic Surgery to find out if a tummy tuck is a good option for you. Call our office in Meridian, Mississippi, at 601-693-7742, or book online now.