The Dos And Don’ts Of Post-Pregnancy Tummy Tucks

Your life forever changes after the birth of your baby—as so does your body. Women often try exercise and dieting in an attempt to get their shape back to its pre-pregnancy proportions and curves, but in many cases, once the skin and muscles have been stretched out by a growing baby and developing milk glands, not much can be done. Even the slimmest and fittest mothers can be affected.

There are two main reasons why it’s often so difficult to get rid of a “baby belly” (especially if you’ve had a particularly large baby or multiples). One, there is an excess of stretched skin and two, there are torn stomach muscles due to a condition called diastasis recti. This happens when the two halves of the abdominal muscles (six-pack) separate by more than a few centimeters, causing a permanently bowed-out look. To anyone considering abdominal surgery to correct the problem, the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery team shares the following dos and don’ts for a successful tummy tuck at their Michigan practice or elsewhere. 

Do: Eat the Right Foods

To avoid dehydration and reduce the swelling that occurs after a tummy tuck, stay well hydrated and avoid very salty foods. Eat lightly, and gradually incorporate more healthy elements—like protein and fiber—as you’re able to. Malnourished patients have a poor ability to heal. A clean, balanced, high-protein diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruit will help you to heal. Processed foods should be avoided. 

Don’t: Smoke Cigarettes

You may have been warned before about the dangers of smoking before plastic surgery. Post-pregnancy tummy tucks—often referred to as “mommy tucks”—are no different. The nicotine contained in cigarettes and similar products restricts blood flow, limiting the amount of oxygen that can be supplied to tissues. This may lead to tissue damage and healing difficulties. Smoking also has negative effects on general anesthesia. 

Do: Engage in Light Movement

There is a higher risk of developing blood clots after tummy tucks than other complications, as you’ll be resting a lot during recovery, causing blood to pool and thicken in the deep veins. Even though most women experience some discomfort after surgery, it’s important to get up and move around to avoid blood clots. Try simple exercises and light walks. Just be careful not to strain your incision, and don’t overexert yourself with heavy lifting or intense activity. 

Don’t: Rush into Plastic Surgery

A large number of women in their 20s and 30s are choosing to have tummy tucks after childbirth. It’s natural to want to get your body back to its previous state as soon as possible. But after you’ve just given birth and finished breastfeeding, be sure to give your body at least six months to rest and fully heal before considering a tummy tuck. 

Do: Maintain Your Weight Afterward

Surgeons stress the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying close to your ideal weight both before and after tummy tuck surgery. If you gain more weight, the excess volume can worsen the appearance of existing stretch marks and undo the surgery results. 

Don’t: Get into Swimming Pools

Showering is usually allowed within a day of the operation, but in most cases, surgeons will advise against bathing or swimming in any still water—such as bath water, pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans—when you’re recovering. Swimming is usually too strenuous for the body, and the water can contain bacteria, putting you at risk of infection. You’re also more likely to sustain skin damage from the sun if you’re out and about in a bathing suit.

Do: Have Plastic Surgery for the Right Reasons

A tummy tuck will improve the appearance of your abdomen but won’t fix underlying psychological issues, like depression, or improve social relationships. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck after pregnancy are women who are in a good emotional state and have a support system in place. 

Michigan’s Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery team has significant experience preparing women for a tummy tuck after pregnancy. Connect with the practice by phoning 616.588.8880 or sending a message through the practice website.