Abdominoplasty: Important Things For Moms To Consider

While the tummy tuck procedure can make a dramatic difference in the look and shape of the abdomen following childbirth or rapid weight loss, the decision to undergo such a procedure should not be made hastily or without attempting to lose weight by natural means.

In the case of natural weight loss, a mom should always try diet and exercise before considering a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck. While a handful of moms may be anxious to consult with a plastic surgeon within weeks of giving birth, most cases of post-pregnancy budges in the stomach can be tightened up by breastfeeding, performing regular exercise and abstaining from high fat foods and simple carbohydrates.

Similarly, a mom with older children should also consider diet and exercise before undergoing major surgery such as a tummy tuck. While the procedure carries a low risk of complications, it's always best to try to lose the weight and tone up first by natural means.

However, if 5-6 months of regular diet and exercise fails to tone up those trouble spots following a c-section or natural childbirth, a woman may then want to consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery.

During her meeting, a woman can expect the doctor to discuss the procedure itself, the intended outcome and potential risks that may accompany any surgical procedure. However, one of the most important factors that a mother must take into account are the post-operative limitations that may accompany a tummy tuck for days or weeks following the surgery.

For example, one such post-operative consideration would be a few days of downtime, which might be problematic for mothers with small children at home. This is especially true in the case of mothers with kids that can't walk yet, as a person that has just undergone a tummy tuck should not lift anything that weighs more than a gallon of milk for up to 8 weeks following the procedure.

For these reasons, it's important to plan ahead in the areas of babysitters and general oversight of the house. A mother may want to plan her abdominoplasty during the week of her husband's vacation or during the summer when a babysitter will not have to worry about getting up early to shuffle older children off to school.

It's also advisable for a mom to put away a few dollars to get her house professionally cleaned that week to avoid unnecessary strain and pressure following the surgery. While most women are up and about within a few days following surgery, it's just nice to plan ahead and avoid having to do the housework yourself when attempting to recover.

Finally, a mom should always factor in additional time in the case of a rare, but possible complication from the surgery, including a reaction to anesthesia, infection of the incision area or a reaction the medication prescribed for pain. If this should happen, a mother may need additional child care, help around the house or additional time off from work if the condition warrants further downtime or bed rest.