If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I get a tummy tuck while breastfeeding,” you’ll want to understand what a tummy tuck does for your shape, the medical considerations to think about, how to plan for surgery, and how to take care of yourself post-op.

Understanding Tummy Tucks

Before deciding if a tummy tuck while breastfeeding is right for you, it’s helpful to understand what the surgery is and how a tummy tuck can benefit you. This knowledge will help you know if this surgery is right for you.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is usually an outpatient procedure. This surgery is ideal for anyone with loose skin around their abdominal area. This excess skin results from pregnancy or significant weight loss. The procedure requires small incisions along the lower abdomen, which will be hidden by underwear or swimsuit bottoms. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is stitched back in place.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Post-Pregnancy

A tummy tuck after pregnancy gives you a toned appearance by removing sagging and loose skin. You’ll fit in your clothes better because you don’t have that excess skin to tuck in. Another benefit is your increased self-confidence about the way you look. You’ll feel more confident wearing revealing clothing, like bikini swimsuits. Part of the tummy tuck process includes tightening the muscles in your abdominal walls, which will help improve your posture.

Can You Get a Tummy Tuck While Breastfeeding?

When considering a tummy tuck after pregnancy, you’ll need to think about the medical aspect, including your recovery time. You’ll also want to consider the timing, especially with a little one at home.

Medical Considerations

Like with any procedure, there are some risks associated with getting a tummy tuck before and after pregnancy. You have the risk of infection around the incision site and bleeding. You can have a bad reaction to anesthesia, which is an issue with any surgical procedure. A tummy tuck can lead to damage to the internal tissue and changes in the sensation of the skin. You can avoid many of these issues and reduce the risk of a tummy tuck by choosing an experienced plastic surgeon.

Some medical considerations are specific to having a tummy tuck while breastfeeding. Just as everything you eat impacts breastmilk, you may wonder if anesthesia and pain medications will have the same effect. Common advice has been to pump and dump after surgery. New research suggests that it’s safe to breastfeed after surgery once you’re awake and alert. Most medications don’t make it into the breastmilk, with the exception of a few drugs. Opioids are one group of drugs that can transfer to the baby from the breast milk. Your surgeon will discuss any medications used and work with you to decide which drugs are best suited to your needs.

Timing Your Surgery

When you meet with your surgeon, you’ll discuss scheduling your surgery. You’ll determine the best time for the procedure and how the timing will affect your baby. It’s often best to wait until your baby is weaned or at least until they no longer rely solely on breastmilk. The reason is that your milk production may slow down after the surgery as you work on recovery.

Along with concerns for your baby, you must also consider how you’re feeling. You’ll want to have recovered from childbirth and be in good health. The surgeon will perform a physical exam and go over your medical history to determine if you’re ready for surgery.

Preparing for Surgery While Nursing

Even if you decide to wait until after you have finished breastfeeding to have a tummy tuck, you can begin planning while you’re still nursing. You can plan for the surgery itself and the recovery period to help you heal faster and meet your family’s needs.

Pre-Surgery Planning

Before your scheduled surgery, you’re going to want to reach your goal weight. If you’ve already met your goals for weight, your next step is to maintain that weight through healthy habits as you’re preparing for a consultation. Now is also the time to schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Leo Lapuerta.

Managing Breastfeeding Post-Surgery

If you choose to have your surgery while breastfeeding, you can continue to manage nursing during recovery. The most important aspect is to have a strong support system. You’ll need to limit lifting and other activities for a few days up to several weeks. You may need someone to hand the baby to you for nursing along with other tasks, such as bathing and changing the baby. Focus on self-care, such as eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water, to help you have milk for the baby. You may also want to pump and freeze some milk ahead of time or introduce your little one to formula for those times when you may not feel up to breastfeeding.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Before scheduling the surgery, consider the care you’ll need immediately after the tummy tuck and long-term care while nursing.

Immediate Post-Surgery Care

Your top priority after surgery is to get plenty of rest. You’ll avoid lifting anything heavy and need to keep the incision clean to prevent issues with the incisions. Your doctor may send you home with compression garments to help reduce swelling. Another consideration is how you’ll sleep to avoid causing pain to the incision. The doctor will provide prescription pain medication, but you may find you only need over-the-counter pain medication to manage the discomfort.

Long-Term Recovery and Nursing

To avoid complications from the tummy tuck while breastfeeding, you’ll want to take it easy for a few weeks. Follow the doctor’s guidelines on how much activity is allowed, and don’t resume normal activities, such as lifting and carrying your baby, until your doctor approves.

Schedule a Consultation for a Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy

Even though it’s often recommended to wait until you stop breastfeeding before getting a tummy tuck, it’s possible to have the surgery while you’re nursing. If your goal is to have the surgery as soon as possible, you should consult with a qualified surgeon and plan accordingly. Seek personalized advice from experts like Dr. Leo Lapuerta about having a tummy tuck after pregnancy at our surgical facility.