Tummy tuck or not? (C section overhang)

Onedropbeat · 2021-01-04T11:35:43+00:00

After two c sections both times I’ve been left with an overhang that hasn’t gone anywhere despite losing all the weight It means I’m wearing trouser sizes 2 up from what I should be and so they look baggy everywhere else Has anyone had a tummy tuck for the same reason? We’re you happy with your results? Is it worth the pain / money / downtime? Would you recommend it and do it over again if you were in the same boat?

Happymum12345 · 04/01/2021 16:07

I’m very interested to find this out too as I have the same issue. I know someone who had a tummy tuck on nhs after having two 10lb babies in order to get her back to shape.

RandomMess · 04/01/2021 16:11

I keep pondering one as am very short and had 10lb + babies and when I lose weight and tone just have the horrid flappy skin

Then I think about the risks and think I shouldn't be so vain 🤦🏼‍♀️

Have you experimented with different clothing to find things that are more flattering as a starting point? I wear a different cut of jeans and lots of dresses.

User1484POP · 04/01/2021 16:13

I had a tummy tuck because I had three kids in 13 months (twins) and my abs had separated.

Very very happy with the results. I would do it again in a second. The downtime is significant. You really can’t do anything that stresses your abs for two weeks.

surgeonsourceress · 09/01/2021 09:28

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Pancakeorcrepe · 09/01/2021 11:01

The downtime is significant but I think it is worth it, I have a friend who did and she is so happy with the result. She was already at a healthy weight but just couldn’t get rid of the skin. If you are done with having babies, I would grin and bear and do it, you will have the benefit for the rest of your life. It’s one of those things that will be hard during the recovery but once it is done you will feel so happy. We only have one body and one life, it is important to feel well in yourself.
Yes it is not without its risks but if you are healthy and fit, you have every chance of a good recovery. I would use this time to do your research for a decent surgeon, up your exercise, sleep and healthy food to make sure you have really good levels of fitness for when the surgery date comes.

ParisJeTAime · 09/01/2021 11:07

I would do it, but only if I had someone to help a lot with dcs; not DH who couldn't take weeks off work.

Maybe a grandparent if they are hands on types and not working. Or, if dcs were a good bit older and need a bit less taking care of.

I also need bigger trousers due to waist size. But, I'm naturally apple shaped anyway.

middleager · 09/01/2021 11:12

I had twins and a massive overhang.

I went to a consultation with Mrs Cat in Birmingham (she's been mentioned before on these threads) and booked in for surgery. I bottled it though with a few weeks to go. That was a few years ago and Im still not sure it was the right choice.

My only advice is do your research, choose the right doctor and make sure you have systems in place for a recovery.

Good luck.

Glenorma · 09/01/2021 11:18

I’ve investigated this type of surgery because my stomach is a mess after giving birth to a 10lb baby. But I was advised to put it on hold for at least a year because:

I need to be as slim and fit as possible before the surgery, because if I lose weight afterwards the skin will just become loose again.

At present there’s a high risk of catching Covid in hospital, you should avoid going there unless it’s an emergency.

If the recovery goes badly and I need further treatment the NHS is basically unavailable to help me at present.

So I’m currently dieting and trying to get down to a very low body fat percentage with the aim of booking surgery in 2022.

Fembot123 · 09/01/2021 11:19

It’s quite a risky surgery, I personally wouldn’t risk assess it to be worth it but we’re all different.

Glenorma · 09/01/2021 11:22

I know someone who had a tummy tuck on nhs after having two 10lb babies
@Happymum12345 how did she wangle that?! I have significant pain due to my loose skin, it’s permanently infected under the flap and I’m unable to run or jump unless I bind my waist to stop the skin flapping. The NHS refused to help me because they said it’s cosmetic surgery.

52andblue · 09/01/2021 11:23

@Fembot123
can I ask what research shows it to be 'quite risky'?
(not being goady just trying to risk assess for myself and not esp savvy about research!)

Viviennethebeautiful · 09/01/2021 11:24

I had one for exactly the same reason as OP. Went to CC Cat as also mentioned above. The first two to three weeks post op are v difficult. My children were both adults by the time I had it and even with no responsibility I needed help.
However that was 2016 and I am so happy I had it done

Glenorma · 09/01/2021 11:25

Those who have had the surgery: is the recovery worse than the c section recovery?

Coffeepot72 · 09/01/2021 11:25

If there’s something you’re not happy about, and you can get it fixed by a reputable surgeon, I’d go for it. Life’s too short to be at odds with your body.

AlexisCarringtonColbyDexter · 09/01/2021 11:28

Ive had one.

I'm slim but after two kids over 9lbs there was a pouch I couldn't get rid of with exercise.

The only reason its considered "risky" is because they make a very large, long cut across your abdomen so obviously, its major surgery. The risks are: infection, bleeding etc just like any other op. Its not more risky because its a tummy tuck than any other major abdominal op.

Op itself was fine. The recovery was hard- walked hunched over for about 3 weeks. Also, you have to wear a really tight uncomfortable compression garment for 6 weeks after and for me, that was the worst part. I'm very independent and dont enjoy people doing stuff for me so recovery was challenging for me, maybe not so for others.

Few years later- SOOOOO glad I had it done. It was 6 weeks out of my life and I'm very happy with my flat tummy now. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Had it done privately, cost about 6k. Scar has faded so much you can barely see it and in fact, when ive had smear tests nurses have assumed it was a C section scar!

Let me know if you have any other questions I can answer.

Original poster

Onedropbeat · 09/01/2021 16:53

Thank you for all the responses

£6k is better than I imagined.

I am considering how best to fund it and how long I should wait until doing it.

Last baby is still under a year old.

OP posts:

Youtrustthefridge · 09/01/2021 17:36

Definitely do it! I had patient who had it done, we then became close friends and she was absolutely thrilled with the results.

Glenorma · 09/01/2021 18:21

Glad I’m not the only one considering this. I’m sick of people saying I should be grateful to have a healthy baby, it’s normal for mums to have horrible tummies, it’s vanity and a waste of money, etc. But then I see photos of mums with perfect tummies and it just makes me so upset, like how come their bodies went back to normal but mine didn’t? I just want to feel normal.

Fembot123 · 09/01/2021 18:23

@Glenorma

Glad I’m not the only one considering this. I’m sick of people saying I should be grateful to have a healthy baby, it’s normal for mums to have horrible tummies, it’s vanity and a waste of money, etc. But then I see photos of mums with perfect tummies and it just makes me so upset, like how come their bodies went back to normal but mine didn’t? I just want to feel normal.

People should mind their own damn business, a healthy child and how you feel about yourself are two separate things, you don’t stop existing as a person with your own thoughts and feelings just because you have a baby.

AlexisCarringtonColbyDexter · 09/01/2021 18:29

@Glenorma

Glad I’m not the only one considering this. I’m sick of people saying I should be grateful to have a healthy baby, it’s normal for mums to have horrible tummies, it’s vanity and a waste of money, etc. But then I see photos of mums with perfect tummies and it just makes me so upset, like how come their bodies went back to normal but mine didn’t? I just want to feel normal.

Do IT!

I dont regret it for a moment.

Every time I look in the mirror now I like what I see. Why shouldn't you too?

grassisjeweled · 09/01/2021 18:32

Last baby is still under 1? Can't you wait and see how it looks in a year? Lose the weight?

AlexisCarringtonColbyDexter · 09/01/2021 18:39

@grassisjeweled

Last baby is still under 1? Can't you wait and see how it looks in a year? Lose the weight?

Unfortunately, if its loose skin, weight loss, exercise and weights will do nothing whatsoever to shift it.

Loose skin is not made of muscle, its over stretched skin that has lost its elasticity rather than adipose fat so diets wont make a jot of difference I'm afraid.

decisionsincisions · 09/01/2021 18:43

My ds is 5.. About 6 months post partum I realised that I had an apron that wasn't going to go. I was 16kg lighter 6mopp (pictures of scales etc) and I was back to pre baby weight but with the huge overhang. Now I need to lose weight. I have been so disheartened by it. My husband hasn't seen me naked in 4.5 years. Its affecting our marriage, my confidence and my career (literally hide behind my desk).

The AMA thread a few days ago got me researching apronectomy surgery and I think it is a viable option for me. I can save for it in a few years and I have no doubt it will improve my life. As vain as that sounds.

I'm following this threat to learn from your experiences and hopefully make the choice to move forwards and away from the guilt of not being able to shift it.

Original poster

Onedropbeat · 09/01/2021 19:07

@grassisjeweled

Last baby is still under 1? Can't you wait and see how it looks in a year? Lose the weight?

I lost all the weight but the overhang is still there

I’d lost all the weight after baby 1 and even 3 years later before I was pregnant with number 2 the overhang was unfortunately still there

OP posts: