When you’re pregnant, it’s normal to be a little nervous about what lies ahead. But once you’ve given birth and your baby is safe and sound in your arms, you can breathe a sigh of relief—right?

Not so fast. For many women, the real pain begins after they give birth. The abdomen stretching caused by carrying a child can lead to many months of discomfort, including abdominal muscle weakness and skin laxity. And that’s where tummy tuck surgery comes in: it helps to tighten up the abdominal muscles while removing excess skin in order to give you an improved appearance and reduced pain. In this guide, we review the aspects of Is Tummy Tuck Pain Similar To C Section, is a tummy tuck or c section more dangerous, what hurts more lipo or c section, and What does tummy tuck pain feel like?

But there are some things you should know before you decide whether or not this procedure is right for you. First off all, it’s important to note that most surgeons will advise against having a tummy tuck if your pregnancy was complicated or resulted in any kind of complications (for example: high blood pressure). Second: the recovery time for both types of surgery is similar; however, because C-sections require stitches (which need to be removed at some point), they may take longer for those who have them than those who don’t

You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on is a tummy tuck or c section more dangerous, free tummy tuck after c section, and tummy tuck pain reviews.

Surgery is a big decision. Patients have all kinds of questions for Dr. Bernard Beldholm when they come in for a consultation. Doctor Bernard always does his best to answer all questions. If you are still researching tummy tuck surgery, he wants to put your fears to rest. Knowing what to expect walking into surgery can be a huge relief.

So, is a tummy tuck similar to a c-section in terms of pain? That’s something many women want to know.

While patients have different experiences, most plastic surgeons would agree that a cesarean section is more painful than most tummy tucks. A tummy tuck without muscle repair just involves the top layers of the tummy. A c-section is also a major surgery, but the healing time is longer. We’re talking months for a c-section compared to 6-8 weeks for a tummy tuck. A c-section goes deeper into the abdominal cavity than a tummy tuck without muscle repair.

Is a tummy tuck really that painful?

The first few days are the hardest. Discomfort peaks within the first 72 hours, and then gradually begins to subside. There will be a lot of swelling at first. Swelling can persist for months, but it peaks during the first week. This is one reason the early days of recovery are more difficult. While uncomfortable, may women tolerate the initial discomfort quite well.

It’s important to remember that any pain or discomfort will subside in the coming days and weeks. Simply knowing that can help you push through it. Most women find the inconvenience well worth it in the end. After all, you have a beautiful new body to feel excited about!

When you remain still, whether reclined in bed or lying on the couch, you will not feel much discomfort. Most women say they notice discomfort only when they sit up, stand or shift positions in bed.

It may be tempting to stay in bed and rest 24/7, but that is not a good idea. It is vital that you begin walking the same day of surgery, and continue walking a bit more each day, especially in the first 14 days post-op. The health benefits of walking after tummy tuck are well proven.

Everyone experiences pain differently

No doubt you’ve researched the pain associated with abdominoplasty. That’s probably why you found this article, after all. You can read all sorts of patient experiences online, but the truth is that you won’t know what it’s like until you experience it for yourself. That’s not to say you should be fearful about getting surgery, although this is a natural reaction to the unknown.

The takeaway is, don’t be scared by what you read online. Every patient experiences pain differently. Be strong and stay positive — You can handle it! Many thousands of women around the world have had surgery and managed recovery quite well.

Accepting that you will experience temporary discomfort, swelling and limited mobility for a brief time after surgery makes it easier. It’s all about knowing what to expect and being prepared.

Tips to make tummy tuck recovery more comfortable

In the early phase of recovery, your mobility will be limited. Rest is important to recovery, but so is walking. You should walk for a few minutes every couple of hours, even on Day 1. Dr. Beldholm wants you to have a safe and comfortable recovery.

Here are some tips to reduce pain as you heal from abdominoplasty:

• Avoiding twisting and turning
• Walk bent over
• Remember, pain is only temporary
• Think positive! Your new body is worth it
• Do not attempt to lift groceries, etc.
• Follow aftercare instructions
• Wear compression garments to reduce swelling
• See more tips on preparing for tummy tuck surgery

Not all tummy tucks are the same

The pain may differ based on the type of tummy tuck you had. Some tummy tucks are more extensive than others. For example, one patient may have had a mini tummy tuck, while another had a body lift or fleur-de-lis surgery. A mini tummy tuck has a much quicker healing time and causes less tissue trauma, so the recovery is easier and less painful.

If you had torn abdominal muscle repair (diastasis recti repair), that is a more involved surgery than a tummy tuck without muscle repair. This can affect post-op discomfort.

Some patients also add liposuction to the procedure. All these factors can affect how much discomfort you feel after surgery.

Extensive tummy tucks like a body lift or fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty are more involved procedures. Therefore, the incision, discomfort and recovery time are different. Even still, some women tolerate the discomfort and pain better than others. Not only that, but there are different techniques that cosmetic surgeons may use.

The latest tummy tuck techniques are less painful than the past

Abdominoplasty is always improving. Newer tummy tuck techniques aim to reduce pain and downtime, speed healing and minimize surgical risks.

Dr. Beldholm is constantly studying the latest and greatest tummy tuck techniques to improve the experience for his patients and make recovery easier. Today’s methods are designed to be less invasive, so there is often less tissue trauma than techniques of the past. Dr. Beldholm uses a technique known as VASER lipo-abdominoplasty, aka the Sculpt Tummy Tuck.

In his experience, patients experience less pain with this method. This is a drainless procedure, which also reduces pain, inconvenience and infection risks. Other surgeons still perform tummy tuck with drains. Be sure to ask!

If you heard horror stories about pain from someone who had surgery a long time ago, this could be why. The tummy tuck your mother-in-law had 20 years ago is probably very different from the tummy tuck you will have today. Thus, you can’t really make a precise comparison of the pain. With the old type of tummy tuck, the abdominal flaps are lifted all the way to the ribs, creating a much bigger area of pain.

Why does a tummy tuck hurt?

Pain and discomfort is a normal response to surgery. Dr. Beldholm provides non-narcotic pain medication to ease your pain. When you wake from surgery, local anesthetic blockers make it so you won’t feel much discomfort at all on Day 1. This lasts for about 24 hours. You will just wake up groggy and probably tired from anesthesia.

Surgery, by nature, is controlled damage to skin and underlying tissue. That is how we remove excess body fat and unwanted loose skin, giving you the beautiful, slim tummy of your dreams. Temporary discomfort is to be expected. This usually peaks in the first few days after surgery, then subsides. Every day, you will feel a bit more comfortable. The discomfort does not last forever.

Over the next few days and weeks, you will start to feel much more comfortable. However, some patients report occasional minor shooting pain as the nerves and tissue repair themselves. This is not usually so much painful as it is surprising. You may feel a slight burning sensation. This is nothing to be concerned about.

Reducing swelling can also make you feel more comfortable. Compression garments are used for this purpose. However, some women find them uncomfortable. Doctor Bernard provides high-quality compression garments that are more comfortable to wear than ordinary garments.

In fact, you will wake from surgery with the compression garment already in place when you see Doctor Bernard for a tummy tuck, so there is nothing you need to do. Compression garments also help stabilize your body so there is less tension on the wound as it heals.

Healing from abdominoplasty

Doctor Bernard wants every patient to be comfortable, so you will be closely monitored after surgery. You will be back to feeling like yourself in no time. In just a few short weeks after surgery, most patients can even start exercising again.

So, which hurts more, a c-section or a tummy tuck?

A standard tummy tuck (without ab muscle repair) tends to be less invasive than a c-section since it only deals with the surface of the abdominal cavity and skin.

However, your mileage may vary. If you had abdominal muscle repair, liposuction or a more extensive tummy tuck (ex. fleur-de-lis, body lift, extended tummy tuck), there may be more discomfort. Again, each patient experiences pain differently.

With standard tummy tuck, most patients report the usual initial pain and soreness, noting that is it mainly just difficult to get comfortable in bed and walking at first…but that the tummy tuck results are still totally worth it.

The skill of the tummy tuck surgeon, type of tummy tuck, surgical method, how gentle or aggressive they perform surgery, individual pain tolerance and following aftercare instructions at home can make a big difference.

Is A Tummy Tuck Or C Section More Dangerous

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is one of the top five cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States for women ages 30 to 39.

For mothers who are scheduled to have a baby via cesarean delivery, it may seem like combining the birth with a tummy tuck would be ideal. Instead of two separate surgeries, you’d only have one round of anesthetic, one operating room, and one period of recovery. This combination is informally known as a “C-tuck” and it sounds ideal, right?

Well, not exactly. Most doctors would tell you that rolling both surgeries into one isn’t wise. But that doesn’t mean a tummy tuck after you’ve had time to fully recover from a cesarean delivery is out of the question.

Here’s what you should know about getting a tummy tuck after a cesarean delivery, including the best time to consider it.

What’s a tummy tuck?

It sounds deceptively minimal, but a tummy tuck is actually major surgery. The cosmetic procedure involves cutting and sculpting of muscle, tissue, and skin.

Excess fat and skin is removed. The goal is to restore weakened or separated abdominal muscles. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a protruding abdomen, or one that is loose or saggy, can be a result of:

• heredity
• a previous surgery
• aging
• pregnancy
• major changes in weight

Learning more about what’s involved during and after a tummy tuck (and keeping in mind that it will piggyback your cesarean delivery) is a good way to highlight why combining procedures can be problematic.

What to expect during a tummy tuck

Before a tummy tuck, you’re given intravenous sedation, or a general aesthetic. A horizontal incision is then made between your bellybutton and the pubic hairline. The precise shape and length of this incision will vary from patient to patient, and it’s related to the amount of excess skin.

Once the incision has been made, the abdominal skin is lifted so that repairs can be made to the muscles below. If there is excess skin in the upper abdomen, a second incision may be necessary.

Next, the abdominal skin is pulled down, trimmed, and sutured together. Your surgeon will create a new opening for your bellybutton, push it through to the surface, and suture that into place. Incisions are closed, and bandages are applied.

You may also have a compression or elastic wrap that’s designed to reduce swelling and provide support to your abdomen during the healing process. In some cases, drainage tubes are also placed beneath the skin to drain blood or fluid.

A full tummy tuck can take anywhere from one to two hours, or longer.

Recovering from a tummy tuck

Recovering from a tummy tuck usually involves medications to facilitate healing and to reduce the possibility of infection. You’ll also be instructed in how to care for the surgical site and drains if you have them.

There will be required follow-up appointments with your doctor. You’ll also be instructed to minimize any lifting and rest as much as possible.

Problems with combining a tummy tuck and cesarean delivery

1. Disappointing results

The goal of a tummy tuck is to help you look your best. To make that happen, you should be in good physical condition before surgery. After carrying a baby for nine months, both your abdominal skin and your uterus have been impressively stretched. That makes it difficult for a surgeon to accurately determine how much tightening needs to be done. This can lead to disappointing results after you’ve healed.

2. Difficult recovery

Recovering from a tummy tuck or a cesarean delivery is difficult. Recovering from both surgeries at the same time, on top of caring for a newborn baby, is complicated and exhausting. You’ll be very restricted physically, making things difficult.

3. Surgeon logistics

There’s also the matter of finding a plastic surgeon who will agree to perform your tummy tuck immediately after your cesarean delivery. Keep in mind that anything can happen during labor and delivery, and you may find that your carefully scheduled plans don’t work out.

4. Complications

Both procedures have risks, and combining them can increase the potential for complications. A woman may be at an increased risk of blood clots and fluid retention. There’s also a greater chance of infection when the uterus is undergoing surgery, as well as the abdominal wall.

What’s the best time for a tummy tuck after a C-section?

If a tummy tuck is something you’re considering after a cesarean delivery, speak with a certified plastic surgeon. For the best results, you should be back to your original weight and be in good physical condition.

Plan a tummy tuck only if you aren’t planning on becoming pregnant again. Otherwise, you may go through the cost and aggravation of the surgery and recovery only to find your abdomen stretched out again.

Keep in mind that the procedure involves anesthetic and medications. These can be a problem if you’re breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about what you should and shouldn’t be taking.

Next steps

There may be benefits to getting a tummy tuck after having a baby. You may be a candidate if you’re physically healthy and your weight has stabilized. But it’s important to allow your body time to heal from both your pregnancy and your cesarean delivery.

You won’t want to miss out on enjoying that early bonding time with your new baby with the added stress of recovery from a tummy tuck.

What is the best time to explore whether a tummy tuck is a good decision for you? After you’re done having children.

is a tummy tuck or c section more dangerous

Last week we proposed the the following Facebook Trivia Question: Is a Tummy Tuck similar to a C-Section in terms of Pain?

In general, there is more dissection involved with a tummy tuck than a cesarean section. In a c-section, there is an intraabdominal component to the operation and the fibrous tissue layer is cut. In abdominoplasty, the fibrous tissue layer is plicated (folded in or tucked) leading to tightness.

However, people experience pain and discomfort differently. First we must realize that everyone handles pain differently. A history of chronic pain and long term pain medication usage will lead to a tolerance to the pain medication which may result in taking higher doses of medication for pain relief. Treating pain promptly is always best. You should not delay taking prescribed medication when the pain starts.

“Generally speaking, most of my patients who have had a history of cesarean sections are able to handle the abdominoplasty recovery beautifully. Most of our patients do not even finish the first prescription of pain medication that I give them,” states Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani.

Taking the time to talk to your surgeon and anesthesiologist about your concerns and needs as they relate to pain management following surgery is important. Discussing with your surgical team about your medication history is vital and relevant to efficient pain control. Your doctor needs to know about all your supplements, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications you take in order to prevent unwanted drug interactions.

About Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani

Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani earned his medical degree with Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) distinction at the University of Nebraska Medical School in Omaha, Nebraska. He then completed five years of general surgery residency training at the University of Kansas Medical Center and a 2 year residency in plastic surgery at the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Florida Society of Plastic Surgery and the Florida Medical Association. He has also received numerous awards for his work in plastic surgery including the Patients’ Choice Award, America’s Top Physicians in Plastic Surgery, Doctor’s of Distinction selection for Orlando Magazine, and voted the best in his field in the Orlando Sentinel two years in a row.

For more information on Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani, please call our office today at (407) 901- 4934 to schedule your complimentary consultation or complete our contact form online. The Aesthetic Surgery Centre is located at 413 Lake Howell Road Maitland, FL 32751, and can be found online at jptrev.com or our Facebook Page. You may also visit our exclusive website dedicated to only breast surgery at usabreast.com. Submitted by: Roshani J. Patel

what hurts more lipo or c section

A tummy tuck is one of the 6 most popular cosmetic surgeries. In 2019, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that there were more than 123,000 abdominoplasty procedures. Most people who pursue this cosmetic treatment are individuals (both men and women) who have lost significant weight or are looking to alleviate a protruding belly. Women who have been through childbearing also undergo this treatment in order to regain abdominal firmness that was lost as a result of pregnancy. When contemplating a tummy tuck, women who have been through a caesarian birth will try to understand the recovery process of this cosmetic surgery by weighing it against the C-section.

Reasons for having a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is typically performed to achieve cosmetic goals. However, the procedure may also be carried out in order to achieve medical objectives such as correction of abdominal wall hernia and reduction of urinary continence.

Tummy tuck vs C-section

If you have had children through a cesarean section, then you understand that this procedure is no walk in the park, particularly when it comes to recovery. In a C-section, an incision is made transecting the abdominal muscles. While a tummy tuck incision is similar to a C-section, the intra abdominal component of the operation is not there. This essentially means that a tummy tuck is less invasive procedure compared to the cesarean section.

Combining a tummy tuck with cesarean delivery?

Some mothers who are scheduled to have a baby wonder whether it is possible to combine the cesarean delivery with a tummy tuck. The idea is to have just one round of anesthetic, one period of delivery, and one operating room. The reality of the matter is that most surgeons will not go along with this. Having a C-section birth together with an abdominoplasty is not recommended, due to the following reasons:

Combining a tummy tuck with C-section is out of the question. But this doesn’t mean that you cannot still benefit from a tummy tuck after you have had enough time to fully recover from the C-section.

Recovery from tummy tuck vs C-section

Both a tummy tuck and cesarean section are comparable in terms of mobility and rehabilitation. However, recovery after a tummy tuck is often said to be easier compared to recovery after C-section. The reasoning behind this is that a C-section is a more invasive treatment that entails cutting through the uterus and abdominal muscles. In a tummy tuck, these abdominal muscles are only tightened, repaired, and strengthened. Furthermore, most abdominoplasty patients only have to worry about their well being and recovery. They can sleep and move at their own convenience. The opposite is true to C-section patients who have to be concerned about tending to their own wounds as well as caring for a newborn baby. Another thing to take into consideration when comparing a tummy tuck with C-section is the scarring. A tummy tuck scar tends to be longer. This cosmetic surgery may also need to be combined with liposuction of the back, waste, or other areas, effectively raising its pain threshold. Keep in mind also that not all muscle repair and tightening procedures are the same. Patients who have been through multiple pregnancies, twins, and those with hernias may require more intensive work during the abdominoplasty treatment. Drains may also be left in place following a tummy tuck, slowing down recovery and even adding to the inconvenience. Despite this comparison, it is important to understand that recovery is often an individualized process that can vary from one person to another.

Tummy tuck after C-section

If you are determined to benefit from a tummy tuck following a C-section delivery, talk to a plastic surgeon about it. Most surgeons recommend that you wait at least 6 months (or up to a year) before undergoing cosmetic surgery. This is so as to ensure that you are in a good physical shape for this treatment. If you are planning to get pregnant, your plastic surgeon may recommend that you wait until after you have completed childbearing to have a tummy tuck. Many women will have their tummy tuck as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover treatment.

What does tummy tuck pain feel like?

The Truth About Tummy Tuck Recovery: Does It Really Hurt?

As patient counselors at our plastic surgery centers in Denver and Golden, CO, Carrie and I have listened to many tummy tuck patients. We have talked with these patients before surgery and after recovery—and helped them push through their fears.

We meet with women daily who want to eliminate sagging skin and a protruding abdomen and reduce the extent of stretch marks left behind after pregnancy or weight loss. However, many patients have become so frightened by the perceived “painful” recovery—that they end up postponing their procedure for months and sometimes years!

Listen up! Procrastination is a big mistake! Why put off the future of a sleek, flat, bikini-wearing, defined stomach for a few weeks of discomfort? Understanding the truth about pain, taking advantage of modern pain management, and setting yourself up with ample recovery time and support will make for a successful recovery.

How painful is a tummy tuck?

Many patients worry about what to expect after a tummy tuck. Luckily, the pain during tummy tuck recovery does not outweigh the amazing results afterward, and men and women who’ve had the procedure give it a 96% Worth It rating on RealSelf.com. Keep in mind that the human psyche is extremely masterful at dramatizing a painful recovery scene before we have experienced the event. The truth is, nothing about the tummy tuck recovery is excruciating.

How long does the tightness last after a tummy tuck?

The discomfort after a tummy tuck comes not from the incision, which will actually be numb for some time, but from the muscle tightening. Patients find normal activities such as standing up straight, walking up stairs, and getting out of a seated position or bed uncomfortable because the core muscles are sore after being sewn together from the breast bone to the pubic bone.

Think about it this way: A tummy tuck is basically military boot camp for the abdominal muscles. Those stubborn muscles loved the roominess of your loose abdomen. For about a week, they retaliate by acting sore and tired. Those muscles quickly become angry and fatigued from the layers of sutures placed to keep them tight. The soreness diminishes after a week and you start to think less and less about it. Most women are walking upright and going about daily activities after just 2 weeks.

Patients go back to working out at 4 to 6 weeks post-tummy tuck. Some report small muscle “zingers” with workouts or yoga, which is completely normal. However, we advise patients to go back to working out slowly and back off if it hurts. Many of our extremely active patients get back to working out sooner and report stronger core strength as an added benefit.

A game-changer in pain management: How effective is EXPAREL?

In addition to using a no-drain tummy tuck technique and prescribing the best oral pain medications available, Dr. Vath, Dr. Wolfe, and Dr. Steinwald offer EXPAREL® for long-lasting pain control. This non-narcotic, non-opioid pain reliever is injected directly into the abdominal tissue, fascia, and muscles during surgery. It is effective in managing pain for up to 72 hours post-op.

Not only does EXPAREL help patients get through the first 72 hours post-op with significantly reduced discomfort, but it is also great for patients who wish to limit the amount of narcotic pain meds they need to take. Oral pain relievers can cause extreme drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, and constipation in some patients. Our patients who opt to add EXPAREL to their procedure report a 50% reduction in narcotic pain medication consumption versus those who do not. EXPAREL adds to the total surgical investment, but the patients who have used it feel it is well worth the cost.

What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?

Set yourself up for 2 weeks of doing nothing but recovering. Carrie and I counsel patients about getting into the “recovery mindset.” Most of us modern women are busy and overscheduled. We do it all: From working, cooking, rearing children, exercising, to volunteer work. We like to think we are superhuman. This notion can make for a frustrating and uncomfortable recovery process because we aren’t able to keep up with the demands and responsibilities of “normal” life during the first 2 weeks post-surgery.

Your energy will return in a few short weeks. However, you will not be able to run the household or your career by yourself during this time.

Sleeping a lot is normal (and encouraged!) during recovery. You shouldn’t be making any important decisions or responding to serious emails while on pain medication. Remind yourself that you just had SURGERY and you need downtime. Enlist your family and friends to help out with meals, cleaning, running errands, and watching the kids. You’ll be glad you asked for support.

Actual patient shown before and 5 months post-op

To get an idea of the kind of results you can expect, take a look at real tummy tuck before-and-after photos of our patients. Keep in mind that many men and women who choose tummy tuck often combine it with liposuction for even more dramatic body contouring.

Our plastic surgery practice serves people from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and throughout the greater Denver area. Contact us online or call us at (303) 278-2600 (Golden, CO) or (303) 951-2100 (Denver, CO) to schedule a personal consultation. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions and concerns regarding breast lifts or any other procedure.