During pregnancy, the lower back must bear a lot of additional weight, which puts strain on the joints, ligaments, and muscles. After giving birth, up to half of all mothers will experience serious back pain. One might expect the pain to go away once the baby is born, but it’s not so simple. It takes time for your body to heal and return to normal. Cradling, nursing, and caring for your baby in those first months can also put strain on your back.
As it turns out, undergoing a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)may be able to help alleviate this postpartum back pain. The team at our Dallas, TX plastic surgery considers some new research.
Study from the Journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
New research from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has offered some potential relief for women who suffer from back pain. The study consisted of 214 Australian women undergoing abdominoplasty with muscle repair after giving birth. More than half of these women reported problems with severe back pain.
Following the abdominoplasty, patients had six-week and six-month follow ups with researchers. The numbers were astonishing. Only 9 percent of the patients noted problems with moderate back pain. The cosmetic and health benefits of the abdominoplasty likely played a role in alleviating severe postpartum back pain.
Other Ways of Relieving Post-pregnancy Back Pain
In addition to undergoing an abdominoplasty with muscle repair, new mothers may want to consider some other options for treating postpartum back pain. This includes:
- Aim to lose weight and get back in shape as soon as possible after childbirth
- Do yoga and pilates to help restore flexibility and strengthen the core
- Perform pelvic tilts/Kegel exercises
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains
- Maintain proper posture while sitting and standing
- Avoid wearing high heels for a few months after childbirth
- Avoid heavy lifting until your back is strong enough to bear the weight
- Avoid carrying your baby on your hip for long periods of time
- Make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable
Your doctor will be able to provide additional information on back pain relief after childbirth.
Additional Benefits of Tummy Tuck after Childbirth
Undergoing an abdominoplasty with muscle repair has additional benefits to consider. As we mentioned previously on this blog, the same study found that abdominoplasty after childbirth can help reduce postpartum incontinence.
A little less than half of the 214 women in that study reported urinary incontinence after giving birth but before tummy tuck surgery. Following the abdominoplasty, incontinence was only an issue with 2 percent of patients.
Is a Post-pregnancy Tummy Tuck Right for Me?
If you have finished having children and want to address cosmetic and health issues, a post-pregnancy tummy tuck may be the answer. During a consultation at our practice, we will be more than happy to discuss candidacy for tummy tuck surgery as well as other mommy makeover procedures.
Learn More about Tummy Tuck Surgery
If you would like more information about tummy tuck and how it can help you after having a child, we encourage you to contact an experience cosmetic plastic surgeon. We are here to provide you with information about your mommy makeover options.