An abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. It reshapes the area by flattening and tightening the muscles and is often performed after significant weight loss or pregnancy. While patients are encouraged to postpone the surgery until after childbearing, it is still possible to get pregnant after a tummy tuck.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about pregnancy after a tummy tuck:
Is a Pregnancy After a Tummy Tuck Safe?
Even though it is recommended that women wait until after they are finished having children to schedule a tummy tuck, it is still safe to get pregnant after the procedure. There are not any pregnancy risks for both mother and baby after the procedure. Some women might experience a tighter midsection, however, especially during the third trimester.
Will a Tummy Tuck Affect My Pregnancy?
Having a tummy tuck does not affect a woman’s ability to conceive a child. The concern of pregnancy after abdominoplasty is a cosmetic one, not one of safety or function. Some mothers may notice that their bellies do not stretch out as much as they did in previous pregnancies, but this is harmless to a growing child. The wall of a woman’s abdomen is designed to naturally stretch to accommodate a baby and a tummy tuck will not hinder that.
How Long Should I Wait To Schedule A Tummy Tuck Revision After Pregnancy?
Most surgeons recommend women wait at least a year after giving birth to schedule a tummy tuck surgery, especially those who deliver through a C-section. Pregnancy is tough on the body and it is crucial to make sure it is completely healed before undergoing another major surgery.
What If I Need a C-Section?
A tummy tuck does not disqualify you from having a Cesarean delivery, or C-section. A C-section after having a tummy tuck is not much different from a repeat C-section, which many women have. Doctors will try to make the incision along the abdominoplasty scar, which is placed on the lower abdomen so it is easily hidden by clothing. It is important to inform your gynecologist that you have had a tummy tuck in the past, as the scar is not always obvious.
How Will Pregnancy Affect My Tummy Tuck?
Each woman’s body responds differently to pregnancy. Due to the weight fluctuation and abdominal stretching that occurs, it is possible that some patients may be left with sagging or loose skin after having a child. These patients might require a touch-up, revision, or mini tummy tuck procedure after they give birth, but this is not always the case.
Many women maintain their results even after a full pregnancy, especially those who avoid unnecessary weight gain by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Some even notice that their body looks better post-pregnancy after their tummy tuck than it did during prior pregnancies.
Getting Started With a Tummy Tuck
At Hess & Sandeen, we want to help you look and feel like the best version of yourself after pregnancy. A tummy tuck is part of our mommy makeover procedure, which helps rejuvenate the areas of a woman’s body that are most impacted by motherhood. For the best results, our experienced plastic surgeons recommend waiting until you are done having children to schedule a tummy tuck.
