For women everywhere, and particularly for mothers, the tummy tuck remains one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries each year. With the ability to achieve a trimmer, flatter, and firmer stomach through tummy tuck surgery, it is no surprise that many women begin considering the procedure after experiencing some of the changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth. However, the question of how a future pregnancy will impact the results of the tummy tuck often arises during this period. This is certainly an appropriate and worthwhile topic of discussion for women considering the tummy tuck.
Yes. Though we recommend that women wait until their family is complete to have a tummy tuck, that is for results-based, aesthetic reasons rather than medical ones. In terms of safety, a post-tummy tuck pregnancy is perfectly fine. During pregnancy, a woman’s stomach muscles will still expand and create space for her baby — even if she’s had a tummy tuck in the past.
What is a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
A tummy tuck is a form of plastic surgery which reduces the size and appearance of one’s abdomen. This is achieved by surgically removing excess tissue, fat, and skin, as well as tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. As a result, patients enjoy a flatter and trimmer tummy without any excess or loose skin. Tummy tuck patients choose this procedure for a number of reasons, including noticeable bulges under clothing, bloating after meals, or excess skin following a weight loss.
Some patients also find that, despite losing weight, certain stubborn pockets of fat remain on their body. This problem is often reported by women following a pregnancy. After childbirth, many women find that their body has changed significantly from pregnancy — but their busy schedule and sleep deprivation doesn’t allow for them to get back to pre-baby shape. A number of these women choose tummy tuck surgery (or a mini tummy tuck) for this reason. But what if, in the years following their tummy tuck, they want to have another baby? This is where questions can crop up and women aren’t always sure how to proceed.
Will a Tummy Tuck Make it Harder For Me to Conceive?
Though this is a valid worry, tummy tuck patients can rest assured that pregnancy after tummy tuck is achievable. Fertility is not impacted by the procedure; patients will still be able to conceive.
Will a Post-Tummy Tuck Pregnancy Compromise My Results?
This is one of the most common questions we get about tummy tucks and pregnancy. After all, some of the trademarks of pregnancy — weight gain and an expanding belly — directly contradict the purpose of a tummy tuck. The truth is, there is a high possibility that a pregnancy will compromise or alter tummy tuck results. Do know, however, that there are no safety concerns associated with a pregnancy after tummy tuck. Dr. Lapeurta recommends patients schedule a tummy tuck procedure after they are finished planning their family to preserve the procedure results, but it will not compromise your health if you do happen to get pregnant later. Should this occur, a revisional tummy tuck procedure can correct these postpartum changes.
Pregnancy After Tummy Tuck Risks
If you’ve already had a tummy tuck and are thinking about pregnancy after, or you are considering undergoing a tummy tuck but not sure if you’re done having children, here are five things you should know:
- Safe for mother and child
A woman should be able to enjoy a safe and uneventful pregnancy and birth even if she has had a prior abdominoplasty. When a woman is pregnant, the skin stretches to accommodate the growing uterus and baby. If excess skin has been removed from a tummy tuck, the remaining skin will still stretch as the pregnancy progresses. - Communicate with your OB about your previous tummy tuck
When you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, inform your obstetrician you have previously had a tummy tuck and when the procedure was performed. The medical provider should know about your surgical history in case you experience heightened straining and stretching sensations as the baby grows, or your baby bump does not protrude as much as previous pregnancies. - Tummy tuck incisions could be utilized for c-sections
If your pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery results in a cesarean section (c-section) birth, the delivering doctor may be able to make their incision along the scar of your tummy tuck surgery low on the abdomen, avoiding the need for additional scarring. - Tummy Tuck results may or may not be compromised by a new pregnancy
It is important to keep in mind that if pregnancy was the cause of excess skin and the reason behind your first tummy tuck, the results could be the same from another pregnancy. The skin will stretch out again, or the abdominal muscles may be damaged, causing the results of the tummy tuck to be compromised. - Communicate your future plans with your plastic surgeon
If you plan on having more children in the future, or are unsure of your plans after your tummy tuck procedure, communicate that to your plastic surgeon during consultations. The plastic surgeon can try to make accommodations during the procedure for future childbearing, including repairing less abdominal muscle or avoiding repair to allow for more stretch to accommodate a developing baby.
Pregnant Bellies After Tummy Tuck
The appearance of your baby bump after a tummy tuck may not be vastly different from any other pregnancy. However, you may notice that your belly doesn’t protrude as much as it did during pregnancies before your tummy tuck. This is generally due to the tightened abdominal muscles and doesn’t affect the baby’s growth or development.