Each year, thousands of women undergo Tummy Tuck surgery to help them reclaim their pre-baby bodies. Although no one can argue that the birth of a child is a joyous occasion, the long-term effects of pregnancy on a woman’s abdomen can make her feel anything but celebratory. As a result, many women pursue Abdominoplasty surgery, or Tummy Tuck, to improve the tightness and tone of their midsections after they have decided their families are complete. Even so, not all pregnancies are planned, and sometimes a woman may decide that she wants another child, even after having had a Tummy Tuck. Although most plastic surgeons will encourage a woman to wait until she is finished having children before scheduling surgery, getting pregnant after having had a Tummy Tuck is still considered reasonably safe for both mother and baby.
“As Plastic Surgeons, we generally advise women to wait until they are done having children before considering Tummy Tuck surgery,” says Dr. Robert Wilke, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Edina Plastic Surgery. “A Tummy Tuck removes loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area, tightens the midsection, repairs muscles when needed, and restores a more youthful, sculpted shape to the stomach. It is often combined with other procedures like Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, and Liposuction to complete a true Mommy Makeover. Getting pregnant after a Tummy Tuck is not ideal, but it, of course, happens. Here are some things a woman needs to consider if she intentionally or unintentionally gets pregnant after her surgery.”
#1 – Pregnancy after Tummy Tuck Surgery is safe for both mother and child.
Most surgeons’ concern about pregnancy after Abdominoplasty surgery is an aesthetic one – not one based on function or safety. Pregnancy stretches out the muscles and skin of the abdominals. If this excess skin has already been excised via a prior Tummy Tuck, the remaining tightened skin will need to stretch once again during the new pregnancy. This can lead to loose, sagging skin all over again that a woman may find frustrating and unattractive. Regardless, a woman should be able to enjoy a safe and uneventful birth irrespective of whether she has had a prior Tummy Tuck.
#2 – Your pregnancy may feel and look differently after Tummy Tuck Surgery.
“It’s vital that you communicate with your OBGYN that you have had Tummy Tuck Surgery in the past, as they are the best ones to advise you about any concerns and to track and monitor your progress,” says Dr. Wilke. “Even though a woman should be able to carry her baby to a healthy term, her pregnancy may feel differently than it did before. If abdominal muscles were significantly tightened during her Tummy Tuck, she might experience heightened straining and stretching sensations as her baby grows. A woman may also notice that her baby bump does not protrude as much as her last pregnancy. In both cases, there should still be enough room for her baby to grow, move, and thrive.”
#3 – If a C-Section is required, previous Tummy Tuck incisions may be utilized.
Plastic surgeons strive to make Tummy Tuck scars as undetectable as possible. This includes placing them low on the abdominals, so they are easily hidden inside swimsuit bottoms. In the event that a C-section is needed, an OBGYN may be able to make their incision along the scar of a woman’s Tummy Tuck surgery, avoiding the need for additional scarring.
#4 – Tummy Tuck results may or may not be compromised by a new pregnancy.
“Just because a woman becomes pregnant after having had a Tummy Tuck doesn’t mean that she will lose all of the results from her surgery after her baby is born,” says Dr. Wilke. “Every woman’s body responds differently to pregnancy, and I find that many women, especially those who diligently control their weight throughout their pregnancy, maintain most of their results. If abdominal muscles are damaged in pregnancy, or some sagging of the skin on the stomach does occur, a woman may simply consider an Abdominoplasty Revision or Mini Tummy Tuck to address these changes in the future.”
#5 – There are options for women who want a Tummy Tuck now and more children in the future.
In some cases, your plastic surgeon may be able to make slight changes to how they perform your Tummy Tuck surgery if they know you still want to have more children in the future. This includes repairing less abdominal muscle or avoiding repair to allow for more stretch to accommodate a developing baby. A woman must communicate all of her preferences, concerns, and future plans for pregnancy with her plastic surgeon.
“During my patient consultations for Tummy Tuck surgery, I strongly recommend that women wait until they are done having children before pursuing surgery,” advises Dr. Wilke. “This will not only preserve their results but also cut back on any additional expenses for future revisions or surgeries. That being said, life is life and can come with many curveballs, surprises, and changes, including the blessing of a new baby! It’s important to understand that a woman can still have a safe pregnancy and maintain many of her results even if she becomes pregnant after Tummy Tuck surgery.”
Do you have questions about Tummy Tuck surgery either before or after your pregnancy? Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss these with a board-certified Edina Plastic Surgery surgeon. Call (612) 688-3177 to get started, or CLICK HERE.
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