Thousands of women undergo tummy tuck procedures every year. Some of them will have babies later on. These women are often curious about how their pregnancies may affect their tummy tuck results.
Although becoming pregnant following a tummy tuck procedure may seem like a complex decision, many women choose to become pregnant again following their surgery. If you are considering undergoing a tummy tuck and would like to know how becoming pregnant later on can impact your results, keep reading to learn of the risks of pregnancy after a tummy tuck.
The Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a type of plastic surgery that can help women whose appearance has changed after pregnancy or those who have experienced extreme weight loss that leads to excess and loose skin and fat. The procedure involves the surgical removal of excess fat, tissue, and skin and tightening abdominal wall muscles. This gives the patient a more trim and toned tummy area that does not display any unsightly loose or excess skin.
Some reasons why people undergo tummy tuck surgery include:
- Bloating after meals
- Unsightly bulges under clothes
- Excess skin after significant weight loss
One of the most common reasons people undergo tummy tuck procedures is that they are unhappy with the appearance of their bodies, even after they have lost weight. This is because the skin cannot always return to its standard shape after it has been stretched during pregnancy or weight gain and loss. So the tummy tuck is a procedure that helps people look more like they did before they gained weight or were pregnant.
Will undergoing a tummy tuck affect my ability to conceive?
You will still have the ability to become pregnant after your tummy tuck procedure. A tummy tuck will have no impact on your fertility, and you will still be able to conceive.
Will becoming pregnant after my tummy tuck affect my results?
Women who are considering undergoing a tummy tuck procedure are advised not to do so if there is a possibility that they will want to become pregnant at some point in the future. However, plans can change.
The fact is that gaining weight and becoming pregnant leads to an expanding belly, defeating the purpose of a tummy tuck procedure. Unfortunately, there is a strong chance that becoming pregnant after your tummy tuck will compromise the results of your procedure.
The good news is that becoming pregnant after a tummy tuck presents no safety concerns. So rest assured that your health will not be compromised if you become pregnant later on. If this happens, a revisional procedure may help correct these postpartum changes.
Will the safety of my baby be affected by becoming pregnant after my tummy tuck?
Your baby’s safety will not be impacted by becoming pregnant after a tummy tuck. The reason that plastic surgeons advise women to wait until they have completed their family before getting a tummy tuck is due to aesthetic concerns, not medical ones. Becoming pregnant after a tummy tuck procedure is perfectly fine. Your stomach muscles will still be expanding and making room for your baby, even if you have undergone a tummy tuck before.
Can I undergo a C-section if I previously had a tummy tuck?
Yes, you can. The process involved with getting a tummy tuck following a C-section is a bit like undergoing a repeat cesarean procedure. Your plastic surgeon would be working with your abdominal scar when operating in either event. Be sure to inform your OB/GYN of your complete medical history, including surgical procedures like the tummy tuck.
How does pregnancy feel after a tummy tuck?
Some women who become pregnant after a tummy tuck report some feeling of tightness in their stomach. Still, it is not dangerous, and most women do not typically experience it as being particularly difficult or intense.
When is it “too soon?”
When it comes to significant medical experiences like childbirth or surgery, timing is everything. If you decide to become pregnant after your tummy tuck, you will typically be advised to wait for a while.
It is essential to completely heal following a tummy tuck before considering pregnancy, for both the health of the mother and baby. This usually is around four to six months following the procedure.
The ideal situation is to undergo a mini tummy tuck after pregnancy, which is helpful for those who want to minimize C-section scarring and remove extra fat around the abdomen. If you have larger problem areas or a large amount of excess stomach skin, you would probably be better off undergoing a full tummy tuck.
How long after pregnancy can you get a tummy tuck?
Generally, it would be best if you waited six months before undergoing a tummy tuck after pregnancy because of the following considerations:
Healing Time
When carrying a baby to term, abdominal tissues become stretched and ripped. Most of this damage will have healed in six months after giving birth.
Post-Pregnancy Hormones
Your hormone levels are at their highest while you are pregnant, which impacts the elasticity of your skin for several months. It would be best to wait until your hormones reach normal levels before undergoing a tummy tuck.
Lifting Your Baby
You will frequently be lifting your growing baby, which can impair proper healing following a tummy tuck procedure, as well as potentially damage your results. You should be better able to lift your child after about six months.
Breastfeeding
Whenever you breastfeed, you transfer whatever is in your milk to your baby. Normally, this is safe, but your child’s health may be endangered after you are given an anesthetic.
Normal Weight
Finally, your body should return to its normal weight anywhere from six months to one year after giving birth. During this time, you will develop healthy exercise and nutrition habits. Your ability to maintain a healthy and stable weight will help determine how much skin tightening is required before undergoing a tummy tuck.
