Each year, thousands of women undergo Tummy Tuck surgery to help them reclaim their pre-baby bodies. This procedure can improve the tightness and tone of the midsection after a patient has decided their families are complete. Nevertheless, 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.
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:
Safety
Most surgeons’ concern about pregnancy after a Tummy Tuck 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 removed 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 patient may find aesthetically displeasing after a cosmetic procedure. Regardless, a woman should be able to enjoy a safe and uneventful birth irrespective of whether she has had a prior Tummy Tuck.
Difference after a Tummy Tuck
If a patient is pregnant after a Tummy Tuck procedure, it is that they communicate this information with their OBGYN, as they are the best ones to advise about any concerns and to track and monitor the patient’s progress. 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!
C-Section
Our 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 any bottoms. If 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.
Maintaining Surgical Results
It is important to note that every woman’s body responds differently to pregnancy and some women, especially those who persistently control their weight throughout their pregnancy, ultimately maintain most of their surgical 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.
Tummy Tuck Alternatives
In some cases, a patient may opt for a mini Tummy Tuck surgery if they know they 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. We encourage our patients to communicate all of their preferences, concerns, and future plans for pregnancy with our plastic surgeons in order to create the best and most personalized and effective plan to reach your aesthetic goals safely!
If you are considering a tummy tuck surgery but have questions about childbirth afterwards, or have questions about a revision – our highly qualified surgeons can help you develop the best plan of action. With over 30 years of collective experience, our board-certified and board-eligible physicians can safely help you reach your aesthetic goals. Call (512) 244-1444 to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
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