Pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery is a common concern for patients. Whether you’ve had a tummy tuck and are pregnant now (or considering becoming pregnant) or you are planning a tummy tuck but aren’t sure about expanding your family afterward, this article is for you.
Ahead, we’ll outline the main things to know about pregnancy and tummy tuck surgery. Let’s get started.
Is Pregnancy After a Tummy Tuck Safe?
Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is generally considered safe. If you get pregnant after a prior abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), it should not influence your pregnancy negatively or impact your ability to have a healthy baby. Still, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Do?
A tummy tuck involves tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and excess fat to achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen. If you become pregnant after a tummy tuck, the stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin during pregnancy can potentially affect the results of your prior surgery. The good news is, this should not affect your baby or your ability to carry your baby healthily.
It does mean that the cosmetic improvements you achieved with your muscle repair and loose skin removal may be partially undone during pregnancy. Take a look at some pregnancy after tummy tuck pictures, and you’ll see that women look completely normal, though their abdominoplasty scar may be more noticeable. After they give birth, more excess skin may occur.
Preplanning Has Benefits
It’s always wise to consider your family planning carefully when possible. Ideally, patients will undergo a tummy tuck when they’re not planning an immediate pregnancy.
Of course, not every pregnancy is planned, so if you do become pregnant after a tummy tuck, don’t fret. What’s essential is maintaining regular prenatal care and discussing your surgical history with your gynecologist. After you’ve had your child and have completed your family planning, you can consult with plastic surgeons if you wish to address any aesthetic concerns or consider another surgical procedure after your first tummy tuck.
Can You Get Pregnant After a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Yes, basically, the same rules apply for pregnancy after a mini tummy tuck operation. With that said, every woman’s body responds differently, so always consult with your surgeon and gynecologist if you have questions.
Is a Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy Possible?
Absolutely. In fact, this is quite common. Women often find that pregnancy stretches out their abdominal skin so that it’s left loose and sagging after childbirth. A tummy tuck can help correct this issue and fix separated abdominal muscles.
How Soon Can You Get a Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy?
Most patients should wait at least six months after having a baby before undergoing a tummy tuck or any type of major plastic surgery. For women who are breastfeeding, it’s best to wait at least a few months after you cease breastfeeding as well.
The Best Time to Get a Tummy Tuck
The goal after your tummy tuck procedure is to have a slimmed stomach with tightened abdominal muscles and no loose or excess skin. In order to achieve these tummy tuck results, however, you must be a good candidate for the procedure and then pick the ideal time to undergo the surgery. This means:
You’re in good physical health.
To ensure a successful tummy tuck procedure, it’s crucial that you are in good overall physical health. Your surgeon will assess your medical history and perform a physical examination to determine if you have any underlying health conditions that could pose risks during surgery or hinder the healing process.
You have the time to devote to recovery.
Tummy tuck surgery typically requires a significant recovery period. Patients should anticipate taking at least one to two weeks off work and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks too. Be sure that you have a support system in place as you may need assistance with daily tasks during the initial stages of recovery.
You’re not a smoker.
Smoking can significantly impact the success of your tummy tuck results and your health during the healing process. For this reason, it’s especially important to quit smoking altogether or at least to quit for a specified period before and after surgery (as advised by your surgeon).
You’re not currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy in the immediate future.
Tummy tucks cannot be performed on patients who are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future. Remember: You should wait at least six months after giving birth before considering any major plastic surgery.
FAQ: Tummy Tuck Surgery After Pregnancy
How soon after pregnancy can you get a tummy tuck and liposuction?
After pregnancy, it’s best to wait at least six months before undergoing any type of major elective surgery, including liposuction and tummy tuck surgery.
How long should I wait to get a tummy tuck after pregnancy?
Patients frequently want to know when planning to get a tummy tuck how soon after pregnancy is surgery safe. Generally speaking, we recommend waiting at least six months.
How much is a tummy tuck after pregnancy?
The cost of a tummy tuck may vary depending on various factors, including the extent of the procedure and the surgeon’s fees. Generally, having a tummy tuck after pregnancy might involve additional considerations, such as addressing stretched skin and muscles, which could affect the overall cost.
Does a tummy tuck cost more when performed after pregnancy?
No, tummy tuck cost is not necessarily more. In fact, a large number of tummy tuck procedures are performed after pregnancy (not immediately, but after a safe waiting period). Past pregnancies are a common reason for seeking tummy tuck surgery.
Why does my belly look pregnant after tummy tuck surgery?
It’s not uncommon for your belly to appear somewhat swollen or baby bump like immediately after a tummy tuck surgery. For many women, this temporary swelling is a normal part of the healing process and should subside as you recover. However, if your belly continues to look pregnant months after the procedure, consult with your surgeon, as it could indicate an issue that needs addressing.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Consultation
Tummy tuck surgery is a great option for women who’ve had children and are struggling with the after-effects of pregnancy. Often, a tummy tuck will be worked into a mommy makeover procedure, which helps correct multiple aspects of the female body after pregnancy and childbirth.
Whether you opt for a tummy tuck procedure on its own or a mommy makeover, Dr. Ashley Steinberg and her team are here to help you get the results you desire. Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steinberg has performed many tummy tuck procedures for her satisfied patients.
To learn more about getting a tummy tuck before and after pregnancy, tummy tuck vs lipo, scars from tummy tuck surgery, the cost of tummy tucks surgery, and more, contact our office today and schedule your in-person consultation appointment.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-a-mommy-makeover/
