What You Need to Know About Pregnancy After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Updated
By Dr. Fan
It’s a known fact that pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery is not highly recommended. Yet not all pregnancies are planned so there’s always the possibility of childbirth after body contouring surgery.
When it happens, what should you expect? Will the tummy tuck scar hurt? Should you be worried about complications? Is it possible for the stomach muscles and skin to stretch again? And will your baby be okay?
We’ll answer all of these questions in the article below. We will also take a closer look at the most important things that you should be aware of when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth after tummy tuck surgery.
What to Expect From Pregnancy After a Tummy Tuck
First off, it’s worth noting that women respond differently to pregnancy and surgeries like a tummy tuck. By the time you find out that you’re expecting, it’s important to consult your plastic surgeon and OBGYN right away.
Like all pregnancies, you will notice the following major abdominal changes when you’re expecting after having a tummy tuck:
- Your tummy enlarges in size.
- The abdominal skin and muscles will stretch.
The overly stretched abdominal skin during pregnancy after a tummy tuck may cause tummy tuck scars to eventually disperse along the edges too. This is a common occurrence when there's little time between your tummy tuck surgery and pregnancy.
Will a Tummy Tuck Affect Your Safety During Pregnancy And Your Baby’s Health?
As previously mentioned, it’s way better to undergo any form of body contouring surgery after pregnancy and childbirth. Yet, if you get pregnant after surgery, it won’t likely impact your little one’s development or your health.
Take note, however, that it can result in unwanted changes in your body. In fact, pregnancy after a tummy tuck can possibly negate your wonderful tummy tuck outcomes, and you may have to undergo a revision tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck.
If you ever get pregnant after a tummy tuck, pay attention to your weight and avoid substantial weight gains during the pregnancy. This will not only avoid over-stretching of the abdominal skin but also help you steer clear of other health risks such as gestational diabetes. Modest weight gain during pregnancy also means that you're less likely to have revision surgery, or you can opt for the less complex mini-tummy tuck instead of a full tummy tuck after childbirth.
Your Next Step Towards a Flat, Firm, and a Flab-Free Tummy
A face-to-face consultation remains the best way to gain insight about pregnancy and childbirth after having a tummy tuck. It's also an excellent way to get a feel for a surgeon's overall approach in helping you attain striking yet subtle tummy tuck outcomes.
If you're ready to move forward, we recommend scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Fan right away. Otherwise, the next step would be completing this short online self-assessment to determine whether or not you're a good candidate for a tummy tuck.
At 77 Plastic Surgery, your comfort and safety are our priorities to help you get the best results possible!
