Tummy tuck surgery, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a commonly carried out procedure for women of all ages. However, there’s much debate as to when is the optimal time for this to be performed, especially if there’s a possibility that you might want to have children afterward. The following discusses the most important aspects of pregnancy after having undergone a tummy tuck operation.
Can you get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
The answer to this is a resounding yes, and pregnancy after such a procedure is safe for both mother and child. While many women might decide to have such surgery after they’ve decided they don’t want more children, there’s always a chance of an unplanned pregnancy or that you’ll change your mind.
Is there an increased risk of complications?
In general, having had an abdominoplasty doesn’t present an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. The tissues and wall of the abdomen can still stretch as the pregnancy evolves, although in some cases women feel they don’t look “as pregnant’ as they have in the past. This is completely harmless and safe for both mother and child. Of course, every pregnancy has a degree of risk, so it’s important to speak to your gynecologist for expert advice regarding your potential for pregnancy complications.
How long should I wait to get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Some cosmetic surgeons recommend waiting to undergo a tummy tuck until you’ve decided you don’t want any more children. This is because there’s always a potential that you’ll need revision surgery after the birth. However, this isn’t always the case, especially for those who’re considering surgery at a young age and might not be planning further pregnancies for many years. In other cases, it might be recommended that you wait a minimum of five or six months before trying to get pregnant. The key takeaway is that every person’s situation is different, meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Any woman considering abdominoplasty should do so after speaking to both her cosmetic surgeon and gynecologist to ensure the best bespoke solution.
What to expect post-pregnancy
Every woman is different, but many don’t need any revision surgery after pregnancy. In fact, women often report that they look far better afterward than they did before they had a tummy tuck. Your situation is highly individual, dependent on factors that determine how much the abdominal muscles and skin stretch during the pregnancy. For instance, if you were to have twins or to put on excessive amounts of weight during the pregnancy this might increase the chances of needing revision surgery. The most important thing is to seek advice from both your plastic surgeon and your gynecologist as soon as you discover you’re pregnant.
C-sections after a tummy tuck
Having a c-section after abdominoplasty surgery is very similar to having a second c-section procedure. Both procedures leave scar tissue, and the skill of the gynecologist is working with this. There is a slightly raised risk of visible scarring if you need a c-section. This is because a gynecologist is unlikely to have the same extended skills in scar-free wound closure that cosmetic surgeons specialize in. This should not, however, be a reason to shy away from a c-section if it’s deemed medically necessary.
The highly experienced team led by Dr. Palmer at Palmer Cosmetic Surgery offers the very latest abdominoplasty procedures for outstanding results. Every procedure is bespoke, determining the needs of the individual for a truly personal approach. To find out more and to schedule a confidential appointment visit Palmer Cosmetic Surgery now.