Many women turn to tummy tuck surgery as a way to regain their pre-baby body after pregnancy. The procedure is a trusted, effective way to tighten stretched skin, remove unwanted fat, and tone the entire midsection. But what exactly happens if you get pregnant after you undergo a tummy tuck? Will your results stay intact? Will it have any impact on your next pregnancy?
If you’re considering a tummy tuck here in Charleston, it’s best to wait until you’ve finished having children. But if your plans change (or if you have a happy surprise), here is what you can expect.
What Happens if You Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?
The main issue with pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery is that it will most likely compromise your results. Your skin will stretch and muscles will adjust once more to accommodate another baby. You will most likely need another tummy tuck if you want to maintain your results. You may also find that the results of your second surgery won’t be quite as good as the first—once skin and muscle are stretched, they can never fully return to how they were.
However, there is no danger or risk with becoming pregnant after your tummy tuck procedure. Your tummy tuck won’t affect the pregnancy or your baby. Any issues will be purely cosmetic.
Can You Have a C-Section After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Yes, it is possible to safely have a c-section after tummy tuck surgery. However, you’ll likely have some scar tissue from your tummy tuck procedure, so your OB-GYN may need to cut through more tissue to reach your baby. While this isn’t an issue in most delivery situations, be sure to notify your doctor that you have previously undergone a tummy tuck so they know what to expect.
What Should You Do if You Get Pregnant After Your Tummy Tuck?
While you should ideally wait to have a tummy tuck until you’ve finished having kids, there is no need to stress if you become pregnant again. Talk with your obstetrician, of course, but you likely have no need to worry, and your pregnancy should progress as expected. If you want to try to maintain some of your tummy tuck results, you can try light core exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles. This core strength will make it less likely for your core muscles to separate and create a “belly pooch” after delivery.
Overall, we suggest waiting for tummy tuck surgery until you’re done having children. If that’s not possible, it’s best to wait at least 6 months post-op before getting pregnant.
If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck surgery and other body contouring procedures at our Charleston plastic surgery practice, please request a consultation or call (843) 722-5904.
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