Can You Get Pregnant After A Tummy Tuck?

Many women who undergo — or wish to undergo — a tummy tuck surgery are concerned about whether they will get pregnant after the procedure. The short answer to whether you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck is yes: tummy tuck surgery does not affect your ability to have a healthy, full-term pregnancy, and will not result in any pregnancy complications. However, a pregnancy might affect the results of your tummy tuck, which may require a touch-up or revision surgery.

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Tummy Tuck?

There are many reasons why a patient may wish to undergo a tummy tuck procedure. In many cases, the patient may have stubborn abdominal fat or excess skin that does not respond to changes in diet and exercise. Tummy tuck candidates are also often those looking to reverse “pregnancy belly,” who have had difficulty regaining the flat and toned stomach they may have had before becoming pregnant.

Both men and women can be good candidates for a tummy tuck but should be at a stable weight at the time of their procedure, within 10 to 15 pounds of their ultimate goal weight, non-smokers, and realistic about their expected results.

Is It Safe to Become Pregnant After Having a Tummy Tuck?

Yes, it is safe to become pregnant after having a tummy tuck. The procedure will not cause any complications as your abdomen will stretch in the usual manner to accommodate your pregnancy. However, you may not start showing as early as expected.

Individuals who have had tummy tuck surgery when they become pregnant may find that the pregnancy affects their tummy tuck results because of the weight fluctuations and abdominal stretching. You may have sagging skin and experience separation of the abdominal muscles after you give birth, and you may want to consider undergoing surgical correction.

The most risk you will likely experience is feeling as though the pregnancy is tighter than other pregnancies you may have experienced, but this should not cause any severe pain. Your body is capable of getting pregnant after a tummy tuck, and having a child post-tummy tuck will not significantly change your body after pregnancy.

Of course, complications can occur, and there may be a chance that you are left with excess skin, meaning you may have to get another abdominoplasty. The best option if to wait until you are done having children before getting a tummy tuck.

How Long Should I Wait After a Tummy Tuck to Get Pregnant?

If you are not done having children but have already had a tummy tuck, you must wait at least 6 months after the procedure before you get pregnant, or you’ll have to go through the surgery all over again in some cases. The recovery time will vary, so discussing your recovery time and plan with Dr. Bell during your consultation is best.

If you become pregnant quickly after your tummy tuck procedure, consult Dr. Bell immediately so they can guide you through your pregnancy and ensure your health is top of mind.

Is It Possible To Maintain The Tummy Tuck Results After Pregnancy?

For the most part, having a tummy tuck procedure is best done when you are finished having children. In this instance, you may want to consider what is known as a “mommy makeover”, which is a tummy tuck combined with a breast lift or breast augmentation, occasionally some liposuction and, if desired, a vaginal rejuvenation treatment. This combination of treatments is designed to reverse some of the physical effects pregnancy can have on the body, which includes not only excess skin and fat around the abdomen, but sagging breasts, excess weight in other areas of the body such as around the hips, and to strengthen the vaginal wall, which can become weakened after childbirth.

Book a consultation today with Dr. Bell to determine which procedures are right for you and your desired outcomes.

Will My Tummy Tuck Results Last After Childbirth?

Many women report that their results are maintained, even after a full pregnancy. You can still receive a touch-up procedure to enjoy the full benefits, but so long as the patient remains healthy, the tummy tuck results stand the test of time, pregnancy, and muscle repair. This is not the story for some, but it is for most, and it completely depends on your body type and how it repairs itself after giving birth.

Will Having A C-Section Affect A Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck will have no impact on your ability to have a safe cesarean section delivery. Those who have had a tummy tuck surgery will have additional scar tissue around their abdomen, which will be encountered by their OBGYN during delivery. However, this additional scar tissue is not too different from the additional scar tissue that would be present from a repeat c-section, and will not pose a problem for your OBGYN or hospital staff. You should always inform your OBGYN that you have had an abdominoplasty.

You may find that your OBGYN cannot close your c-section scar with the precision of a plastic surgeon, which will affect the appearance of your abdomen. Some individuals who have been pregnant may wish for their plastic surgeon to correct the appearance of a c-section scar with a touch-up or revision abdominoplasty very shortly after childbirth. Still, it’s best to wait a few months.

Why Toronto Plastic Surgeons for Tummy Tuck?

Dr. Bell has dedicated his 25 years of practice to cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and body. He prides his excellence on the harmonious balance of vision, aesthetic appearance, and patient care. He is known for his skill and personalized, respectful approach to patients. Contact Dr. Bell and his team today for a consultation, and look forward to becoming your best self!

Interested in whether a tummy tuck can reduce the appearance of stretch marks? Read our recent article for more information.