Fairfax Doctors

Can You Have a Baby After a Tummy Tuck?

How long after a tummy tuck and body sculpting can another baby be planned? I am a single mom who is scheduled on June 23rd for a tummy tuck and body sculpting. I would like to know how long I should wait till it's safe, in case I decide to remarry and have another child.

Thanks for your question

Yes you can have a child even if you've already had a tummy tuck.  The hormones of pregnancy will once again allow the abdominal wall muscles to stretch during childbearing.  I think it would be important that you let your obstetrician know that you have had a tummy tuck just in case you need a c section.

I would wait at least six months or more after surgery before getting pregnant but frankly if you're thinking of getting pregnant within six months after your tummy tuck it would probably make more sense to have your tummy tightened after your pregnancy.  If you do it before your pregnancy there's a pretty good chance you may want another tummy tuck.

I know that it's a difficult deision as a single mom because feeling good about yourself can certainly make it easier to find a new partner.

Good luck with your surgery.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD

Washington DC Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Recovery

What is tummy tuck recovery generally like? If I get it done, what can I expect post-op care, checkups, pain? How long does complete recovery from a tummy tuck take?

Tummy tuck recovery can certainly vary from patient to patient.  It can also vary depending upon which type of tummy tuck you have.  Whether mini or full tummy tuck muscle tightening, or tightening of the abdominal wall is generally the part of the procedure that causes the most discomfort.  The average patient in my practice with a full muscle tightening tummy tuck will usually take off about two weeks from work.  Recall though, that this is an average some patients may take less and some might take more.

For patients who wish a quicker recovery they may consider tightening the skin but not the muscles.  A skin tightening only tummy tuck does not flatten the abdominal wall as much  but the recovery is much easier.

Age and medical condition surely play a factor as well.  Healthy and younger people tend to bounce back quicker.

In all cases because the anatomy of the abdomen is dramatically changed aches, pains, zings, plulling and pushing,  funny feelings are normal for at least six months to a year as the abdominal tissues heal and stretch.  Some patients will have permanent numbness of the lower abdomen that can be permanent.

Your surgeon should lay out for you his or her expectations for pre and post operative care as well as regular checkups.  Each plastic surgeon will have a slightly different regimen.  I think it is also very important than in the early recovery that you have someone at home with you who can be of help.

Good luck with your procedure.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD

Washington DC Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Scars

I imagine that you can have tummy tuck scars hidden below your underpants but is this true? can i wear a bikini 1 year after tummy tuck?

Thank you for your question

When the skin of the tummy tuck is pulled down and tightened the pubic skin and the scar will generally tend to rise.  Because of this I always make my incisions as low as possible in the bathing suit or bikini line.  A mini tummy tuck is under less tension so it will not tend to rise as much.  Full tummy tuck has much more tension.

Bring the bikini that you wish to wear with you on the day of surgery so that your surgeon can mark you in your bathing suit.  While it is possible that you may need a taller underwear or bathing suit in the future bringing the garment you want to wear will be the best road map for your surgeon.

Generally the bellybutton incision is more visible because it lies above the bathing suit or bikini line.  I always favor small belly buttons because they are less obtrusive.

Best of luck.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD

Washington DC Plastic Surgeon