Had a tummy tuck 2 years ago. Currently pregnant and stomach looks deformed - is this normal? (photo)

Question

I got a tummy tuck and muscle tightening 2 years ago. Im currently pregnant and had some questions about how things are going. My upper stomach is growing while my lower stomach is still flat. Is that normal? Is my muscle repair not holding up? It looks deformed.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The skin and muscles that were tightened during the procedure will stretch during pregnancy, as they would for women who have not had the TT. Since the skin and muscles may not bounce back to the shape they were in before pregnancy, a revision procedure may be needed to restore the original result. Suggest you revisit the board certified plastic surgeon who performed your TT for advice.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding an abnormal tummy appearance after tummy tuck and while currently being pregnant. After a tummy tuck and with pregnancy, your abdomen will look distended. This is to accommodate the baby inside. From your pictures, it appears that everything is normal. Your muscle repair will have to stretch to accommodate the underlying baby. My advice is to have your baby and wait for all the swelling to go down. Once the swelling is gone, reevaluate your abdomen. It is unlikely that you’ll need a revision tummy tuck. In the meantime, follow the suggestions of your obstetrician. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding the appearance of your abdomen after a tummy tuck and during your and during pregnancy.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation as well as discussing your concerns with your OB/Gyn.  Women are able to carry a healthy pregnancy after a tummy tuck, but the results from the procedure may be altered as the body accommodates the growing baby.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear parrisjames,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Plastic surgeons typically recommend patients avoid having a full tummy tuck until they’re fairly certain they are done having children.

Life happens.

The pregnancy will create space for itself despite previous muscle tightening. Increased intra-abdominal pressure typically presents with upper abdominal bulging after a full tummy tuck.

We sometimes see this with patients who are obese and have excess visceral or intra-abdominal fat.

Just like a pregnancy the increased intabdominal volume typically presents as upper abdominal bulging.

A term pregnancy will create some laxicity in the abdominal wall as well as possible new skin laxity.

From a plastic surgery perspective there’s not much to do other than stay healthy and take care of yourself and your child.

Follow up with your OB/GYN and plastic surgeon if you have specific questions or concerns.

What you describe is typical for someone who gets pregnant after having a full tummy tuck.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Had a tummy tuck 2 years ago. Currently pregnant and stomach looks deformed - is this normal? (photo)

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Had a tummy tuck 2 years ago. Currently pregnant and stomach looks deformed - is this normal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Pregnancy after tummy tuck

Answer: Pregnancy after tummy tuck

Answer: Pregnancy after full tummy tuck.

Answer: Pregnancy after full tummy tuck.

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.