Will my results be ruined now that I'm pregnant 6 months after my tummy tuck?

Question

Hi all, I have recently found out I am pregnant 6 months after full tummy tuck. This was obviously not planned as I had thought I was finished with having children. I have a few worries / questions. Will it be likely my tummy tuck results will be ruined following my pregnancy? My previous baby was a c section, it’s likely I will need another c section. Will the surgeon enter through my tummy tuck scar ? Is it safe for me to carry another pregnancy so soon aftr having TT. ` Thnx

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding pregnancy after a tummy tuck. It’s understandable to feel concerned about how pregnancy may impact your results and overall health following such a procedure. Let’s address your concerns:

First, it is entirely possible to carry a healthy pregnancy after a tummy tuck. However, pregnancy will stretch your abdominal skin and muscles, which may affect your tummy tuck results. The extent of these changes depends on your skin's elasticity, the degree of muscle separation that occurs during pregnancy, and how much weight is gained. While some women maintain decent results post-pregnancy, others may notice loose skin or a re-opening of the diastasis recti, which would require a revision procedure to restore their original outcome.

Regarding a potential C-section, most obstetricians are experienced in working around tummy tuck scars. Typically, they will use your existing horizontal scar to enter the abdomen, avoiding the need for an additional incision. Be sure to communicate with your OB-GYN about your tummy tuck and provide all necessary medical records to ensure they are fully informed.

As for the safety of carrying a pregnancy six months post-tummy tuck, the primary concern is whether your abdominal muscles and skin have healed sufficiently. By six months, the majority of healing should have occurred, but it’s important to discuss your situation with both your plastic surgeon and OB-GYN to assess any risks. Staying closely monitored throughout your pregnancy will help ensure you and your baby remain healthy.

In the meantime, focus on maintaining a healthy pregnancy by eating a balanced diet, staying active as approved by your doctor, and minimizing excessive weight gain to preserve as much of your tummy tuck result as possible.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Glorious879077,
it is likely that pregnancy will affect tummy tuck results. However, your tummy tuck should have no negative effect on pregnancy. If you have any issues or concerns, you should consult your plastic surgeon. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on the pregnancy.  It's hard to tell what will happen after having a baby, we don't know how much weight you will gain, how much your abdominal wall muscle will stretch and if your skin will retract after having the baby.  In regards to c section incision I would speak to you OB and ask what their thoughts are.  The worst case scenario is that you may need to tweak a few things after having the baby.  It is safe to have a baby after a tummy tuck, it doesn't interfere with carrying a healthy baby.  I would suggest speaking with your Surgeon and OB and discuss all your concerns.  Best of luck to you.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, you can carry a safe pregnancy even though you have had a tummy tuck.  There is no 100% answer if your tummy tuck results will be altered, but it is a possibility.  The amount of weight you gain and the quality of your skin elasticity will factor in.  Speak with your OB/Gyn about where the incision will be made in the case of a planned c-section.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your new baby! Avoid excess weight gain so that hopefully you can retain some benefit of the tuck. Your obgyn physician will decide if a repeat C section is safer than vaginal delivery. It usually is and is for safety to your uterus.  Your ob/gyn physician will probably use the existing scar unless it is high.  Discuss these questions with your ob/gyn physician.

Will my results be ruined now that I'm pregnant 6 months after my tummy tuck?

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Will my results be ruined now that I'm pregnant 6 months after my tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: Pregnancy after tummy tuck

Answer: Pregnancy after tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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