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Liposuction Before Pregnancy? Would lower abdominal liposuction increase the risks of getting bad stretch marks?

Would you recommend lower abdominal Liposuction if I'm planning on getting pregnant in the next 2-5 years? Would lower abdominal liposuction increase the risks of getting bad stretch marks?

Doctor Answers 5

Liposuction before pregnancy?

October 9th, 2014
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I recommend you wait until after pregnancy, especially since you are targeting your mid section. With pregnancy, women are often left with sagging skin, possible muscle separation, stretch marks and excess fat deposits, which would be best addressed with a tummy tuck. If you have liposuction now, you may be wanting a tummy tuck after having kids. While the choice is up to you, just keep in mind that the results of your liposuction will most likely be short-lived.

Stretchmarks develop depending on the individual but liposuction should not increase your risk of developing them in the future.

Web reference: https://plus.google.com/+Edelsteincosmetic

Jerome Edelstein, MD

Yes, You Can Undergo Liposuction Before Pregnancy

March 18th, 2014
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There is no reason why a patient cannot undergo liposuction before pregnancy.  In general, the fat that is removed should not be expected to come back.  Remaining fat cells however, can increase in size after pregnancy.  If there is accumulation of unwanted fat after pregnancy then a second liposuction may be necessary.

Web reference: http://www.surgicalimages.com/plastic-surgery/liposuction.cfm

John J. Edney, MD

John J. Edney, MD
Omaha Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 106 reviews

Liposuction would be a fine option if you are a good candidate for it

May 31st, 2009
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The fact that you are considering having a child in 2-5 years should not dissuade you from having liposuction at this time. The main consideration as to whether you should have liposuction or not is whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Firstly, you should be healthy. Secondly, do you have localized areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise? Thirdly, do you have good skin elasticity? If so, then you are an excellent candidate. Properly performed liposuction should have no adverse affect on your ability to have a healthy pregancy or put you at an increased risk for stretch marks.

Sanjay Grover, MD

Sanjay Grover, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 178 reviews

Liposuction should not adversly affect future pregnancy

May 24th, 2009
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A properly done liposuction should leave enough fat under the skin to prevent any malformation. The skin should be able to retract. Liposuction should not increase the incidence of stretch marks in the future. The stretch marks will be related to the degree of stretch and the size of the baby. Hope that helps.

Web reference: http://newportplastic.com/liposuction/

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 19 reviews

Liposuction unlikely to effect future pregnancies.

May 24th, 2009
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The answer to your question is unknown. Two to 5 years is along time away. Depending on your dissatisfaction with your abdomen, I would consder doing it now. There is no reason to believe that it would make your stretch marks any more or less likely

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 72 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.