Smartlipo before pregnancy: is it worth it?

Question

27 w/o kids. SmartLipo on upper and lower abd, flanks, and bra rolls. Since I've never been pregnant will having this procedure be a wise choice? With pregnancy comes weight gain and abdominal muscle stretching. Will smart lipo at this time be a waste of money?

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Such a great question, in an ideal world you would wait. That would likely assume you know exactly when all of this will happen, if you are like the rest of us and don't I always tell people to go ahead since you will have less changes with pregnancy. You may need a tune up after but overall you will likely benefit from having it done beforeGOOD LUCK

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You can do Smart Lipo before pregnancy. It's important to maintain a healthy weight before, during and after pregnancy. For best results with treatments like Smart Lipo,  I recommend adding a combination of radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing in order to get the best results. However, for the best results with contouring and fat removal, I recommend VASER HI DEF, with ThermiRF and ultrasound. See an expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Family planning is a somewhat fluid process which may or may not conform to a schedule. Thus it becomes difficult to plan elective surgery around events that may come at some point in the future. The question of timing of elective body contouring as it relates to pregnancy is ultimately dependent upon expectations. There are a number of changes that occur during pregnancy (some more reversible than others) which may potentially compromise your overall aesthetic result. With this in mind, the best thing that can be done is understanding how your body may (or may not) change post pregnancy and preparing appropriately. With regards to liposuction/SmartLipo, you will have a reduced potential to gain weight in the treated areas (it's harder but not impossible). If you maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, there is no reason that you could not return to pre-pregnancy form (from the perspective of subcutaneous fat only). However, returning to pre-baby weight does not necessarily ensure a return to form.It is important to remember that pregnancy changes more than just your weight. There will be changes in muscle and skin tone which in some cases will not return to baseline. These are unaffected by liposuction before pregnancy and can typically only be addressed by abdominoplasty and muscle plication afterwards. The safest recommendation is to maintain a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise) through pregnancy. This will ensure a greater likelihood of a return to form. This is by no means a guarantee but it will help. Lastly, be prepared for the possibility (eventuality) of further procedures in the future to regain your pre-pregnancy form.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The beauty of Smartlipo is that it is a safe, in-office procedure designed to improve your contour. It can permanently eliminate troublesome areas of fat. It involves tiny incisions. It does not do anything to tighten the muscle layer of your abdomen which is often stretched during pregnancy. Tummy tuck surgery is something you'd consider AFTER pregnancy. I'd suggest meeting with a local plastic surgeon to discuss it. Best wishes.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and as you have learned from the posts already here you can have SmartLipo prior to any pregnancy as long as you can maintain your weight and exercise some during the pregnancy.  If the pregnancy is something that may come sooner than later, I might recommend that you wait for the lipo procedure but if it is not in the short term, then there is no reason not to proceed if you are an appropriate candidate.  We always recommend that you have a consultation with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to learn all of the best treatment options that are out there and for you.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is OK to have smart lipo before pregnancy. Just to maintain healthy body weight during the pregnancy

Kimberly Finder, MD · Answer

Liposuction can be done before pregnancy. If you maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, you won't accumulate excess fat in the subcutaneous space. It's crucial that you maintain a healthy weight. Find out what your ob considers an appropriate weight gain and stick with a goals-oriented plan. If you gain excess weight with pregnancy, you'll store that fat somewhere; mostly in places where the liposuction wasn't done, but even where the suctioning was done if you gain enough.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

Smartlipo should improve those areas of concern for you. also who knows when you will actually get pregnant. In addition, if you exercise through your pregnancy and eat intelligently, there is a good chance that you will drop any extra weight after you deliver your baby. there are many women, who look fantastic after their pregnancy. Certainly genetics can help. However, it is no accident, that those women who work out through their pregnancy and eat healthy etc, often recover their pre-pregnancy body. david berman md

Smartlipo before pregnancy: is it worth it?

Answers (8)

More Smart Lipo Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Smart Lipo Questions

How much does it cost to ONLY smart lipo/lipo armpit fat? (photo)

Smart Lipo done twice on my abdomen area, when can I see final results?

How to reduce bulge after Smart Lipo? Could this bulge be from scar tissue or leftover fat or loose skin? (Photo)

How long does swelling last with inner thigh Smart Lipo?

Smart Lipo on abdomen after waterlipo

Can I have my compression garment off while washing it?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS