Having a baby after Tummy tuck?

Question

I understand one should not have a tummy tuck done if there is a desire to continue having children. At the time I had my tummy tuck done (3 years ago), I was going through emotional changes about my appearance. I had a hernia that was visible, stretch marks, and loose skin. I am now a very fit and active person, eat healthy, and I have a healthy lifestyle. Recently, I have this enormous desire to have a third child. Would it be unsafe knowing I also got muscle repair and a hernia repaired?

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

I would simply reiterate what my colleagues have conveyed to you.  There are plenty of patients who have had completely normal pregnancies after undergoing abdominoplasty surgery.  I had one patient tell me that she was pregnant at her three-month follow-up appointment!  There is no evidence that pregnancy after abdominoplasty increases obstetric risks in any way.  The main contraindication is that you will likely undo the changes that have been made to tighten and flatten your abdomen.  Revision or secondary tummy tucks are typically more challenging, because you have already had a lot of the excess skin excised.  You did not give specifics regarding your hernia repair, but you might want to inquire with your surgeon whether or not they would advise another pregnancy.  Sometimes with a hernia repair the surgeon will use a mesh material for added strength that doesn't always expand as easily.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Having a pregnancy after tummy tuck/abdominoplasty may undo some of the tightening afforded by the procedure, but should pose no problems to the pregnancy. I would ensure that no type of match your other prosthetic material was used at the time of your tummy tuck, but either way you should be just fine, assuming you have no other medical issues.Staying in great physical shape will hopefully help limit the abdominal wall stretching from the the pregnancy.

Theodore Lazzaro, MD · Answer

It would not be unsafe to have another child after a Tummy tuck but more than likely you would undo the results of your procedure. If you would like to discuss in more detail visit your Plastic Surgeon to have all of your questions answered. Thank you for the question and best of luck to you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

As you know, it is possible to safely carry a baby after having the abdominoplasty procedure. Pregnancy after abdominoplasty may cause CHANGES that MAY require further surgery to correct. For patients considering coming to surgery in the future, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.  Best wishes.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.   It is safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck.   The pregnancy may undo alot of the tummy tuck result.  However, if you continue to stay fit and lead a healthy lifestyle, you may be surprised at how everything turns out post pregnancy.   I would not let your tummy tuck affect your desire for future children.   I wish you all the best.Dr. GIll

Having a baby after Tummy tuck?

Answers (5)