Liposuction scar tissue and pregnancy. Will this cause complications when my belly starts to grow?

Question

Hi, I’m a 40 yr old Latina, weight about 135, 5’3, and just had liposuction in my abdomen and love handles. It’s been close to 4 months. I’m now pregnant and wondering about the scar tissue that has formed due to the lipo. Will this cause complications when my belly starts to grow? What happens to scar tissue when stretched? Thank you

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Original674381,
liposuction will remove the excess fat tissue and it should not affect your pregnancy. If you have any concerns, I suggest you to discuss it with 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your skin will slowly be stretched as the baby grows.  The prior liposuction should not present any complications during the pregnancy.  Congratulations on your baby!

Kristen Aliano Messina, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Pregnancy does change the contours of the body, especially in the abdomen, flanks, and hip. Your skin will be slowly stretched as the baby and uterus grow.

Jonathan Cook, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy! 
In most people, liposuction does not cause a significant amount of scar tissue; however, when scar tissue *does* form after liposuction, it is confined to the "fat layers" (the so called "subcutaneous tissue") between the abdominal wall muscles and the skin. Scarring in these tissue layers is highly unlikely to cause a problem for future pregnancy. In order to constrict the enlarging abdomen, scar tissue would need to be continuous around the entire abdomen, and this simply does not occur after liposuction. So your liposuction is unlikely to affect your pregnancy.
On the other hand, your pregnancy will certainly affect the abdominal contour you achieved with liposuction. Most obviously this is caused by stretching of the abdomen during pregnancy, as the body produces hormones which "relax" tissues, including ligaments, muscles, and joints. The combined effect of this plus increased pressure from the enlarging uterus may cause loosening of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and abdominal muscles. I would recommend waiting at least six months (and perhaps as long as a year) after you deliver, to allow for these changes to stabilize before seeking further aesthetic treatment. In the meantime, your OB/Gyn can counsel you on the best approach to diet and exercise, to as to maximize your body's ability to respond to the changes of pregnancy. 
Wishing you good luck, good health, and a safe delivery!

Liposuction scar tissue and pregnancy. Will this cause complications when my belly starts to grow?

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