BMI 27, age 39, is it a 'waste' to get stomach lipo as I am trying to conceive for 2nd child?

Hi MeSarahLe,As a surgeon I love to operate when I feel I can improve your condition. If you are currently trying to conceive, then I would not waste your time or money with liposuction. I would wait until you were done having kids and then address changes that may occur with pregnancy. I hope this helps.

In my personal opinion you should first finish having babies, and then try to undergo an aesthetic procedure. With some fertility treatments women tend to gain weight and have some changes in their skin, compromising the possible results obtained with a Lipo. Hope this will help you.

Dear MeSarahLe,

Your consideration to undergo liposuction while trying to conceive is valid and raises important questions about timing and potential impacts. Here are a few key points to consider:

Recovery Time: Liposuction requires a recovery period, during which strenuous activities, including certain positions or activities associated with trying to conceive, may be limited. Depending on the extent of the liposuction and your individual healing process, the full recovery can take weeks to a few months.

Body Changes During Pregnancy: Pregnancy leads to many changes in the body, including weight gain, skin stretching, and changes in body fat distribution. If you do become pregnant shortly after liposuction, the results of the procedure might be affected by these changes.

Hormonal and Physical Stress: Any surgical procedure places stress on the body. While liposuction generally has a good safety profile, the physical and hormonal stress it might induce could potentially impact your fertility, at least in the short term.

Timing of IUI: Given that you're considering IUI in 4 months, undergoing liposuction now could coincide with your recovery period and the time of the IUI. It's important to be in optimal health when undergoing fertility treatments.

BMI and Fertility: A BMI of 27 falls into the "overweight" category, but it's not in the "obese" range. While higher BMI can sometimes be associated with challenges in conceiving, it's essential to discuss with a fertility specialist whether weight loss would significantly impact your chances of conception.

Recommendation:
Given the combination of your age, the timeframe for IUI, and your desire for a second child, it might be prudent to prioritize your fertility treatments and postpone elective cosmetic procedures until after you've expanded your family. This approach would eliminate any potential risks or interferences associated with the surgery. Once you've achieved your family planning goals, you can then consider cosmetic procedures to address any areas of concern.

Remember to consult closely with both your fertility specialist and a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can offer insights tailored to your specific situation and help guide your decision-making.

Thank you for seeking advice on this matter, and I wish you the best in your journey to conceive and achieve your desired body contours.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen