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

Question

Background: I have been trying for 14 months and currently 39 yrs old. Will try IUI in 4 months if I don't conceive naturally. Current bmi= 27

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It seems ok to do your liposuction before potential pregnancy. It will not affect your plans in any way. It is best to consult a board certified plastic surgeon for full consultation. Good luck.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It may be wise to delay your cosmetic procedure until you are done having children because pregnancy may alter how you typically store fat and may alter your results from liposuction.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I recommend you wait until after you have your child to get your procedure done since pregnancy can affect your results. Hope this helps. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Moises Salama MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Enrique Quiros Lim, MD · Answer

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.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's better to wait until you're done having children before getting surgery, specially if you're planning to get a Tummy Tuck. However, if you're not planning to get pregnant in the near future, you can get a liposuction and your results should remain to some extent when you decide to conceive.

When I perform a liposuction, it's usually to the full torso (abdomen, sides, waist, flanks and full back), the fat obtained is then grafted into the buttocks and hips. That shape change also remains after giving birth.

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

Whether or not it's advisable to undergo stomach liposuction while trying to conceive a second child depends on several factors, including your overall health, fertility considerations, and personal preferences. Here are some points to consider:1. Fertility Concerns: While liposuction itself does not typically impact fertility directly, undergoing surgery and anesthesia can introduce temporary stress to the body, which may affect hormonal balance and reproductive health. Additionally, if you have any underlying fertility issues or concerns, it's essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider before proceeding with elective procedures like liposuction.2. Timing: If you are actively trying to conceive, you may want to prioritize your efforts to conceive and postpone elective procedures like liposuction until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause changes in body shape and weight distribution, which may affect the results of liposuction performed beforehand.3. Recovery: Liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires a recovery period. While the recovery time varies depending on the extent of liposuction and individual healing factors, it typically involves several weeks of downtime during which strenuous activities should be avoided. If you become pregnant shortly after liposuction, you may need to limit physical activity and follow post-operative restrictions, which could impact your pregnancy experience.4. Body Changes During Pregnancy: Pregnancy causes significant changes in a woman's body, including weight gain, abdominal stretching, and changes in skin elasticity. These changes may affect the results of liposuction performed prior to pregnancy. Some women find that their bodies naturally bounce back after pregnancy, while others may experience more persistent changes that may require further cosmetic interventions post-pregnancy.Ultimately, the decision to undergo stomach liposuction while trying to conceive a second child is a personal one that should be made in consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon. It's essential to consider your fertility goals, the potential impact of surgery on your body and pregnancy, and the timing of the procedure in relation to your family planning timeline. Additionally, discussing your concerns and preferences with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you make an informed decision about whether stomach liposuction is appropriate for you at this time.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction is to remove excess fat and can be done at anytime as long as you are not pregnant. When you do become pregnant, be careful of your diet and do not gain too much weight.

Vincent Gardner, MD · Answer

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.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are actively trying to conceive it is best to wait before considering liposuction.  Future pregnancies can impact your results.  Additionally you are not a candidate for surgery if you become pregnant.

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

Answers (13)

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