Risks With Having Liposuction If Eventually I Want to Have Children?

Question

I am 20 years old and in good health. I've been the same steady weight for a while now (145 lbs, 5'6) and I have never been overweight. My stomach is the only part of my body that I have ever had a problem with. It always seemed to be a good deal larger than other parts.

	My question is, is it advisable to have lipo if you ever want to become pregnant? How does pregnancy affect a liposuctioned stomach say 10 to 15 years after the surgery? Thank you for your help!

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

As long as you are not trying to conceive and are not possibly pregnant during the liposuction procedure, you can have liposuction to reduce the depots of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Those fat cells that are removed will not easily return during pregnancy. What women shouldn't do before pregnancy is have an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) because the results can get ruined by the stretching of the pregnanct abdomen.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

There are no special risks. If the liposuction is done to the proper endpoints, not overdone and made too thin, then that area will look good.As you know, the abdominal skin gets stretched during pregnancy and the post-pregnancy appearance varies greatly among women.  Some women get a lot of stretch marks, some get very few. Some don't need a tummy tuck for loose skin or fascia and some do.So the fact that you have had liposuction will not influence the post-pregnancy appearance if normal skin thickness is preserved and a nice even liposuction is done.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

If you experience weight gain, pregnancies, or any other drastic body altering changes following #liposuction, it is very possible the results may be compromised.  Hence, it is usually recommended that patients who have recently experienced weight loss and massive weight loss (#MWL) remain consistent at their weight for at least six to twelve months prior any cosmetic surgery. Such will better ensure longer lasting results of the procedure without risking the fluctuation and stretching of the skin tissue. 
It's best to begin consulting with a board certified plastic surgery to learn if you are a candidate for liposuction. If so, you will then learn more about which #technique will work best for you and your goals. It is important you select a plastic surgeon who is #board-certified and has a great deal of experience with #liposuction. Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision. Always discuss your issues and concerns with the Plastic Surgeon during and following your consultation. Information that you read online may not apply to your personal situation.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Fortunately, significant complications from liposuction surgery are infrequent. Liposuction surgery is one of the two most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Most often this surgery is performed without experiencing any major problem.

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis with you when you visit us during your consultation and your preoperative appointment. The risks in most surgeries are similar. Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection, changes in sensation, scarring, allergic reactions, damage to underlying structures, need for revisions, unsatisfactory results possibly necessitating additional procedures and medical risks. Other risks more specific to liposuction may include indentations and irregularities.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions we provide, both before and after your liposuction surgery. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double board certified Plastic surgeon Hoffman Estates BarringtonOakbrook Chicago

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Review of your picture suggests
that you would be an excellent candidate for liposuction of your abdomen.This procedure would significantly improve
your abdominal contour and is associated with high levels of patient
satisfaction.It would have no impact on
subsequent pregnancy.If
you’re considering liposuction of your abdomen, it’s important that you consult
a Board-Certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area.This surgeon should be able to formulate a
treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your
aesthetic goals.

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction is fine before pregnancy.  It's always possible that you can develop loose skin or stretch marks with pregnancy but most women do just fine.  I'd say you would enjoy the results for years after having liposuction and the improvement in your abdomen should be good baised on what I can see in your photos.  Good luck!  Dr K

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no issue if you have liposuction and then become pregnant in the future.  If you are a good candidate for liposuction and want to have the procedure, then you should go ahead and have it.  If you were asking about an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck and planning on a pregnancy in the near future, then the answer would be different.

	 

	Good Luck.

Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS · Answer

From the pictures you provided it appears you are an excellent candidate for lipsuction.  There is no reason this procedure would make pregnancy difficult later in life or cause complications.  This is a very personal decision and if this has always been a concern for you I recommend getting a consult. I hope this helps you.

	Kindest regards,

	Neil J. Zemmel

Craig Mezrow, MS, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposcution is performed to "shape" those regions of your body that you can't improve with diet and exercise. You can certainly have liposuction performed prior to becoming pregnant. On the other hand it is not recommended to have an abdominoplasty performed if you plan to have more children.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Liposuction should have no direct impact on future pregnancy, and I have performed a lot of liposuction on women who did not have children and then went on to successfully child bear.

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