Can tummy tuck before pregnancy lead to preterm labor or other complications?

Generally it is not advised to become pregnant after a tummy tuck for cosmetic reasons. However there are no concerns for the developing fetus should you become pregnant after a tummy tuck (even with muscle tightening). Consult with another plastic surgeon for a complete examination if you have concerns or questions about your anatomy or about your surgical plan.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

    I have not observed this to be a concern.  The main issue may be that a revision may be necessary following pregnancy.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

If there is a chance you are going to gave more children, I would recommend the tummy tuck but no muscle repair.  There is no evidence that I am aware of that a tummy tuck and muscle repair is detrimental to future pregnancy, but pregnancy could disrupt the muscle repair.

Sy77,There is no published literature that suggests such a complication. You have 9 months for your body to adjust to the pregnancy if it happens which is plenty of time for your body to adjust. If you keep a healthy weight, you won't lose too much of your result either.I hope this was helpful,Dr. Daniel BarrettPlastic and Reconstructive SurgeryBeverly Hills, CA

I have seen it many times and let me reassure you that Tummy Tuck will not interfere with your normal pregnancy or delivery. Because the pregnancy takes 9 months to develop the volume on your abdomen, the muscle and skin have the perfect chance to stretch and won't interfere with the normal evolution. Plus if you do not put on so much weight (20 lbs max) your result may remain even 90%Dr. Cardenas 

Pregnancy following tummy tuck surgery is
possible and is not dangerous, but if you plan on future pregnancies, you
should wait to have a full tummy tuck with muscle repair until you are done
having children, since pregnancy will stretch out the skin and abdominal
muscles again, usually undoing the repairs that were achieved with the
abdominoplasty. In that case, a secondary tummy tuck to repair recurrent muscle
laxity or loose skin may be beneficial.

Most plastic surgeons would suggest that
you finish having children before undergoing a full abdominoplasty with repair
of the stretched out abdominal muscles.

There are other options that exist for the
appropriate patient: A wedge excision of the lower abdominal excess tissue
without repair of the muscle, liposuction in conjunction with the wedge
excision, or liposuction alone.

Keep in mind that following advice from a
surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do
without examining you, physically feeling your tissue, assessing your desired
outcome, taking a full medical history and discussing the pros and cons of each
operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest that
your plastic urgeon be certified by the American Board of American Plastic Surgery
and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss
your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

If you are considering another pregnancy, it is best to wait for a tummy tuck until you are done having children.  I have not heard of a tummy tuck causing any labor complications ever being reported.

Thank you for the question. In my practice, I have had several patients complete successful/uncomplicated pregnancies after having undergone previous tummy tuck surgery. I know of no medical literature that points to an increased incidence of preterm labor or other complications with pregnancies after tummy tuck surgery. Be careful with your decision-making; most patients who are considering tummy tuck surgery (after previous pregnancy and/or weight gain/loss) and wish to have a “flat” abdomen, benefit from muscle re approximation.  It would be a shame to undergo the tummy tuck surgery and still be displeased with the appearance of your abdominal wall… Best wishes. 

Thank you for your question but if you are planning another pregnancy I would wOuld not consider any further abdominal procedures as the pregnancy will only adversely affect your result Dr Corbin

Tummy tuck does not lead to preterm labour even with tightening the muscles. Pregnancy is a 9 month process that will allow the slow stretching of the tissues as you proceed. Besides, most women who undergo tummy tuck are in the reproductive age. Having said that, you may need revision surgery should you become pregnant following tummy tuck surgery.