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

Question

I did liposuction on my abdomen and it still doesn't look like as flat as I would like it to be. I'm considering tummy tack to hide a long appendectomy scar. The doctor thinks muscle tightening is not necessary although he thinks I have some muscle weakness. If there is a very slight chance that I'll get pregnant, should I still do the muscle tightening and will minimal tightening be safer? Im 42 with one c section birth, 147 pounds, 5.6, stomach , don't have loose skin.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

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

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Tummy tuck and pregnancy

Answer: Tummy tuck and pregnancy

Answer: #TummyTuck before #Pregnancy

Answer: #TummyTuck before #Pregnancy

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Tummy tuck and pregnancy

Answer: Tummy tuck and pregnancy

Answer: #TummyTuck before #Pregnancy

Answer: #TummyTuck before #Pregnancy

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.