I want a tummy tuck but I haven't had kids yet. Is it safe to have kids after tummy tuck?

It is possible to perform tummy tuck prepregnancy however post pregnancy you may get "stretched out" again and lose all the benefit of the hard work and recovery. A recent study from Brazil showed that pregnancy after tummy tuck patients actually did well for the most part but I would not typically plan for such a procedure. In other words wait until after your pregnancies to undergo an abdominoplasty to avoid second surgery.

Pregnancy following tummy tuck surgery is possible and is not dangerous, but if you plan on future pregnancies, you should wait to have surgery 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 suggest that you finish having children before undergoing an abdominoplasty with repair of the stretched out abdominal muscles.



 

I would suggest that you discuss this and any concerns that you have with your plastic surgeon who should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).



 



Robert Singer, MD  FACS

La Jolla, California