What Are the Risks During Pregnancy After a Tummy Tuck?

Although abdominoplasty is a popular procedure for women who have already had children (usually as part of a mommy makeover ), some patients may decide to have children afterward - whether or not they have already been through childbirth in the past. Some patients have expressed concern over whether or not the procedure will affect their ability to carry a baby, but pregnancy after an abdominoplasty is completely possible. It is important to note, however, that some women may experience loosening of the abdominal wall and/or excess loose skin on the abdomen following childbirth. In these cases, women who have already had a tummy tuck may be faced with a decision to repeat the procedure.  

Ultimately, it is usually best to delay tummy tuck surgery until your family is complete - but if plans change, know that you should still be able to have a successful pregnancy. If you do decide to have children after abdominoplasty, it is recommended to wait approximately one year after surgery, if possible.

-After your pregnancy there is a possibility that you will be left with some excess skin and/or separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis), and you may choose to undergo another tummy tuck to "touch up" your abdominal contour. 

-There aren't any health risks during pregnancy to your child or yourself if you have already undergone an abdominoplasty.   There is just the possibility that you may stretch your skin and/or muscle out to such a degree that you will lose some of what you gained from your tummy tuck. 

-Congratulations on losing so much weight!  A tummy tuck will benefit you tremendously.  Definitely meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to find out more about the procedure and what you can expect. 

Without previous pregnancy and massive weight loss it's unlikely you will need repair of the fascia. Rather than abdominoplasty you probably will have a panniculectomy. Subsequent pregnancy should not be a problem.

Thank you for your post. You certainly can have a baby after tummy tuck. In a tummy tuck, we are putting your body back together similiar to what you were like before you were pregnant. Your muscle tension, your skin and your fat contours are adjusted. Once you are fully healed from your surgery, your body is just as able to accept a pregnancy as it was before your first pregnancy. However, if your belly area stretched after your first pregnancy, then you are likely to stretch again after your next pregnancy. Most surgeons recommend to have a tummy tuck after you are finished having childern, however, in certain instances, such as starting to date again, or just not being happy with your post pregnancy body, then it makes sense to go ahead and have a tummy tuck. Just realize that you may need a revision later on.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Congratulations on your weight loss! You ask a very common question.  Simply put:  Tummy tuck does not affect childbirth. Childbirth does affect a tummy tuck, however.  The same processes that cause excess skin and muscle laxity after pregnancy have the same effects both before and after tummy tuck.  

Best,

Dr. Pyle

Tummy Tucks don't interfere with future pregnancies.  However after pregnancy and delivery some touchup is likely to be needed to restore stomach shape again.

Thank you for your question.   A future pregnancy is possible after a tummy tuck.  But a future pregnancy or any significant weight gain can potential undo the improvements from your tummy tuck.  Additional revision surgery may be needed once you are done having kids.  Best wishes.

Dr. Basu

Houston, TX