Can Women Still Get Pregnant After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

With tummy tuck surgery, countless women have been able to regain their pre-baby body and boost their confidence after having children – but what happens if you become pregnant after a tummy tuck? And is that even possible? Here, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan – founder of Sawan Surgical Aesthetics in Oklahoma City, OK – answers some of the most commonly asked questions about pregnancy after tummy tuck, including if it’s safe and what the downsides may be. Keep reading to learn more.

What does a tummy tuck do?

Formally referred to as abdominoplasty surgery, the tummy tuck is most popular among women looking to reverse the aesthetic side effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding, such as loose stomach skin and drooping breasts, though it can also be useful for patients who have concerns related to aging or extreme weight loss. Common problems that can be improved or, in some cases, corrected with tummy tuck surgery include:

• Diet- and exercise-resistant fat
• Belly pooch after having kids
• Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)
• Loose stomach skin
• Wrinkled stomach
• Hanging skin folds
• Stretch marks

When is the best time to get a tummy tuck?

While every person’s situation is unique, it is generally advisable to wait at least 12 months after having a child or 6 – 12 months after reaching a stable weight following extreme weight loss before undergoing tummy tuck surgery. This allows the body adequate time to heal and recover and also helps the patient establish healthy routines and commitments that will set them up for successful surgery and long-lasting results. It is also important to keep in mind that many tummy tuck patients require about 2 – 3 weeks off of work, which can impact scheduling.

What happens if you get pregnant again after a tummy tuck?

Having a tummy tuck does not make it more difficult to get pregnant, nor does it pose any inherent risks to the mother or baby. However, there are still reasons why women are encouraged to defer tummy tuck surgery until they are relatively sure they do not want to have any additional children. The primary reason is that having a child after tummy tuck surgery can “undo” the results of your original procedure, with many women requiring a repeat tummy tuck to restore their initial outcome. Weight gain that is unrelated to pregnancy can have the same effect. For this reason, women considering tummy tuck surgery are strongly encouraged to wait until they are done having children, and all patients thinking about a tummy tuck should be 100% committed to maintaining a stable weight through regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.

With this commitment, the results of a tummy tuck can often be enjoyed for years or even decades.

Let us help you find the perfect time for a tummy tuck transformation in Oklahoma City, OK

Wherever you are in the process of building your family, our knowledgeable team can help you better understand the most important considerations for scheduling your tummy tuck. To learn more about if now is the right time for a tummy tuck, call Sawan Surgical Aesthetics to schedule your private consultation with leading Oklahoma City board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan today.