It sounds reasonable to worry about pregnancy after a tummy tuck. After all, both childbearing and abdominoplasty change the abdominal area. However, there are certain myths out there, and you should be aware of them not to stress for no reason.
Myth #1. It Is Impossible to Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck
It’s absolutely incorrect. Having abdominoplasty does not affect the ability to conceive. There is no connection between the surgery and pregnancies. A tummy tuck procedure addresses loose skin, excess fat, and rectus muscle separation in the abdominal area. It does not impair female fertility in any way. In fact, it might have the opposite effect because women feel more confident and attractive after having the procedure, and are less stressed, which is important to succeed in conceiving.
The only recommendation for women willing to become pregnant after abdominoplasty is to wait until the body recovers completely, which takes on average about a year.
Myth #2. Pregnancy After a Tummy Tuck Is Dangerous for the Mother and the Baby
It’s not dangerous for moms and babies. There are no associated risks for pregnancy. No complications during pregnancy, no connection to preterm labor, no recommendations for a C-section are tied to tummy tucks. However, some women might experience some tension when the belly starts stretching with the growing baby inside.
To learn more about pregnancies following tummy tucks, schedule a consultation with a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Angelina Postoev.
Myth #3. Post-Tummy Tuck Belly Cannot Stretch to Accommodate a Baby
A flat and toned stomach after abdominoplasty doesn’t lose the ability to stretch naturally and can accommodate a growing baby. However, it might feel a bit tight, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Besides, some expecting women notice their belly isn’t huge due to repaired rectus muscles and overall tonus, which isn’t harmful to the baby.
As for the tummy tuck scar, scar tissue isn’t as soft and elastic as the surrounding skin so the area cannot stretch evenly, and the scar might become a bit bumpy. It can change in color because of hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Myth #4. Women Cannot Have a C-Section After Abdominoplasty
Having had a tummy tuck does not disqualify you from having a C-section. Most frequently, the incision for the C-section is placed on the tummy tuck scar. It might be a little more challenging to get to the fetus through the existing scar tissue, that’s why it’s necessary to tell your gynecologist about previous tummy tucks.
The C-section scar might look less neat because gynecologists do not deal with cosmetic surgeries. But no worries, this concern can be addressed later on with a variety of non-invasive scar treatments available at SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics.
Most women consider a tummy tuck when they are done having kids. As a part of the mommy makeover package, the procedure restores the youthful appearance and toned abs. It makes sense because maintaining tummy tuck results is easier if no pregnancies occur. But it shouldn’t stop you from changing your life plans. There are many examples of women returning to the post-tummy tuck shape after giving birth. Some women opt for abdominoplasty revision. In any scenario, you should know that pregnancy after a tummy tuck is safe for the mom and the baby.
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer a tummy tuck to patients in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Buckhead, and other surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia.
