A tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure that aims to tighten the abdominal region to achieve a pleasing midsection. The procedure is invasive and involves the removal of excessive fat and tissues from the abdominal area. Nowadays, many females opt for this procedure post-pregnancy to get rid of the loose abdominal skin, which does not go away with diet and exercise. For such women, bringing the body back post-pregnancy is at the top of many mom’s wishlists. A tummy tuck surgery leaves the tummy firm, flat and smooth, similar to the pre-baby body. But what happens if the same woman gets pregnant again?
To answer the same question, we have created this article. In this article, we will discuss whether it is safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck and whether future pregnancies disturb the results achieved from a tummy tuck. To make this post meaningful for the readers, Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan, a famous cosmetic surgeon in Hyderabad, has shared her insights. Continue reading for a detailed understanding.
Is it Safe to Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Many plastic surgeons believe that it is completely safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck surgery. It is safe for both the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy. There are also no reported problems with delivering the baby after having a tummy tuck surgery. However, there has been an increased rate of c-section births for tummy tuck patients, but there have been no delivery issues. Therefore, it is completely safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck surgery.
Can Fertility Be Affected With a Tummy Tuck?
No, a tummy tuck does not affect fertility. Although there is some abdominal cavity surgery involved in a tummy tuck, it is not very deep. It works close to the surface of the skin. A tummy tuck with muscle repair involves the topmost layers of the abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck with hernia repair also does not go deep in the abdomen either. Even other types of abdominal surgeries that go deep inside the abdomen are unlikely to affect fertility. This surgery does not involve any reproductive organs; thus, fertility is not affected.
Vaginal rejuvenation procedures such as pelvic floor repair or vaginal muscle tightening do not affect the quality or fertility of a woman's eggs. There is nothing that would stop one from getting pregnant after a tummy tuck unless one had a hysterectomy (womb removal) or female sterilization to prevent pregnancy.
The majority of women who get tummy tuck surgery do it because they are ready to make changes to their bodies and do not want to become pregnant again. That is probably the reason one has not met anyone who became pregnant after a tummy tuck. All they want is to avoid taking the chance of getting pregnant again and reversing the abdominoplasty outcomes.
If one is looking to get pregnant after a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, one can contact Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan, a famous cosmetic surgeon. The surgeon offers effective abdominoplasty in Bangalore for women as well as men with all concerns.
How Soon After a Tummy Tuck Surgery Can I Get Pregnant?
While it is possible to get pregnant at any time after having a tummy tuck, it is still advised to wait for at least 12 months before getting pregnant again. This is because the body needs time to heal after the surgery. It also takes time for the scars to soften. The abdomen can also feel tender for a few months, and the swelling will also go down till then. Since pregnancy brings a lot of wear and tear on the abdomen, it would be quite an uncomfortable feeling if one recently had a tummy tuck.
Therefore, waiting a minimum of 12 months after a tummy tuck is an ideal time if one wants to get pregnant again. However, if one gets pregnant sooner, they will have to be closely monitored by their doctor.
Will Future Pregnancies Undo the Results of a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Yes, it is likely to cause a few cosmetic problems that one had when they got pregnant. If one gains a lot of weight, they are liable to get loose skin again. Most likely, the tissues will stretch again. This can happen regardless of whether one has a tummy tuck or not. Loose and stretched skin is a part of pregnancy for many women. Additionally, abdominal muscle separation, which is frequent in pregnant women, may recur. One will most likely have it again if they had it the first time they became pregnant.
Will I Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck With Muscle Repair?
Abdominal muscle separation is common due to weight gain or pregnancy. The abdominal muscles, which we think of as “six-pack abs”, are the top layers of muscle groups which make up the abdominal anatomy. Along the fibrous connective tissue in the middle of the stomach, the superficial abdominal muscles frequently stretch. In the centre of the abdomen, this vertical line joins the two sides of the "six-pack muscles."
Since the tummy bulges outward during pregnancy, it puts a lot of stress on the connective tissues. Post-pregnancy, the tummy shrinks back down. However, the connective muscle tissues often remain loose. It is often visible when one looks at the tummy as the muscles are close to the surface of the skin. It can also lead to weak core muscles, back pain and an unsightly tummy. A tummy tuck surgery with abdominal muscle repair helps to correct this. If the muscles get fixed, what happens when one gets pregnant again?
The answer is that the muscles stretch again, but it is usually not as bad as it was before the patient had a tummy tuck.
Final Takeaway
The best advice is to wait to have a tummy tuck until one is done having babies. If excessive loose skin is bothering you after having it, or if you just wish to get rid of the flap of loose skin on the C-section scar, you can opt for a tummy tuck surgery and definitely become pregnant again. However, as discussed above, getting a tummy tuck and then getting pregnant can undo the cosmetic results of a tummy tuck surgery. The skin will likely become stretched out again. While most surgeons advise waiting until having children, there is no research which suggests that it is unsafe, and neither does it affect fertility.
If one is interested in getting tummy tuck surgery to get rid of loose abdominal skin, one can get in touch with Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan. The Best Plastic Surgeon In Bangalore can be consulted for tummy tuck surgery as well as other corrective procedures. Some of the other surgeries performed by her are breast reduction, breast enlargement, rhinoplasty, hymenoplasty, buttock augmentation, mommy makeover, etc.
During the consultation, the expert surgeon will decide if one is a suitable candidate for the tummy tuck surgery and will discuss what to expect from the procedure. The cost of tummy tuck surgery performed by Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan ranges between 1.5-2 Lakhs. The cost varies depending on factors such as the type of tummy tuck performed, the cost of anaesthesia, medications, etc.
For more details on tummy tuck surgery, consult Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan now!
