When it comes to removing loose, saggy skin and creating a firm, flat midsection, the ultimate solution is often a tummy tuck. It’s no surprise that many women begin considering the procedure after the significant body changes of pregnancy. However, many women with new families ask the same question: Can you get pregnant after a tummy tuck? How will future pregnancies affect the results?
As a plastic surgeon serving Modesto in Tracy, CA, I’ve had the privilege of helping patients from all walks of life get the slim, contoured body they’ve always wanted. A tummy tuck can sculpt the body and adjust your abdominal muscles, but it isn’t an instant, permanent fix. By understanding a tummy tuck’s relationship to weight gain and body changes, you can make informed, thoughtful decisions about the procedure and your future plans to grow your family.
How a Tummy Tuck Works
Tummy tuck surgery is a procedure to remove unwanted fat and skin from the midsection. The surgery begins with your doctor making a hip-to-hip incision just above the bikini line. Using this incision, the doctor can remove excess fatty tissue and stitch together separated abdominal muscles. The surgeon may also use liposuction to target specific bumps and bulges in the midsection.
Once the work is done, the skin is pulled down tight over the belly, and any loose skin is cut away. The results are safe and long-lasting, although significant body changes can potentially re-stretch the skin.
Getting Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck
Pregnancy, like other major body changes, can permanently alter the shape of your body. Excessive weight gain and the strain of a growing baby can cause your skin and abdominal muscles to stretch and reposition. While tummy tuck surgery is often used to correct these problems, the body can always adjust again after the procedure. Becoming pregnant after a tummy tuck often compromises your tummy tuck results.
For this reason, we suggest waiting for tummy tuck surgery until after you’ve finished having children. While treatment won’t impact your ability to become pregnant in the future, your investment is better protected when you consider your family plans in advance.
Are You Ready for a Tummy Tuck?
Choosing plastic surgery is always a very personal decision. However, you may be ready for a tummy tuck if you are:
- Finished having children
- Within 10 pounds of your goal weight
- Struggling with loose, saggy skin around your belly
- Looking to remove your “belly pooch” caused by damaged abdominal muscles
In the end, discussing your options with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to see if you’re ready for a tummy tuck. If you’re in the Tracy, CA, area and would like to learn more about your treatment options, please request a consultation online or call (209) 834-0626 to schedule an appointment.
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