What Happens if You Have a Baby After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Whenever possible, women are encouraged to be certain they are done having children before undergoing body contouring procedures, like tummy tuck surgery. However, plans change, and surprises happen. Whether you have decided to try for another baby after tummy tuck surgery or have found yourself expecting an unexpected blessing, you may have questions about how pregnancy will impact the results of your initial procedure, how a previous tummy tuck may affect your pregnancy, and what options you have to regain your pre-baby body once again. In this blog, top Newport Beach, CA board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of SSK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sean Kelishadi, answers these questions and provides further information about pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery. 

Is it safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck?  

Yes, getting pregnant and carrying a child after having tummy tuck surgery is safe for both the mother and the baby. Some women notice a tighter feeling in their abdomen during pregnancy following tummy tuck surgery, but this is not harmful to her or to the developing fetus. The body will once again expand to accommodate the baby as it grows. While pregnancy after a tummy tuck is safe, it can reverse the results of the initial cosmetic procedure. 

Will pregnancy “undo” my tummy tuck?  

In most cases, the answer is yes. The changes a woman’s body experiences during pregnancy to accommodate a growing baby will reverse the cosmetic enhancements that were made during a previous tummy tuck surgery. Following pregnancy, many women — whether they’ve had a tummy tuck or not — find themselves with:  

• Loose abdominal skin 
• Stretched skin 
• Abdominal stretch marks 
• Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle/fascia separation) 
• Added weight 

For some women, it is possible to “snap back” to their pre-pregnancy shape through diet and exercise, but this can be quite challenging for many women, particularly with age and/or having multiple children. 

Can I have a second tummy tuck after having another baby?  

Yes. In fact, many women who go on to have a baby after tummy tuck surgery ultimately choose to have a repeat procedure to restore the slimmer, firmer physique they had become used to. In some cases, it is possible to perform a second or subsequent tummy tuck using the original incision/scar, meaning patients will not have to worry about the addition of a new scar. During your initial consultation for tummy tuck surgery after pregnancy, Dr. Kelishadi will carefully evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your goals and plans for having additional children in the future, and determine whether you may be a candidate for surgery. In many cases, once a woman is certain she is done having children, a full mommy makeover can be considered to address concerns involving the mid-section as well as the breasts and other features affected by pregnancy. 

Enjoy a smooth, sexy silhouette at any stage of life with tummy tuck surgery in Orange County, CA  

Whether you’ve already had several children, have not yet had your first child, or you’re somewhere in between, you deserve to love your look. For more information on tummy tuck surgery before or after pregnancy, call SSK Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA to schedule your one-on-one consultation with award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi today.