Whether you’re currently pregnant or you’ve just had a baby, your whole world is likely consumed with preparing for or taking care of your new bundle of joy. Because there’s so much to do, new mothers may not prioritize immediately how they’re going to get their body back into shape post-delivery. However, once you’re ready to take that step, you may realize that a balanced diet and regular exercise can help you slim down, but no amount of physical activity will eliminate excess skin. If you’re ready to recover your pre-baby figure, you may want to consider getting a tummy tuck.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
You’ve probably heard of a tummy tuck at one point or another, but what do you really know about the procedure? An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedure removes excess skin from the abdominal area and tightens the remaining skin. This treatment is performed for a variety of reasons, including for women post-childbirth who have moderate to large areas of loose skin.
Tummy Tucks & Pregnancy FAQs
How long should I wait to get a tummy tuck after pregnancy?
Your body needs time to heal from childbirth before undergoing stress. You should wait at least three months after delivery before getting a tummy tuck. This time frame can be extended if you are breastfeeding, plan to lose more weight, or plan to have more children. You should discuss the time frame with your doctor to learn how these conditions may impact your timeline.
Can you still get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Pregnancy with a tummy tuck is entirely safe for your growing baby. While you can still become pregnant after a tummy tuck, there is no guarantee that your tummy tuck will stay intact throughout your pregnancy. You may have to have the procedure revised after your pregnancy. You should wait until your abdomen is fully healed (four to six months) before becoming pregnant to allow your body to heal. For best results, you should wait until you’re done having children before getting a tummy tuck.
What happens to the tummy tuck during and after pregnancy?
Most women with tummy tucks have found that they show later in the pregnancy than other women without the procedure. This is because of the tighter abdomen muscles and skin from the tummy tuck. The tighter muscles and skin do not impact the safety of your growing baby. There are a variety of variables that can affect your tummy tuck during pregnancy – including age, skin elasticity, and weight gain. You should talk to your doctor to explore all the options.
Will the tummy tuck cause pregnancy complications?
While your tummy tuck is safe for your pregnancy, there are some side effects that you may experience while your baby is growing. Some mothers have reported feeling uncomfortable as the womb stretches with their baby. This varies on how tight your abdomen muscles are. Since your skin stretching impacts your chance of stretch marks, women with tummy tucks have a higher chance during pregnancy. Your scar from the tummy tuck may also change or move during pregnancy. You may also experience more heartburn, increased need to pee, greater risk of urinary incontinence, and increased constipation due to your organs having a little more stress.
Will you need a C-section?
No, women with tummy tucks can have C-sections or natural labor; either delivery method is fine. If you have a C-section, you should tell your doctor about your tummy tuck. That way, they can be aware of any possible scar tissue from previous procedures.
Contact Innovations Medical for Tummy Tuck Procedures
If you’re a new mother wanting to explore your options, or you’ve already had a tummy tuck and are looking to expand your family, Innovations Medical is here for you. We’ll answer your questions and resolve any concerns you have about tummy tucks and pregnancy. We’ve been helping our patients since 1984, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To explore tummy tuck options and learn how Innovations Medical can reshape your body post-delivery, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.