Can I have a baby after a tummy tuck?

This is a common question that most women at the time of a cosmetic consult when they are discussing tummy tuck surgery with their healthcare provider. It is normal to worry about risk factors, future pregnancies, or how the incision site may affect the uterine wall. The good news is this procedure will not impact your future pregnancies. If the patient is considering having a child in the next year or two, I usually recommend holding off on an abdominoplasty until they have finished their childbearing years so there is less stress on the abdominal wall and they are at a stable weight. Depending on the location of excess fat or excess skin, the patient might be a better candidate for liposuction or a mini tummy tuck. These procedures certainly could be done without increased risk to the body systems responsible for pregnancy outcomes. If a complete abdominoplasty is done and a patient becomes pregnant several years later, the tummy tuck does not have any adverse effects on the birth of the baby. The abdominal area or muscles will stretch out similarly to women who have not had a complete abdominoplasty. After the pregnancy has been completed, the abdomen muscles may or may not tighten back after birth. It certainly is possible that a secondary procedure with retightening of the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, or both could be needed to speed up the healing process. Again, neither liposuction, mini tummy tuck surgery, nor complete abdominoplasty would create a higher-risk pregnancy in the first, second, or third trimester. However, the fatty tissue will stretch out during pregnancy and further surgery could be needed. If are considering tummy tuck surgery, keep in mind that the best candidates, lead a healthy lifestyle, maintain a stable weight, and stop smoking. Be sure to disclose your medical record and all medical conditions at your consultation. That way, you avoid poor wound healing, infection, or other complications.