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For women everywhere, and mothers in particular, the tummy tuck remains one of the most sought-after body cosmetic procedures each year. The ability to achieve a trimmer, flatter, firmer abdomen through a tummy tuck surgery makes it no surprise that many women begin considering the procedure after experiencing some of the changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth. However, the question of how a future pregnancy will impact the results of a tummy tuck procedure often arises and should be carefully considered before undergoing surgery.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leonard Gray has been serving the Bay Area community for the past twenty years and is committed to providing patients with an exceptional level of care and service. His main priority is his customer’s safety, and he does this by providing his patients with the proper education and information before any procedure they may be considering.

One point that Dr. Gray likes to discuss with his patients if they’re planning to get pregnant in the future, and if so, how that pregnancy would affect their tummy tuck.

What Is A Tummy Tuck?

To better understand the effect of pregnancy after a tummy tuck, it is important to first understand the procedure itself. Formally known as an abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is an invasive surgical procedure designed to give your stomach a tighter, slimmer, more toned look. This is achieved through excess skin removal, liposuction, and the tightening of the underlying muscles that may have become separated. 

Can I Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?

In general, it is recommended that patients wait until they are finished having children before undergoing a tummy tuck. That being said, there are certainly some instances where pregnancy after a tummy tuck can and does occur.

What Happens If I Get Pregnant After My Tummy Tuck?

Even with the best planning and intentions, life happens. If you do end up finding yourself pregnant after a tummy tuck, or if you change your mind after several years and decide to try to get pregnant, pregnancy after tummy tuck is not considered to have any inherent risk factors. Although all pregnancies can have complications associated with them, whether they occur before or after a tummy tuck or any other surgical procedure, patients who get pregnant after a tummy tuck are equally capable of carrying a healthy, full-term pregnancy after a tummy tuck. Some patients have reported a tighter sensation, but this is not harmful and is usually mild and tolerable. 

Why Should I Avoid Pregnancy After a Tummy Tuck?

The biggest concern about getting pregnant after a tummy tuck is the potential adverse effects of the pregnancy on the procedure’s results. With the significant weight fluctuation and abdominal stretching that will occur during pregnancy, it is certainly possible that you could be left with loose, excess, sagging skin and a separation or weakening of the muscles— both of which would require a second procedure to restore your original results.

Tummy Tuck Surgery in San Francisco, CA, with Dr. Leonard Gray

If you think a tummy tuck is right for you, contact Bay Area Plastic Surgery and schedule your consultation with Dr. Gray today. Dr. Gray invites you to learn more about how a tummy tuck can help you restore your post-baby body or remove unwanted skin due to weight loss. While you’re here, take a look at our other offered surgical body procedures including liposuction, Brazillian butt lift, labiaplasty, mommy makeover, and gynecomastia.