Should You Have A Tummy Tuck Before You're Done Having Kids?
If pregnancy and childbirth or weight loss have left you with stretched, saggy skin on your stomach or a "pouch" above your pubic area, you're not alone. Many women can find that their bodies don't "bounce back" as expected after pregnancy, while those who have lost major weight can be upset that these efforts aren't reflected in their stomach's appearance. For many, a tummy tuck can be the best way to be rid of this loose skin and fat for good; but if you're not sure you're done having kids yet, is now the time to undergo tummy tuck surgery? Learn more about what having a tummy tuck can mean for subsequent pregnancies.
Can You Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck involves making an incision in the lower abdomen, much like that used in a cesarean section, and then removing excess skin and fat from this flap. The two edges of skin are then sewn together to make a tighter, flatter stomach. Depending on the amount of skin that's removed during your surgery, the surgeon may also need to relocate your belly button to a higher part of your stomach so that it doesn't appear droopy or misplaced.
Having a tummy tuck shouldn't impact your ability to get pregnant or carry a child to term. However, if you've had prior c-sections and aren't planning to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-sections), the scar tissue that can be created through a tummy tuck surgery can make a c-section a bit tougher than normal and you may have some additional recovery time.
It's also advised that you wait until your tummy tuck surgery has fully healed, usually six months to a year, before you try to get pregnant. This ensures that your body is in the best possible shape to handle pregnancy and should minimize the risk of any complications stemming from the surgery.
If You Have a Baby, Will You Need Revision Surgery?
Many women who give birth after having had a tummy tuck find that they're still satisfied with their stomach's appearance. However, if pregnancy has re-stretched the skin a bit, you may opt for a revision surgery to remove any additional excess skin that has developed.
Often, revision surgery is less extensive than the initial surgery so it may be less expensive and have a shorter recovery time. If you're committed to having tummy tuck surgery soon and aren't yet sure that you're ready to close the door on a future pregnancy, there's no need to wait.
For more information. contact a tummy tuck surgery center in your area.