Plastic surgery, also known as cosmetic surgery, has become increasingly common. These elective procedures are designed to tighten or enhance parts of your body. Pregnancy after plastic surgery can leave you wondering about your safety or that of your baby.
Pregnancy After Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat under the skin. It is generally performed as an outpatient procedure. Becoming pregnant after liposuction does not typically increase your risks of having a healthy and safe baby. However, pregnancy causes weight gain and skin stretching, which can leave you with your pre-liposuction body after birth. Some women may choose to have liposuction again or an abdominoplasty.
Tummy Tuck and Pregnancy
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, reduces the size of your stomach by removing excess fat and skin in order to tighten the abdominal muscles. While most women who become pregnant after a tummy tuck have no issues carrying their baby to term, there are some risks you and your OBGYN should monitor.
Due to tightened abdominal muscles, you may not show as early or as much. It is possible that your baby’s growth could be restricted if there is not enough room for the uterus to expand. This could also lead to pre-term labor. Women who have had a tummy tuck are also at a greater risk of experiencing diastasis recti, or separation of the abdominal muscles. This can sometimes be treated with rehab but may require an abdominoplasty revision surgery to correct.
If you require a caesarean section (C-section), scar tissue from your tummy tuck could be in the same location where your C-section incision is required. While this is generally no different than a repeated C-section procedure, your OBGYN may want to coordinate with your plastic surgeon to know how the abdominoplasty was performed. Since there are many unknown risks and the likelihood of needing a revision surgery is high, it is generally recommended you wait until you are done having children to have an abdominoplasty.
Now What?
Speak with your OBGYN and plastic surgeon about your plans for cosmetic surgery and children. They can address any concerns you may have and work with you to develop a plan.
If you find yourself pregnant after liposuction or a tummy tuck, be sure to let both your OBGYN and plastic surgeon know. They may coordinate to monitor your pregnancy and any complications that arise.
