Can women still get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

A common question that women bring up during their tummy tuck consultation is, “Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?” The simplest answer to this question is, “Yes.” It will be important, however, to consider planning ahead and understanding how the body changes, both during and after pregnancy.

Pregnancy has a profound effect on a woman’s body, as her midsection stretches to accommodate the growing fetus. After childbirth, that area needs time to recover. Generally, breastfeeding helps the body bounce back naturally. However, many women find that their bodies have forever changed and therefore consider cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery to assist in the recovery process.

For several reasons, I do not recommend tummy tuck at the time of a c-section or “tummy tuck c-section.” Indeed, I may have some esteemed colleagues that disagree.

Patients who are considering tummy tuck surgery but are confident that they plan on having children in the near future are generally advised to wait. It is likely that the surgical procedure that helps flatten and tone the abdominal area during surgery will stretch somewhat and change during pregnancy; though perhaps not to the excess as prior to the tummy tuck. However, as liposuction, as performed in a combined liposuction and tummy tuck procedure, permanently removes fat, fat fluctuations will not be as prominent in the treated areas.

That being said, and especially for my patients who have accomplished a significant weight loss, these patients may enjoy the figure of a tummy tuck while waiting to plan for a family. I would hate for one of my clients, after earning a great figure through diet and exercise, to unnecessarily feel that she must wait years to enjoy a flat stomach while planning for children in the distant future.

For women wondering, “Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?” it is advised that you wait at least six months after surgery before getting pregnant. This ensures that you have fully recovered from surgery. Women can also choose to have a follow up surgery six to 12 months after having their child.