If you are planning on having kids in the future, our board-certified plastic surgeons usually advise postponing abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) until you no longer intend to have any more children. The reason for this recommendation is mainly due to the fact that the physical changes commonly brought on by pregnancy can often negatively affect the outcome of a prior tummy tuck. For example, abdominal skin and/or musculature may re-stretch during pregnancy, creating similar—if not the same—aesthetic concerns that were treated with the previous abdominoplasty. Depending on the severity of these new concerns, a second tummy tuck might be needed/desired.
All that being said, if you are unsure as to whether or not you are going to eventually have kids (or continue to grow your family), an abdominoplasty can be still be performed. No one should have to live with weakened abdominal musculature and/or lax, extra skin in the stomach region for several years based exclusively on the fact that you might have children at some point in the future. In fact, it’s possible that you may not even need or desire a revisional treatment or second tummy tuck in the event you become pregnant following your original procedure—it all depends on the physical changes that accompany your pregnancy and how well your body responds to diet and exercise efforts after you’ve had your baby.
Ultimately, the ideal timing for abdominoplasty varies by individual. At the time of a consultation, our experienced doctor can evaluate your specific cosmetic concerns and discuss any life plans you may have in order to help determine the best time for you to undergo tummy tuck surgery. To meet with Dr. Stafford R. Broumand, please contact 740 Park Plastic Surgery online or by telephone today.