Cosmetic Question: I have had a tummy tuck. Now, SURPRISE! I am pregnant again. What will happen? Will my previous tummy tuck damage my baby?
Cosmetic Answer:
Fortunately, your previous tummy tuck will not damage your baby.
Instead, the pregnancy will damage your tummy tuck. The hormones of pregnancy plus the baby’s steady grow will stretch your skin, the muscle repair and the incisions all over again. Unfortunately this is just how it is.
Will skin creams help? They will make no difference. Since the products in many creams are absorbed by the skin, it is wise to check with your obstetrician before using any skin cream during pregnancy.
Will a belly band (faja) help? They will provide support to your belly as the baby gets bigger. Some obstetricians do not recommend them because they can weaken back muscles. That is something to discuss with your obstetrician because every woman and every pregnancy is different.
Just enjoy your baby and your new pregnancy. Then, if this is really and truly your last baby, six months after delivery or 3 months after you stop breast feeding, you can go back to your plastic surgeon to discuss a redo tummy tuck.
Will everything have to be done over again? It is hard to predict because the skin and muscle almost always need to be repaired. You may not need further liposuction but there is no way to tell until after you have your baby.
We always recommend that a tummy tuck only be done after you finish having your family, because pregnancy does damage the tummy tuck result. However, life is unpredictable and women can get pregnant unexpectedly.
Do not worry you are not the first person this has happened to.
What if your first plastic surgeon has retired or moved? Just give us a call.