The prospect of motherhood is a major highlight in every woman’s life. The excitement and expectations that surround the whole process are to most, a worthwhile experience. However, it’s not always smooth sailing, as pregnancies do often tend to take a toll on a woman’s body. Tummy tucks have in the recent past gained increased popularity both to moms seeking a restoration of their abdominal profile to pre-pregnancy state and young prospective mothers as well. This article is aimed at exploring the effects of abdominoplasty procedures on pregnancy and also the impact of childbirth on tummy tucks.
An abdominoplasty procedure aims to accomplish several things. First would be the removal of excess fats around the abdominal region. Second is the removal of loose skin and also the repair of weak abdominal muscles.
SCENARIO 1: PRE-PREGNANCY TUMMY TUCK.
The desire to have a flat tummy and a trim waist has never been stronger witnessed as in the 21st century. Advances in cosmetic surgery have allowed for surgical procedures that are aimed at improving the human body’s general appearance through re-sculpturing, repair and enhancement techniques. It is not uncommon to find young women seeking tummy tuck procedures prior to having children. The question however is, can an abdominoplasty affect pregnancy?
The truth is that it is possible to carry a healthy pregnancy to term after a tummy tuck procedure. The kicker however is that pregnancies have been associated with weight gain, stretching of abdominal muscles and the overlying skin as well. This in principle can reverse the gains accomplished by the prior tummy tuck procedure. Complications during pregnancy are a normal occurrence, after all giving life to a new human isn’t an exact art. In cases where the tummy tuck preceding the pregnancy was done to repair weak abdominal muscles, you might feel a little tight on the abdomen.
As the pregnancy progresses, you are bound to experience tightening sensations which is normal. Compared to other women with no history of tummy tucks, the baby bump won’t stick out quite as far. Surgeons recommend that extreme weight gain during pregnancy be avoided in order to control the extent to which your tummy tuck will be affected. You’re also advised against exerting pressure on your baby bump by heavy object lifting as this can likely aggravate abdominal muscle damage.
After birth, most tummy tucks will hold and a little while afterwards the woman will look great without the necessity of a touch up procedure. There are instances when birth by a caesarean section are unavoidable. The main concern in this case is the scar tissue that results. Obstetricians and Gynecologists may lack the precision of cosmetic surgeons when concealing the scars but they may as well low a low pelvic incision that is easy to conceal under swimwear.
SCENARIO 2: POST-PREGNANCY TUMMY TUCK.
Most women who have undergone childbirth are familiar with the persistent effects a pregnancy (or several) may weigh on your mid-section. Most opt for tummy tuck procedures at this point to improve the appearance of their mid-sections. Abdominoplasty procedures in this case are performed to improve the tone and tightness of the abdomen. This decision might come when a woman deems her family complete. However, not all pregnancies are planned or premeditated. Pregnancies that follow a tummy tuck pose no risk to the mother or baby.
It is generally recommended that women should seek tummy tuck procedures in instances where they are certain of no future childbearing plans. This reduces the risk of scarring in case of caesarean operations. You will look youthful and attractive with a flat tummy and a trim waistline. Most women past the childbearing phase seek abdominoplasty surgeries in combination with breast augmentations and facelifts.
In conclusion, a tummy tuck poses no risk to a pregnancy or the mother. Slight discomfort is expected but hey, something’s got to give. Cosmetic surgery has become the modern day fountain of youth. You can alter and tweak your body’s appearance to your own liking.
Dr. Gregory H. Croll is the owner of his own practice, and the leading doctor for tummy tucks in Columbia, MO.
