Excess skin and fat on the abdomen can be frustrating, especially when it refuses to respond to regular diet and exercise. However, tummy tuck operations, also known as abdominoplasty, can help by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing the excess, loose skin. These impactful procedures can reshape the abdomen to help rejuvenate a patient’s appearance.
In general, abdominoplasties are outpatient procedures that take between three to four hours to complete. Dr. Steele will begin abdominoplasty by placing a patient under general anesthesia. Based on the patient’s goals and the scope of the treatment they need, he will either recommend either a full or mini abdominoplasty. A full abdominoplasty is ideal for tightening loose skin in the lower and upper abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck can address areas below the navel.
Many women pursue abdominal skin removal operations after pregnancy or significant weight loss. However, some women also wonder whether they can have an abdominoplasty if they hope to have children in the future. Fortunately, women can have children after a tummy tuck, and Dr. Steele can answer any questions that a prospective patient may have.
Does Abdominoplasty Impact the Ability to Get Pregnant?
In general, an abdominoplasty will not impact a woman’s ability to have children. Prospective patients should also understand that since having a baby involves additional stretching, childbearing will alter the results of a previous abdominoplasty procedure.
Therefore, most surgeons advise patients to wait until after they finish growing their family to receive a tummy tuck. However, Dr. Steele also realizes that life seldom goes as planned. Because of this, he encourages prospective patients to wait at least a year after abdominoplasty before they start having children. Dr. Steele can answer any further questions a patient has about the relationship between childbearing and a tummy tuck operation.
Can Women Seek Corrective Surgery to Restore a Tummy Tuck After Giving Birth?
According to Babycenter, many women report that their bellies remained tight and flat when they became pregnant after a tummy tuck. Some abdomens did not develop as much as they did during previous pregnancies. However, there are cases in which a woman does lose the results of a previous alteration. When this happens, they could likely benefit from seeking corrective surgery to restore the effects of past abdominoplasty.
Women who have given birth a prior abdominoplasty have options when it comes to corrective procedures. Common restorative surgeries include a mini tummy tuck, a full abdominoplasty, and a mommy makeover. Dr. Steele can outline the details of each of these tummy tuck variants to help a patient determine which is the best for their unique body.
Contact a Plastic Surgeon about Having Children After a Tummy Tuck
Since abdominoplasty procedures are impactful body contouring options that help people feel more comfortable with their physique, women who hope to become pregnant in the future should not rule them out.
If you want to have children after a tummy tuck, Dr. Steele can discuss your childbearing aspirations during a consultation and help you reach a calculated decision. Reach out to our office today to schedule your initial appointment.