There are not many life events that cause as dramatic of a physical change to the body as pregnancy. For this reason, it is only natural for women to wonder how getting pregnant may affect the results of a previous cosmetic surgery that they have had performed. This is particularly true in the case of a tummy tuck since the procedure focuses on the abdomen. The caring team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James N. Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev, is dedicated to helping Long Island patients achieve, maintain, and/or restore the results of their cosmetic surgery over the course of many years and phases of life.
What is a tummy tuck?
Formally known as an abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the contour of a patient’s midsection through the removal of excess skin and tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles, or fascia. A tummy tuck is extremely useful for patients who have hanging, loose abdominal skin after weight loss or pregnancy. A tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women.
How is a tummy tuck performed?
During your tummy tuck at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev will begin with a horizontal incision along your lower midsection, attempting to place it so that the resulting scar can be easily disguised under clothing and swimsuits. The length of the incision that is required will depend on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. The surgeon will then excise the loose skin. If the abdominal muscles have weakened or separated, which often happens during pregnancy, they will be brought back together and secured with sutures. The remaining skin will then be stretched tightly over the abdomen, and the incision will be closed. In many cases, the surgeon may combine liposuction with a tummy tuck in order to further enhance the final results.
Is it safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
While it is perfectly safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck, most surgeons recommend that women wait until they are done having children to undergo the procedure. The weight fluctuations, stretching of the skin, and weakening of the muscles that are often associated with pregnancy can severely compromise – and even reverse – the results of a tummy tuck, leading to the need for a second or subsequent procedure at a later date. Revision surgery is often more complicated and less effective than the original procedure, due to scar tissue that may be present. For this reason, Drs. Romanelli and Layliev strongly encourage women considering a future pregnancy to postpone their tummy tuck.
What if I do get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
The friendly team at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery understands that in some cases, pregnancy after a tummy tuck may happen. Whether a woman gets pregnant unexpectedly or simply changes her mind about having more children, it is certainly safe and possible to carry a baby to term following a tummy tuck. Some patients report a tighter or more constricted feeling during a post-tummy tuck pregnancy, but it is generally mild and well-tolerated. After you have recovered from giving birth and breastfeeding, Drs. Romanelli and Layliev can help you explore your options for restoring your pre-pregnancy contour.
I am not ready to have children yet, but I want a tummy tuck.
In other cases, younger women may be many years away from considering having children and want to improve their body in the meantime. For instance, if a young woman in her 20s has achieved major weight loss and is left with a significant amount of excess skin on her abdomen, it may be appropriate for her to undergo a tummy tuck now so that she can complete her transformation and enjoy her new figure in the years before she decides to have children.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with a breast augmentation?
Absolutely! A large number of patients choose to combine additional procedures with their tummy tuck in order to achieve a dramatic and stunning new physique in a single surgical setting. Oftentimes, a tummy tuck plays a key role in a larger mommy makeover procedure, which may also include:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Liposuction
- Labiaplasty
How do I find the best tummy tuck surgeon in Long Island?
If you are interested in learning more about how a tummy tuck can help you achieve the smooth, tight, beautiful contour you have always wanted, the first step is to be evaluated by a qualified and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Call the convenient Huntington, NY office of Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. James Romanelli or Dr. John Layliev today, and let us help you achieve your ultimate aesthetic goals!
