Can I Get Pregnant After Having A Tummy Tuck?

Q: Dr. Eppley,  I am 21 years old and have lost 65 lbs over the past two years. This has left me with a lot of excess skin and an overhanging abdominal apron. I have been researching tummy tuck surgery to remove it. My main concern is if I will still be able to have children in the future? I am not planning on having children anytime soon as I still young but I know someday I will when I meet the right man. I just need the tummy tuck now so I can feel better about myself. Will the tummy tuck scar in any way interfere with my belly stretching during pregnancy?

A: There is no problem with becoming pregnant and having children after a tummy tuck. This is not a rare occurrence at all. The slow stretch of tissues during pregnancy easily expands the abdominal skin. Since you are young and have never had children (and likely will), the muscle should not be tightened during your tummy tuck. The overhanging skin and fat should only be removed. This will make a dramatic change in your waistline and provide you years of feeling better about your body.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana