If you’re pregnant, you probably be thinking bout ways to handle weight gain and body changes. Or perhaps how to improve your shape. Liposuction may definitely come to mind.
But is it a good idea to get it during these times? This is a type of surgery where doctors remove fat from certain parts of the body to change how it looks, making you feel better about yourself.
But now your body’s constantly changing to help the growth and health of the baby. This makes the idea of getting a procedure like this while pregnant very sensitive.
Let’s look into what you need to know regarding liposuction during pregnancy:
Can you get lipo while pregnant?
Simple answer? Nope! You can’t get that at this time. Surgeons and health practitioners all over the world, including myself, do not recommend lipo for pregnant moms.
At this time(pregnancy), your body’s going through a lot of changes to support your baby’s growth. Adding something as elective as cosmetic surgery, for that matter, liposuction, would only introduce risks that aren’t worth taking when you’re pregnant.
Research states that over 85% of women who undergo liposuction surgery experience contour deformities. It has always been expected that this would go away in the following weeks, but consider how uncomfortable such bruising could be, especially with a baby involved.
You and your baby’s health matters most now, and avoiding unnecessary surgeries is part of that care.
Lipo aims to remove fat from parts of the body, but it isn’t something intended for weight loss during pregnancy. In fact, your body even needs a certain amount of extra fat during pregnancy for everything to go smoothly.
After the baby is born and you’ve recovered from childbirth, if you’re considering liposuction, that’s a different story. You can talk to a doctor to see if it’s a good option for you once you’ve had time to heal post-delivery. But while pregnant, it is a BIG-NO!
Risks of Lipo During Pregnancy
If I’d attach a risk score to getting liposuction while pregnant, then it a nine-point five out of 10. And it poses an equal risk to momma and the unborn baby.
During pregnancy, your body undergoes considerable changes, like increased blood volume, and hormonal shifts, all of which can impact how the body responds to surgery.
Here are a couple of risks moms are likely to face when they proceed to having liposuction during pregnancy:
Anesthesia Risks:
During any surgery, including liposuction, doctors use medicines to make the person sleep so they don’t feel pain, which is called anesthesia.
These medicines don’t just affect you; they can cross over to the baby as well, and that could be risky. Yes, they can stunt a baby’s growth.
Another reason anesthesia is a concern is that it can affect your blood pressure[1]. It becomes very important to keep your pressure stabilized because big changes can harm you and the little one.
In a nutshell, adding the risks of anesthesia to the already busy job of growing a baby is not something doctors recommend. It’s always crucial to think about what’s best for your health and your baby’s health.
Infections
Small cuts are always made, allowing germs a way in. While the body is already busy catering to the needs of the pregnancy, dealing with these invaders can be harder than usual.
If an infection were to happen, treating it might not be straightforward. Antibiotics are unequally created, and not all of them(most) are safe during pregnancy. You don’t want to take any chances.
Imagine the extra stress of dealing with an infection from getting lipo—it’s just not worth it.
Blood loss
There’s also a chance that some blood will be lost. Normally, a little blood loss can be managed easily. But the story is always different when a baby is involved.
Losing even a small amount of blood can be more serious than when you’re not pregnant. It’s because both mom and baby constantly need blood to support baby’s growth and for mom to stay fit and healthy.
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients all around the body, including to the baby. Once it lessens because of surgery, it’s going to be harder for the baby to get these vitals.
This can lead to difficulties that no one wants, like stunted growth in babies or a persistent feeling of weakness and dizziness in moms. That’s why we suggest you postpone this decision now.
Blood clots
Almost like losing blood, when someone has surgery, like liposuction, the risk of developing blood clots goes up, too. This happens because the body’s way of stopping bleeding also makes clots more likely to form. Pregnant people even have a higher risk.
Blood clots are dangerous because they can block blood vessels and stop blood flow to vital organs, which can harm you and the baby. Another worry is that they can travel to places like the lungs, which is a condition called a pulmonary embolism.
This is serious and needs immediate medical attention. Your body is working tirelessly now and you don’t want to add the additional risk of blood clots from a surgery like liposuction.
Impact on the baby
The hefty of your baby’s survival is on you. That’s why it’s essential to think about how your decision might impact this delicate balance. Surgery, including liposuction, comes with its own set of risks.
I already mentioned the chance of an infection and reactions to anesthesia. These risks aren’t just for the mom; they can also reach the baby.
Medications or effects from the procedure can make their way to the baby, consequently hurting its health and growth.
The body’s response to surgery, too, can add stress, playing a role in how well the pregnancy is going. It isn’t just emotional stress but physical. And can influence the baby’s environment in the womb.
It could lead to complications such as premature birth, which is when the baby is born too early and might not have fully developed.
Alternative Options for Liposuction For Pregnant Moms
Lipo is unsafe for expectant moms. However, if you’re looking to maintain your body during pregnancy in a healthy way and prepare for post-pregnancy recovery, here’s a list of alternative options:
Prenatal exercise
It’s not about losing weight; it’s about being healthy and getting ready for having your baby and bouncing back after the birth.
Doing exercises made for pregnant women helps you keep your muscles strong and your heart healthy and can even make some of the uncomfortable parts of being pregnant a little bit easier to handle.
Plus, these exercises can lift your spirits and give you more energy. Working out while you’re pregnant might include special classes for moms-to-be, stretching, taking walks, or swimming.
These activities are gentle on your body but really good for you and your baby. They can prepare you for the BIG DAY(labor) and help take away some of the stress and worry that you might feel sometimes.
Balanced Nutrition
It’s not about dieting or trying to look a certain way like you might with liposuction. It’s more about ensuring you’re getting the good nutrients that keep you healthy and fit.
And your safer bet is to go with fruits, veggies, dairy products, and proteins. Eating a variety of these gives your baby a great start with all the building blocks they need to grow.
Maternity Support Garments
These are special clothes designed just for pregnant women. They support your growing belly, ease back pain, and even improve your posture.
Think of them as your personal assistant. They’re not about changing how your body naturally changes during this special time. Instead, all about making you more comfortable, supported, and confident as your body does what it’s designed to do.
From support belts that ease pressure on the back and maternity leggings that improve circulation, there’s a variety of options to choose from.
By choosing this over liposuction, you are choosing a safe and healthy way to support your body during one of the most transformational times of your life.
Enough rest
Getting enough rest is more or less like giving your body a nice, long break. Your body is working super hard all the time, not just when you’re up and about.
Grabbing some z’s at night and taking breaks during the day gives you and your baby a chance to recharge and grow. Think of rest as the body’s own way of taking care of itself.
It’s not about making your body look a certain way, like what you might think of with liposuction. It’s about giving you the energy to take care of your baby inside and out.
And when you are rested, your body can focus on what it’s really good at—making a healthy, happy baby. When you rest, your muscles and your whole body get a chance to relax and heal from any soreness or tiredness.
This means that instead of trying to change the way your body looks with something like liposuction, you’re listening to your body and giving it what it needs.
Can You Get Lipo While Pregnant? – This is a wrap
Pregnancy is a special time when your body is going through a lot of changes to support your growing baby. Rather than looking for quick fixes like liposuction to manage these changes, it’s much better and safer to focus on healthy habits.
Catching some good z’s and eating well are fantastic ways to care for you and the baby during these delicate times.
Bear in mind that all these changes you’re encountering are normal and part of the amazing process of bringing a new life into the world. It’s a time to focus on safety, health, and well-being rather than changing your appearance.
After your baby arrives and you’ve had time to recover, if you’re still interested in liposuction, you can discuss it with a doctor who understands your health and can give you the best advice.
So, can you get lipo while pregnant? The simple answer is no. Rather focus on giving the best care to your baby now.
