Surprise Baby: Abdominoplasty Performed During Unknown Pregnancy

Abstract

Abdominoplasty is a commonly performed procedure for patients after significant weight loss and in postpregnancy women. Stable weight and completed family planning are critical for optimal outcomes, as pregnancy postabdominoplasty can increase risks for both mother and fetus and potentially compromise aesthetic results. We present the first reported case of a patient undergoing abdominoplasty while unknowingly pregnant. A 40-year-old woman, 4 years postbariatric bypass surgery, presented for abdominoplasty with a body mass index of 28 kg/m². She had 3 children and had concluded her family planning. The surgery was performed without complications. Four months later, an unexpected pregnancy at 24 weeks was discovered. The patient developed gestational diabetes and hypertension but had no complications related to the abdominoplasty. The male newborn, delivered at 38 weeks, was small for gestational age but healthy. Ten years postsurgery, the patient maintained excellent aesthetic results with no abdominal complications. This case highlights that although family planning completion is recommended preoperatively to avoid complications, pregnancy postabdominoplasty can still result in favorable maternal and fetal outcomes. Although performing abdominoplasty on pregnant women is not advised, this case demonstrates that an undetected pregnancy during the procedure did not lead to adverse outcomes for the mother or child.