Many people struggle with their weight at some point in their life. Once stubborn fat develops, especially in areas like the stomach, it is often difficult to lose through diet and exercise. Sometimes, people will turn to tummy tuck surgery as a weight loss solution. Here, we’ll discuss weight loss and tummy tuck surgery, breaking down common misconceptions and highlighting best practices for achieving your desired results.
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How Much Weight Is Lost After a Tummy Tuck?
The stomach is often one of the toughest areas in which to lose fat. Many people struggling with stubborn stomach fat are interested in tummy tuck surgery and its ability to remove stomach fat and excess skin. However, it is important to understand that a tummy tuck is not meant to be a weight loss procedure.
A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure, meaning that it involves removing excess fat and skin to sculpt firmer, smoother body contours. Yet, it is not meant to cause the patient to lose a significant amount of weight. Tummy tuck surgery should not be confused with bariatric surgery, which is a procedure that alters the digestive system to help overweight patients lose weight and restore good health. Patients interested in a tummy tuck should actually be at or near their goal weight to ensure they get the best possible results.
So, how much weight (if any) can patients expect to lose with a tummy tuck? Since excess skin and some fat are removed during the procedure, patients may experience a slight weight change post-surgery. For most patients, this weight loss ranges from three to five pounds. Since this is a minimal amount, patients who are looking to lose a more significant amount of weight should do so before tummy tuck surgery so their results can align with their goals.
Gaining Weight After a Tummy Tuck
While a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, it does alter the appearance of the stomach and, in many cases, also tightens the abdominal muscles. After a tummy tuck, patients can enjoy a smoother, slimmer, and flatter stomach. Yet, it is crucial to understand that these results are largely contingent on maintaining a stable weight after surgery.
Gaining weight after tummy tuck surgery can negatively affect your results. This is because you can still gain more stomach fat after a tummy tuck, and if more weight is gained, then the abdominal skin will stretch once again to accommodate being a larger size. If a significant amount of weight is gained, it could even weaken or separate the abdominal muscles, creating the appearance of a lower stomach pooch. If only a small amount of weight is gained post-surgery, such as less than 10 pounds, then your results may still appear the same.
Losing Weight After a Tummy Tuck
If gaining weight has the potential to alter tummy tuck results, what happens if you lose weight post-tummy tuck? Well, it is important to note that significant weight fluctuations either way (gaining or losing weight) can potentially “undo” your tummy tuck results. Similar to gaining weight after surgery, if you lose a small amount of weight, then there may be no detectable changes in your results. However, significant weight loss after a tummy tuck can result in loose abdominal skin.
Losing a lot of weight after a tummy tuck may result in a smaller waist and more muscle definition. Yet it is essential to understand that when you naturally lose stomach fat, the skin over the area will remain. So when the stomach becomes smaller in size, there will be a formation of excess skin that may droop and have a saggy appearance, especially if a lot of weight is lost.
Is It Easier to Lose Weight After a Tummy Tuck?
Some prospective tummy tuck patients may wonder if the procedure makes it easier to lose weight. Once again, it is important to distinguish between a body contouring procedure like a tummy tuck and weight loss surgery. A tummy tuck is not necessarily designed to make weight loss easier. That being said, some patients may find that it is easier to keep the weight off after surgery because they feel motivated to maintain their results.
Maintaining Tummy Tuck Results
One of the best ways to keep your tummy tuck results looking fabulous for years to come is to keep your weight stable. We recommend being at or near your goal weight for at least six months before your surgery to ensure that your weight is stabilized and manageable to be maintained. Eating a balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods and sticking to a regular exercise routine can do wonders for your health and keep you on track with maintaining your weight.
Want to Know More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Birmingham, AL?
Are you considering tummy tuck surgery and want to know if your body goals can be achieved with the procedure? If so, allow our team at Plastic Surgery Specialists to help you along your journey. Whether you’ve been thinking about this procedure for a while or are new to the idea and have more questions, our staff is ready and here to help.
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery in Birmingham, AL, call our office at (205) 298-8660 or fill out our online contact form today.