Love Handles Appeared After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck 3 weeks ago and now have developed some love handles around the rib areas. They were not there at 1-2 weeks post op. I am currently wearing a spanx garment around the clock--a large one up to the bra line. Will these handles go away on there own? Will they need to be removed with lipo? If so, How long before I can do the lipo? Please advise if this is usually a surgical correction. Thank You for any advice you can give!

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Honestly, love handles just don't appear after tummy tuck.  In all likelihood, you had them before and what has happened is that, now that your abdomen is flatter and more aesthetically pleasing, they have become more noticeable.  You should wait a minimum of eight weeks before any surgery and I would recommend waiting longer for surgery in the same general area to give things a chance to settle down.  Best of luck.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Love handles are not created by a tummy tuck, although excess skin at the ends of the incision (commonly called "dog-ears") can appear like love handles. At 3 weeks, it is far to early to worry about these types of contour deformities as they often go away after a few months. If dog-ears persist, a minor procedure in the office can eliminate them.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Your love handles were not caused by the tummy tuck but their appearance has been created by the tummy tuck result. They were there all along and have now become more apparent as the stomach as gotten much flatter. They have become more noticeable based on changing proportions. Whether you may desire for them to be treated secondarily requires more postoperative healing time. Wait until six months after your tummy tuck and see how you feel about them then.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

A Tummy Tuck does not and cannot produce Love Handles. But - a Tummy Tuck can unveil, unmask and uncover preexisting fat deposits of the back and hips. 

	As the abdominal muscles are tightened and flattened and the waist is narrowe any excess fat deposits along the back, especially around the hips (ie the Love Handles) become unveiled and accentuated resulting in their "appearance".

	The key is in careful preoperative examination and educating the patient on the advisability of having liposuction of these areas at the same time as the Tummy Tuck. Another possibility is noting the presence of such deposits and allowing the woman to decide if she wants to have the liposuction at the same time as her Tummy Tuck or at a later time, IF she is bothered by her AFTER Tummy Tuck appearance. This is probably the best option in your case. You can have the liposuction once your weight has stabilized as soon as 4-6 months after your operation.

	Good Luck from Memphis,

	Peter A Aldea, MD

Louise Ferland, MD (retired) · Answer

I agree it is not possible that a tummy tuck would cause what you are describing therefore it is not a surgical correction. Once you are healed and given the ok to go back to the gym, make sure you get back into the swing of your exercise program.

Love Handles Appeared After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)

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