Losing weight after lipo?

Question

I had a mini tummy tuck and liposuction. i was slightly overweight during the procedure. My skin always retracts very well when i lose weight, and with the mini tummy tuck, i know laxity wont be an issue since i only had laxity issues in the bottom of the abdomen. I wonder though, what is your experience when patient lose weight after lipo ? i saw some mentioning it makes everything better, while some say the opposite that it reveals all the dents and irregularities ? Not sure what to believe

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

Losing weight after liposuction and a mini tummy tuck can have varied effects, depending on factors like the amount and pace of weight loss, skin elasticity, and the technique used during the procedure. If you lose weight gradually and have good skin retraction, the contours from liposuction may become more defined, enhancing your results. Weight loss can also create a more proportionate and harmonious appearance, especially if it addresses fat in areas not treated during the procedure. However, rapid or significant weight loss can sometimes reveal irregularities or dents, especially if the fat removal wasn’t perfectly even. Furthermore, even with a mini tummy tuck, significant weight loss may expose minor skin laxity or asymmetries in untreated areas. To maintain the best results, it’s important to lose weight gradually, focus on muscle toning, and avoid significant weight fluctuations. As long as the liposuction was performed well, gradual weight loss should enhance the surgical results, but drastic changes can negatively impact your outcome. 
It is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to determine the best technique based on your individual anatomy and goals.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here.Though I cannot really comment on how your skin will look like if you lose weight without an exam, but in general if liposuction was done right you should not have much dents or irregularities ( it can still happen but less likely) , so even if you lose weight you should be fine. That being said how your skin contract will depend on how much weight you lose, how old you are and the quality of your skin. should you have lax skin there are multiple options to address that issue that you can discuss with your surgeon.We always advocate for having a healthy weight so if you are overweight then losing will be to your benefit both from an aesthetic standpoint and general health standpoint , while if you are underweight then your surgeon will likely recommend optimizing your nutrition.I hope this helps, best of luck!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Irregularities after liposuction can occur due to many issues: loss of underlying facial support, irregular scar formation from micro-seromas (fluid collections), and/or uneven fat resection, the latter being what most lay persons assume is the always the problem. Persons having liposuction who are ideal candidates don't have a lot of fat (a relative concept that I know isn't quantitative and therefore helpful for you), weren't very heavy at some prior time in their lives, or hadn't been pregnant. However, ideal liposuction candidates generally don't need a mini-tummy tuck, a procedure that has very few ideal candidates, about one in a hundred in my practice (and most person's I see in consultation who've had a mini are not happy with their result because they weren't actually a good candidate). Assuming you were a good candidate for liposuction of your abdomen, and your surgery was performed well, getting leaner will not change a good result into a bad one.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Losing weight after liposuction and a mini tummy tuck can yield varied results, depending on factors like your body's natural healing process, skin elasticity, and the areas treated. Here's an overview to clarify the mixed feedback you've encountered:
Positive Effects of Weight Loss After Lipo
1.	Enhanced Contour: If the weight loss is gradual and you maintain good skin elasticity (which you mentioned is a strength for you), the improved contours from lipo may become even more defined as excess fat is reduced elsewhere.
2.	Proportionate Appearance: Losing weight can help achieve an even more harmonious look, especially if other areas of your body carry excess fat that wasn’t treated during your procedure.
Challenges of Weight Loss After Lipo
1.	Risk of Irregularities: If the weight loss is rapid or significant, it may reveal areas where fat removal was uneven, resulting in dents or contour irregularities. This is more common in patients who lose a large percentage of their body weight after surgery.
2.	Exaggerated Skin Issues: While you’ve had a mini tummy tuck to address lower abdominal laxity, drastic weight loss might still highlight any remaining laxity or minor asymmetries, especially in untreated areas.
Factors Influencing Outcomes
•	Surgeon's Technique: The precision of your surgeon’s liposuction technique plays a big role in minimizing irregularities, even with post-op weight fluctuations.
•	Skin Quality: Your noted ability for good skin retraction works in your favor, helping your skin adapt to the smaller underlying fat layers.
•	Post-Surgery Weight Management: Maintaining a stable, healthy weight after surgery generally leads to better long-term results.
Tips for Success
1.	Lose Weight Gradually: Slow and steady weight loss minimizes the risk of contour irregularities and allows your skin to adapt naturally.
2.	Focus on Muscle Toning: Incorporate strength training to help define and tone the treated areas, complementing the surgical results.
3.	Monitor Your Weight: Avoid significant weight fluctuations, as they can affect the aesthetic outcomes of your procedure.
Your focus on gradual weight loss and your favorable skin retraction history are excellent predictors for a positive outcome. If you're unsure, consulting your surgeon for guidance can provide peace of mind!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Liposuction removes stubborn subcutaneous fat.  If too much fat is removed contour irregularities can occur.  Skin laxity is also a risk depending on the area suctioned as well as the quality of the skin prior to surgery.  You can still gain and lose weight after surgery.  Weight loss that remains in healthy limits often enhances your surgical results.  It is important to select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for optimal results.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not post photos nor mentioned your age which makes a big difference in how the skin will react. If you are young, you may do well with weight loss and your skin. If you are mid 40's or older, you might have some excess, especially if you lose over 15 pounds. If you lose over 20 pounds at any age, you may have excess skin.  Also, the number of pregnancies also dictates how well your skin will react. There are lots of factors besides weight loss.

Losing weight after lipo?

Answers (6)

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