Just had a fleur de lis tummy tuck, lipo on flanks and back but didn't lose weight from it. Why?

Question

I just had 05-13-2019 a Fleur de lis tummy tuck, lipo on flanks and back. My dr. Removed 7 pds of fat and skin, how come that I don’t see any changes in my scale. Pre op weight 166 pds and current weight 166. I know is not a weight loss surgery but I wonder why I didn’t loose those pounds. Thanks

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Everyone retains water after surgery, so most patients feel bloated, puffy, and 5-10 pounds heavier for 2-3 weeks after surgery.When this goes away, it sounds like you will be lighter. But the real benefit is the change in shape.

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Congratulations on your surgery! You may not always see results on the scale, you are still swollen and maybe retaining liquids. Give it approx 6 months to heal and see some difference but it is too soon still.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your procedure.  Most likely your body is retaining water which has offset the number of pounds of tissue removed during surgery.  As your body heals further, it will release this extra water and you should see a resultant drop in weight, all other things remaining stable.  Hope this helps

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

As you stated a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, however, you will retain fluids for several weeks after surgery. If you are careful with your diet you will probably see a difference in your weight in the months to come. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear liany7419,
you probably don't see weight changes due to postoperative swelling. I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a Fleur de lis tummy tuck surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.
Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

John Paletta, MD · Answer

Be patient, you did lose the weight. A week out from surgery it’s common for people to have gained weight because of the fluid that’s retained as a result of the surgery.  Commonly a week after breast augmentation patients are about 5-10 pounds heavier.  Therefore, the 7 pounds that was removed is offset by the 5 to 10 pounds of retained fluid, which will resolve.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You will likely only lose a few pounds from the liposuction procedures over a period of time. Seven days post-op TT and lipo of flanks and back, you are still swollen with fluid.  As fluid resorbs and skin tightens, you may notice some weight loss.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question .  You are way early in your recovery to see any weight loss, you have tissue swelling, fluid retention , etc.  I tell my patient's to not get on a scale for at least 4-5 months.

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanj you for your question.
It’s normal that after any surgical procedure for you to be very swollen and don’t see any changes on your weight. Plastic surgery it’s different from bariatric surgery, the patients start to see the real changes after 6 months of surgery. You just need ti have patience to enjoy your results.
Good luck!

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

This is a very common question and concern for patients that are within the first week or two after surgery. There is significant fluid changes in the body after surgery, and patients actually weigh the same or more immediately after surgery than their preoperative weight. This is because the fat that was removed is replaced with fluid in the tissue and this actually weighs more than fat did. With significant skin and fat removal you will ultimately lose weight once you have healed. This can take up to six months. Remember to maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise once you’re able to. Finally, remember that body contouring procedures are not weight loss procedures. Most patients only lose 2-5 pounds depending on the amount of skin removed. Fat hardly weight much at all. Thanks for your question.

Just had a fleur de lis tummy tuck, lipo on flanks and back but didn't lose weight from it. Why?

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