I am concerned about fat redistribution after tummy tuck. I am a body builder and intentionally gain weight to gain muscle mass?

Question

I do repeated cycled of bulking and cutting. Would it be better to have a lower body fat percentage before a tummy tuck in order to deflate the skin of as uch fat? That way less fat cells are removed so that I can avoid fat redistribution? I know fat cells remain the same and just grow and shrink, so I am not sure if that has any effect? I hope my question makes sense.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Your questions are great and I could give you more exact answers during a consultation, but in order to guide you in the right direction a tummy tuck will get rid of any extra fat cells and skin below your belly button. Therefore, you will most likely not get any more bulk in this area during your weight gain. However, you may get more bulk in other areas like your flanks, upper back, or thighs. Most of the results depend on what happens to your body now during your cycles, so we could discuss what your body would potentially look like after the surgery and then during your cycles.

Thank you for your question!

Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore plastic surgeon

Thank you for your question!

Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore plastic surgeon

Ryan Hoffman, MD · Answer

There are a few different thoughts on what would be best plan prior to a tummy tuck. In general, I want my patients to be at a weight they can maintain. Crash dieting or lowering your body fat percentage prior to surgery can cause you to be a level that you cannot maintain after surgery. When you return to your normal set point your results could be affected.  Talk to your operating surgeon and express your concerns. Good luck!

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Rayna,    Front and side pictures of your body would have been very helpful.      Don't confuse liposuction with tummy tuck. With liposuction you can have fat redistribution if you do not lose the fat that was aspirated in the liposuction procedure. However, with tummy tuck , there is no fat redistribution,  though, most of my patients lose weight due to the abdominal muscles tightening , which reduces the amount of food that you can eat and your sense of hunger.   So, you will have to schedule consultation with board certified plastic surgeon to assess your situation and decide if you are a candidate for liposuction or tummy tuck.   You have to realize that not all results are the same, because experience, skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good outcome. So, do your due diligence carefully and choose your surgeon wisely, to avoid bad result and need for corrective surgery.    Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety.  Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive.                            Best of luck,                                                  Dr Widder

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

I would not worry about fat redistributing after a tummy tuck.  Other areas of your body will not gain fat more easily simply because fat around your abdomen has been removed.  I would aim for your lowest weight that can be achieved in a healthy fashion, and have the procedure done then.  They will allow for the removal of the maximal amount of skin and tightening.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  In order to maintain your long-term tummy tuck results, it is best to reach your desired goal weight prior to surgery and avoid large fluctuations in weight postoperatively.  Significant weight gain/loss will cause skin stretch and a loosening of your tummy tuck results.  Hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You will not have quote "fat distribution" issues if your weight is stable. Best of luck with you devision to  move forward.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

It is always best to be at your ideal weight before considering a tummy tuck.  In you case you will be bulking to gain mass but the key is to gain lean muscle mass not fat which then would not affect your abdominal area.  Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Your question makes sense. Basically, I suggest that you reach a long-term stable weight, where you expect to be most of the time, prior to proceeding with tummy tuck.   In other words, avoidance of significant weight fluctuation after tummy tuck surgery will be in your best interests. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Since you are probably very lean as a bodybuilder, it is extremely unlikely that you will have much fat bulk removed with your tummy tuck to warrant concerns over fat redistribution.  Your weight gain is probably muscle mass anyway but I would not be concerned.  If you can benefit from tightening of your stomach muscles and removal of excess skin proceed and enjoy your results.  Please enjoy the video link above for some information regarding the difference between mini and full tummy tucks.  Best wishes,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, California