Weight gain after tummy tuck. Will my results return if I lose weight?

Question

I had my TT revision March 1, 2022. It’s great! However, I went through menopause and was started on bioidentical hormone therapy. I’ve gained 12 lbs since September. I’m beside myself. My tummy is puffy. I have gained the weight in my butt and legs. I’m seeing another doctor about my hormone therapy. If I do lose weight, will my results that I initially had return?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear JLYo,
it is hard to tell will you have some loose skin once you lose weight. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice. But, if there is no massive weight loss you will probably be fine. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Weight gain can affect your tummy tuck results.  Although since you haven't gained a significant amount, losing the weight should improve your concerns.  Be sure to incorporate a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise into your routine as well.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm glad to hear that your tummy tuck revision has been great for you. Weight changes, such as the weight gain you've experienced, can impact the results of body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck. However, it's important to remember that individual results can vary.

If you are able to lose weight through healthy lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, it may help improve your overall body composition and potentially restore some of the results you achieved after your tummy tuck revision. Losing weight can lead to a reduction in fat volume and an improvement in body proportions.

However, it's important to keep in mind that everyone's body is unique, and there may be factors that influence the outcome differently for each individual. Additionally, the elasticity and overall condition of your skin can also affect how it adapts to weight loss.

To get a better understanding of how weight loss may impact your specific situation and the potential for your initial results to return, it would be best to consult with your plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your current condition, discuss your goals, and provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances.

Additionally, addressing your concerns about hormone therapy and its potential impact on weight gain with the doctor overseeing your hormone therapy can be beneficial. They may be able to adjust the treatment to minimize any undesirable side effects, including weight gain.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

With just 12-pound weight gain, if you lose that excess, you should return fairly close to where you were after surgery.  It is not all about hormones, but metabolism does slow down with menopause. Try intermittent fasting.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Small weight fluctuations should not have permanent influence on body, shape and contour. Significant weight fluctuations as permanent changes, especially in skin laxity.
Weight fluctuations below 25 pounds are generally tolerated without seeing a significant permanent change.
This varies from person to person. 
You should be able to regain your results by reducing your weight to your pre-procedure BMI. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Weight gain after tummy tuck. Will my results return if I lose weight?

Answers (5)

Answer: Weight

Answer: Weight

Answer: The influence of weight fluctuations

Answer: The influence of weight fluctuations

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Weight gain after tummy tuck. Will my results return if I lose weight?

Answers (5)

Answer: Weight

Answer: Weight

Answer: The influence of weight fluctuations

Answer: The influence of weight fluctuations

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.