Is There a Health Benefit of Fat Removal in Tummy Tuck Similar To Losing Belly Fat The Traditional Way?

Question

Not trying for insurance coverage, just wondering - I know abdominal fat is worse heart-health-wise than hip fat. Could the removal of fat in a full TT improve a patient's heart-health odds generally, or is this wishful thinking? I don't have heart disease but I do have apple-body habitus so after losing 80+ pounds the leftovers are sitting on mah belly, just wondering if TT will be physically as well as psychologically beneficial. Thanks.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Recent studies indicate that there may be health benefits to an Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck.  This procedure does remove a large amount of subcutaneous fat from the body.  However, the decision to get an Abdominoplasty should still be the desire to improve body contour.  Traditional weight loss will have the same or more benefits of a tummy tuck.  Before surgery strive to get your BMI below 30 for the best result.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	All available research indicates that reduction of fat can reduce insulin resistance and the risks of diabetes (type 2), but only reduction of visceral fat- the fat that we collect internally around our organs.

	The subcutaneous fat (fat between the skin and our muscle layer) has not been shown to be related to these health risks- and therefore, removal through liposuction and/or tummy tuck surgery has not been found to be beneficial in improving one's health or future risks of health complications.

	On the other hand, there can be no doubt that when you are pleasedwith how you look, you are more confident and secure, and I think most women do realize a healthy improvement in self esteem and energy when they are happy with how they look.

David Whiteman, MD · Answer

Like natural weight loss, a tummy tuck can provide a number of medical benefits. But a tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure, and the benefits are not the same. Since the abdominal wall and muscles are repaired during a tummy tuck, the procedure can be used to treat ventral hernias and prevent future ones from occurring. Additionally, a tummy tuck can potentially improve posture by tightening weakened abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck can also improve the contour of the waist if performed with the Scarpa fascia technique.

Robert Oliver Jr., MD · Answer

This question re. health benefits of fat removal (surgical or liposuction) has been looked at several times. Currently, the best literature is clear in that there is no proven health benefit to surgical removal of this external tissue. It had been speculated that high volume fat reduction with liposuction might reduce insulin resistence, but that did not hold up under scrutiny

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

We usually think of the health benefits of tummy tuck to be better abdominal tone and posture, increased exercise tolerance, and correction of hernias when present. It may be true as well that a reduction of abdominal fat through tummy tuck or liposuction may reduce insulin requirements and reduce the presence of type 2 diabetes. Now, if only insurance companies saw the value we do.

Is There a Health Benefit of Fat Removal in Tummy Tuck Similar To Losing Belly Fat The Traditional Way?

Answers (6)

Answer: There is no proven benefit to health with cosmetic fat reduction procedures

Answer: There is no proven benefit to health with cosmetic fat reduction procedures

Answer: Health benefits of tummy tuck

Answer: Health benefits of tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Is There a Health Benefit of Fat Removal in Tummy Tuck Similar To Losing Belly Fat The Traditional Way?

Answers (6)

Answer: There is no proven benefit to health with cosmetic fat reduction procedures

Answer: There is no proven benefit to health with cosmetic fat reduction procedures

Answer: Health benefits of tummy tuck

Answer: Health benefits of tummy tuck

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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