Dr wants me to lose 8-10 lbs. after tummy tuck, will that help my tummy become smaller? Or do I need a revision? (Photos)

Question

I am 29 years old, 8 months post op from full tummy tuck, with muscle repair and lipo. I am feeling as if my tummy is still big and wondering if that’s because too little fat is removed? I gained some weight about 8lbs but working on losing it. Dr wants me to lose 8-10 lbs. will that help my tummy become smaller? Or do I need a revision or more lipo?

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos! If you feel that you gained weight, I always recommend that you get to your ideal weight before proceeding with any surgical procedure. After you can re-evaluate if you need a revision or not. Hope this helps. Best of luck!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction! Based on your photos, your tummy tuck results look excellent, and it’s unlikely you will need a revision. Here’s why:

Losing the 8–10 lbs your surgeon recommended will likely help reduce some remaining fat in your abdominal area, giving you a leaner and more contoured look. This is especially true if the weight loss focuses on subcutaneous fat, which can "debulk" your abdomen and further enhance your surgical results. It's important to remember that even a small amount of weight loss can make a noticeable difference in overall contour, especially in someone as close to their goal weight as you are.

As for further liposuction, it is an option if you desire additional refinement. However, it’s best to lose the weight first and evaluate the results before considering any additional procedures. Losing weight can help achieve a flatter stomach without requiring more surgery.

You don’t appear to need a revision, as your current results reflect well-done muscle repair and skin tightening. With a combination of weight loss and perhaps fine-tuning your diet and exercise routine, you should be able to achieve the aesthetic improvements you’re looking for.

I hope this helps clarify your options! When considering any additional procedures, be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore the safest and most effective path forward.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. You have received a nice level of improvement from surgery and I would recommend getting down to your preprocedure weight to get the best evaluation of before to after.  There is a component of visceral fat likely playing a roll maintaining some outward deflection of you abdominal muscles, so weight loss should improve this.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Lise L,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thanks for submitting your questions and photos!  Usually, it's best to lose any weight you've put on since your tummy tuck procedure so that you get a more accurate before/after comparison.  In our practice, we always recommend losing any weight patients have put on since surgery, then take updated photos and compare them to pre-surgery photos.  Once that goal weight is achieved, a determination can be made on whether a patient needs additional surgery/revision.   Good luck and thanks again for reaching out.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
Lose the 8 lbs first and then schedule with your surgeon .If you still concerned and unhappy at that point, perhaps a revision is possible. Best wishes!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is best to lose the weight first that you have gained prior to the tummy tuck.  This will accurately allow you to see the improvement that the procedure provided.  From your brfore/after photos it appears you have a nice result.  If after the weight loss you still have concerns, speak to your surgeon about how to best address them.

Dr wants me to lose 8-10 lbs. after tummy tuck, will that help my tummy become smaller? Or do I need a revision? (Photos)

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