I am having tummy tuck next week and I am bloated often. What can I expect?

Question

I just realized that I’ve been some degree of lower belly bloated throughout most of my adult life. Sometime less sometimes more varying between foods that cause gas or menstrual bloating. What can expect after my tummy tuck? Is this going to resolve? Or could it cause problems...?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If you are significantly bloated on the day of your surgery, your surgeon may not be able to remove as much loose skin/fat or repair abdominal muscle separation to an optimal extent. It would be a good idea to discuss this issue with your surgeon to see if it would be a concern.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck is not designed to treat or improve your bloating.  It typically will not impact your surgical results. A gastroenterologist may be able to help identify potential causes of your bloating.  It is important that you feel comfortable and confident in your surgical plan and I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  Good luck with your surgery!

Riaz Agha, MBBS, DPhil(Oxon), FRCS(Plast) · Answer

It may well improve to an extent, especially if the muscles are tightened up, loose skin and excess fat is removed. Your diet may well change post tummy tuck so there is plenty of dynamism ahead. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Pika_se,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you have any concerns, I would suggest you discuss them with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most bloating is related to food allergies and is not treated with a tummy tuck. You will still bloat unless you change your diet.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Bloating is kind of a diffuse term that is somewhat non-specific.

It is often used by women who are somewhat overweight and carry access visceral fat.

The correct person to talk to about this is your surgeon who is doing your procedure. Hopefully you had an informative and thorough in person consultation prior to scheduling your fairly major operation.

Those who do have access visceral fat will have certain types of results that differ from people who do not carry excess visceral fat.

I have no idea what you look like or what your fat distribution is since you didn’t include a picture but determine bloating often comes up when patients have this type of obesity and fat distribution.

I think it’s a good idea for patients to have other questions answered before embarking on a permanent and irreversible body changing procedure.

I suggest you talk to your provider.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

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I am having tummy tuck next week and I am bloated often. What can I expect?

Answers (6)

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU