Is it bad to lose 10 pounds after a tummy tuck?

It is always best to reach your goal weight before surgery because you don't know where that weight will be coming from.  I believe I saw another question from you regarding breast surgery -- this answer is even more important for breast surgery in my opinion.  Your breasts will change with weight loss more than your tummy will.For the best, longest lasting results I always recommend that you be at your goal weight prior to surgery.Also, you need to make plans because it sounds like your child is still in a very needy age range and you will not be able to take care of a child the same way that you do currently during your recovery.

It’s difficult to say how weight loss after your surgery will affect your results. Weight loss can leave you with loose skin, and so this may happen to you. However, depending on your current size and skin quality, 10lbs may not be a significant amount of weight for you to lose, so it may not impact your results (although this is hard to say). To be on the safe side, I suggest you reschedule your surgery until after you’ve reached your stable goal weight.

Thank you Eeeekitserika for your question.  Typically losing 10lbs after surgery shouldn't be an issue.  I would continue to do your best and lose as much as you can before surgery, but don't stress too much over 10lbs.  I would address all your concerns with your surgeon.  

Dear Eeeekitserika,generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It is always best for you to complete your weight loss goals prior to surgery. This allows your surgeon the opportunity to maximize your results. Losing ten pounds won't likely make a notable difference in your results, but if you are able to complete that prior to surgery it is preferred.

Thank you for your question. Ideally it is recommended that you reach your goal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. You should consult with your surgeon on what they believe is the best course of treatment for your specific situation. Good Luck. 

It is been my experience that patients who lose weight following their tummy tucks just continue to look even better. My only concern in what you reported is that your son is still so young and requiring so much of your time that you be sure you have good help during your convalescence.

The answer to your question depends upon the location of the fat that you will lose with a further 10 pound weight loss. If my patients have a lot of protruding visceral fat before a tummy tuck procedure, I often encourage them to lose weight before surgery since muscle tightening will be somewhat more effective when fighting less resistance to tightening. If you're excess fat is carried in your chest or thighs then the impact of future weight loss on the outcome of your tummy tuck  will be minimal only making the results look better.. Discuss this with your doctor to be sure that you're making the right decision before proceeding and trust his/her advice. Best wishes,Jon A. Perlman, M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryAssociate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery Geffen/UCLA Medical CenterExtreme Makeover, ABC TV plastic surgeonBeverly Hills, Ca.

There is no problem with losing 10 pounds after surgery. It will not hurt your result and can only help the result and your overall health. I, and many other surgeons, use the lipo-abdominoplasty technique and the liposuction would thin out the fat layer. This technique is safer since it preserves the major blood supply of the abdomen and there is no need for drains.