After tummy tuck, can the visceral fat be lost after the procedure over time?

Question

If you were told by a plastic surgeon that you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck but would still have some visceral fat (some fullness) in your upper stomach...My question is is I go forward and still get it done can the visceral fat be lost after the procedure over time. Since diet and exercise will get rid of it anyway.. will it affect your results since its a little fullness..Please help with this question..

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Lake4025,Your plastic surgeon is correct. A Tummy Tuck will not address visceral fat, that is fat located inside your abdominal wall surrounding your intestines. If you have a lot of visceral fat, it is important to keep this in mind before your tummy tuck because if you have the tummy tuck then lose more weight, your results won't be as good. Its a good idea to try and reach your goal weight before considering surgery to optimize your results.I hope this was helpful,Dr. Daniel BarrettPlastic and Reconstructive SurgeryBeverly Hills, CA

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Visceral fat can be lost after the tummy tuck.   If there is a substantial amount, weight loss prior to the tummy tuck is probably prudent.  I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Visceral fat is the fat around your organs and is not impacted by a tummy tuck.  Weight loss in the form of diet and exercise will decrease visceral fat, so it is possible for you to lose it after surgery.  It is important to note though that significant weight loss after surgery can impact the quality of your results.  It is best to be at or near your goal weight prior to your tummy tuck.

Glenn M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Most
plastic surgeons will advise you to wait until you’re within 10-15 pounds of
your ideal weight before pursuing any body contouring surgery, including a
tummy tuck. The concern is that more weight loss after your tummy tuck could
end up leaving additional skin laxity behind, potentially compromising your
results to some extent. However, it sounds like your surgeon feels confident
going ahead with your procedure, so perhaps s/he feels that the amount of
visceral fat in your upper abdomen is too minimal to be a concern during your
tummy tuck.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

You can lose visceral fat with diet and exercise after a tummy tuck. Ideally to get the best long term cosmetic result and to diminish the risk of potential complications, the weight should be lost preoperatively  and be down to within 10 pounds of the ultimate goal.Robert Singer, MD  FACSLa Jolla, California

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to lose some “visceral fat” ( if you drop weight) after tummy tuck surgery. However, it will be in your best interests ( when it comes to achieving the best aesthetic outcome possible) to achieve your long-term stable weight PRIOR  to proceeding with tummy tuck surgery. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

A tummy tuck will remove fat from the lower part of your abdomen.  Visceral fat is the fat that surrounds your intra-abdominal organs.  The only way to lose this fat is through proper diet and exercise.

Arthur M. Cambeiro, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck will not address visceral fat.  Diet and exercise will help decrease the amount of visceral fat you have.  So the answer is yes you can lose visceral fat after a tummy tuck and still have a good result. However, you result may affected if you have a significant amount of visceral fat.

Joseph W. Aguiar, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Visceral fat, or inter abdominal fat, is the fat on the inside of the abdominal wall.  The only way to remove this kind of fat is weight loss.  If it is a small amount, meaning losing 5-10 lbs, then you can probably have the tummy tuck with and get a good result.Keep in mind that the visceral fat pushes the abdomen outward and may affect how flat your surgeon can make your tummy during surgery.  I always advise my tummy tuck patients to loose the weight first.  Even if you gain a little back after surgery, the over all result of the tummy tuck will be better.Hope this helps and good luck!

After tummy tuck, can the visceral fat be lost after the procedure over time?

Answers (9)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (9)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

I have a wave like fluid after a Tummy Tuck. Any suggestions?

What are the calorie requirements during recovery from abdominoplasty and liposuction?

If a person needs a hernia repair & panniculectomy (both covered by insurance), will an abdominoplasty take care of both things?

I'm 3 months post tummy tuck. It looks good, but after I eat and sit down I have a round belly. Is that fat or swelling? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS