2 years post op - are my initial surgery results achievable through weight loss after a 30 lb weight gain? (photos)

Question

2 years ago I got a tummy tuck and a bit of lipo on my flanks and thighs.I gained 30 lbs due to stress eating and probably too many alcoholic drinks from nights out with friends. My initial post surgery results were absolutely beautiful but I am afraid that due to the unhealthy lifestyle at the time, my fear is that I have gained too much weight to get back to my initial post surgery weight. 2 weeks ago, I stopped drinking and exercise 6 days/week. Will I be able to get results back?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It may be possible to get leaner if you continue to follow a healthy lifestyle. This also depends on the elasticity of your skin.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Maui19899,

Thank you for your question regarding regaining your initial tummy tuck results through weight loss after a 30 lb gain.

First, congratulations on your commitment to a healthier lifestyle and your efforts to exercise regularly and stop drinking. It's an important step toward achieving your goals.

Achieving Your Original Results
You should be able to obtain your original results again with dedicated weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Here’s why:

Weight Loss and Skin Elasticity:

Losing weight will help your abdomen shrink, and your skin has a degree of elasticity, especially since it was recently tightened with a tummy tuck. Given your previous surgery, your skin should “snap back” nicely without the need for another tummy tuck.
Muscle Tone and Exercise:

Regular exercise, especially core strengthening exercises, will help tone your abdominal muscles. This will further enhance the appearance of your abdomen as you lose weight.
Healthy Lifestyle:

Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol will contribute to your overall weight loss and health, helping you achieve and sustain your desired results.
Expectations and Timeline
Patience is Key:

It’s important to be patient and consistent with your weight loss journey. Gradual weight loss is healthier and more sustainable.
Skin Recoil:

While your skin should retract well, the extent can vary based on factors such as age, skin quality, and how much weight you lose. However, given that your surgery was just two years ago, you have a good chance of achieving favorable results.
Additional Considerations
Monitor Progress:

Keep track of your progress with regular check-ins on your weight, measurements, and photos. This can help you stay motivated and see how far you’ve come.
Consult Your Surgeon:

It’s always a good idea to check in with your plastic surgeon. They can provide personalized advice and monitor your progress to ensure you’re on the right track.
Conclusion
With your commitment to a healthier lifestyle and regular exercise, you should be able to achieve your initial post-surgery results again. Your previous tummy tuck will aid in this process by allowing your skin to snap back nicely as you lose weight.

Good luck on your journey, and I hope I’ve answered your question regarding regaining your initial tummy tuck results through weight loss.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you lose weight, it is possible that you can restore your original figure. However, it is possible that the weight gain may have damaged your internal support layer called the fascia. If that is the situation, you will need a tummy tuck. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Caroline Min, MD · Answer

If you're able to lose most of the weight that you've gained using a healthy diet and exercise, I see no reason why you can't go back to how you looked 2 years ago.  Congrats on quitting drinking and good luck on your weight loss journey!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Weight loss will definitely help you get closer to your original results.  The weight loss will help you lose not only subcutaneous fat (the fat between the skin and the muscle wall) but also visceral fat (the fat behind the muscle wall around the organs). Once you reach your goal weight you can consider whether or not you need a touch up.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your nicely posted, photos of course, a healthy lifestyle, exercise and dieting will improve your appearance, but I might recommend liposuction 360 to give you a jumpstart to get back to where you wanna be. Fee $5000. Best of virtual consult with

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