Tummy tuck - Perimenopausal?

Question

I had a consult with a surgeon last year and found out I am a good candidate for a full tummy tuck. I am in the early stages of perimenopause and was wondering whether I should wait until after menopause (which I know could be years). I just don’t if it would be worth it given my body is most likely to change over the next few years.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding having a tummy tuck while in the early stages of perimenopause. Many patients in similar situations wonder whether they should proceed with surgery or wait until after menopause due to anticipated body changes.

Perimenopause can bring hormonal fluctuations that may affect weight distribution, metabolism, and skin elasticity. Some women experience weight gain around the abdomen, while others may notice changes in muscle tone and fat storage. However, these changes vary from person to person, and there is no guarantee that waiting until after menopause would significantly alter your results or make you a better candidate.

If you are currently at a stable weight and in good health, there is no reason to delay surgery if a tummy tuck will improve your confidence and quality of life. The key to long-term satisfaction is maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise after surgery. While hormonal changes may cause mild shifts in body composition, a tummy tuck will still provide the long-lasting benefit of removing excess skin, tightening the abdominal muscles, and improving contour.

Some patients worry about needing a revision years later due to weight fluctuations, but this is usually only a concern if there are significant changes in weight. If you anticipate major weight gain or loss, it may be worth discussing with your surgeon whether it’s best to wait. However, if your weight has been stable and you don’t foresee drastic changes, proceeding with surgery now could allow you to enjoy your results sooner rather than waiting for an unpredictable timeline.

I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon to discuss any concerns you have about perimenopause-related changes. They can evaluate whether your body is currently in an optimal state for surgery and help you make the best decision for your goals.

Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding timing a tummy tuck around perimenopause.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Julian Liew, MD · Answer

This is an extremely common and very reasonable question, and there isn’t a single “right” answer &mdash; it really depends on your goals and how your body is affecting your quality of life now.If you feel strongly about waiting, then it is absolutely reasonable to wait. Perimenopause and menopause can be associated with changes in fat distribution, metabolism and skin quality over time, and some women prefer to let their body settle before committing to surgery.However, there is also a very strong argument not to wait.A tummy tuck is not just about skin &mdash; it is fundamentally about restoring the abdominal wall. Strengthening your core through muscle repair can significantly improve posture, stability, back comfort and overall function. There is real value in regaining that support sooner rather than later, particularly if your current symptoms are limiting your lifestyle or exercise.Even if your body continues to evolve hormonally, the structural benefits of abdominal muscle tightening remain. Many women who proceed during perimenopause are very glad they did, because they enjoy those functional and aesthetic improvements throughout the years that follow.The most important step is a thorough in-person assessment to confirm your anatomy, your goals, and whether now is the right time for you personally &mdash; not just hormonally, but physically and emotionally as well.

Erman Ak, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck results can still be very rewarding during perimenopause. You don’t need to wait for menopause unless you expect significant weight or hormonal changes. If your weight is stable and you’re in good health, you can proceed safely and enjoy long-lasting results. 
Erman AK, Dr. MD, Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Perimenopausal changes are so unpredictable, with some woman having very little change in fat distribution and other concerns.  You might want to consider surgery that might give you a very nice result rather than waiting for something that might not happen.  Also, changes you may encounter may have very little to do with the improvement your surgery has given you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Magical921471,

tummy tuck is an elective procedure so you can wait until you are sure that you want to get a surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

Menopause can lead to many hormonal changes in the body. It will not cause any issues with your body’s ability to heal after surgery nor will it affect your result.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The fact that you are in early stages of perimenopause will not change any outcome of your tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

While there are inevitable changes that occur as you pass through menopause, the results and longevity of your result will depend far more on you maintaining a steady weight, excellent diet and exercise regiment.  Waiting until you are done with menopause will not affect your healing or your incision line. However, the shape and contour that you achieve after your tummy tuck will best be maintained with an excellent fitness level and weight maintenance. Best wishes.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question
 Your body will change many times over your lifetime.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen, do it now.  Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes

Jose Leon, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I don't think menopause will cause such a significant fluctuation in your body that would damage your surgery result. A lot of women have this procedure at your current age, and hormonal state, and everything turns out fine, just keep taking care of yourself and it should be all right

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