Will gaining weight affect my Tummy Tuck?

Question

Hi I had a tummy tuck about 5 years ago; however my results are still great: if I decide to gain about 10 to 15 pounds will this mess up my tummy tuck result or will the weight be distributed elsewhere on my body?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

I'm happy to hear that your results are still great 5 years after your tummy tuck! If you gain weight, the fat will be distributed where it usually goes. So, for example, if you found that your thighs and hips tended to show the signs of weight gain before your tummy tuck, that will continue to be the same now, after your tummy tuck. If you found that your midsection showed weight gain the most before your tummy tuck, then this will be the same now.Also, do you have a naturally small frame or larger? 10-15 pounds may adversely affect your tummy tuck if you have a smaller frame, in that it can cause a minor pouch to develop. However, it may not be so noticeable if you have a larger frame.The most important thing to know is that big weight fluctuations can really impact your tummy tuck results. It's better to maintain a stable weight in order to prolong your results.I actually find that after about a year, if liposuction was done at the same time, then the liposuctioned areas are more resistant to weight gain than before the surgery. Since I almost always use liposuction with my tummy tucks, the tummy is also more resistant to weight gain. Why? Because the number of fat cells have been reduced.

Deborah Pan, MD · Answer

With postoperative weight gain, your body will store weight in the same pattern it did previously.  So if you had "problem areas" previously, it will most likely show up there again.  However, it would be unusual for you to regain weight to look exactly like you did prior to your tummy tuck since that tissue is permanently removed.  Good luck!

Mennen T. Gallas, MD · Answer

After a tummy tuck, you can gain and lose weight as you would prior to the surgery.  The distribution of the fat will be decided mostly by your genetics.  The core strengthening that you obtained via the tummy tuck will still be there and the skin removed will still be gone, however skin does stretch.  If you gain too much weight, you can certainly stretch out the skin of your abdomen.

Jeremy Pyle, MD · Answer

Congrats on your great result.I am interested to know the rationale behind the weight gain. Where you would gain weight is likely a product of your genes and your natural distribution. Some people gain weight in specific areas while others gain weight globally. I would expect you to gain weight in a similar pattern to how you did before your surgery.  Small changes in weight are unlikely to cause trouble. Big fluctuations can have more dramatic and long lasting effects.Best,Dr. Pyle

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Moderate weight gain or weight loss will not destroy your abdominoplasty but multiple fluctuations in your weight, up 40 pounds, down 40 pounds will adversely affect your body contour and skin elasticity.

Will gaining weight affect my Tummy Tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Weight Gain after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Weight Gain after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Weight gain and loss after an abdominoplasty

Answer: Weight gain and loss after an abdominoplasty

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will gaining weight affect my Tummy Tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Weight Gain after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Weight Gain after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Weight gain and loss after an abdominoplasty

Answer: Weight gain and loss after an abdominoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.