I'm gaining fat back after a tummy tuck, what should I do? (Photo)

Question

Hi, it’s been 9 months after a full tt and Luso of the back and now it seems that I’m gain fat back in the tummy and I now have to suck in my tummy so I won’t look 4-5 months pregnant which I am for sure not. At this point in my recovery, the swelling is down and I’m supposed to be enjoying my new look after 4 c-sec delivery and I’m so bummed and it affecting me emotionally and mentally. Pls what should I do?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear yeranouhi1,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD

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

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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Weight stability is key after tummy tuck and liposuction.  Adding weight can cause dis-proportioned growth.  Gaining a few pounds after a TT will not have a significant impact.  Liposuction removes some fat cells so there are fewer fat cells in the abdominal area.   The fat will not move, but weight gains will distribute differently.  Recommend that you follow up with your PS to determine the cause of the protruding abdomen:  residual adipose tissue, failed plication, fluid accumulation, etc.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

its time to see your surgeon for an evaluation and for recommendations on what could be done and hopefully be covered by your surgeon's revision policy.  Some people do have weak tissues that do not hold sutures well or that can stretch out after sutures are placed and I hope that isn't you.

S. Tyler Elkins-Williams, MD · Answer

Hi, and thanks for your question. Once fat has been removed via liposuction or direct excision with an abdominoplasty, it is gone permanently. That is because our bodies don't create new fat cells in adulthood. However, the fat that was left behind can hypertrophy (get bigger) with overall weight gain. 
All of that being said, if you are experiencing a change in your abdominal contour 9 months after surgery, you just first go back and be seen by your surgeon. They need to make sure that everything is healing as expected. A physical exam will go a long way in determining what is going on. Best of luck in your continued recovery.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photo. It is most important to have an in-office examination to determine what is causing the increase in the waist. It could be swelling, extra skin, extra fat under the skin, or fat internally. Depending on the cause, the treatment options will be different. Possible options include a small tummy tuck revision to remove extra skin or spot liposuction to get rid of the bothersome fat. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

It looks like your muscles are stretching out; did you get muscle plication when you had your tummy tuck? You need an examination by a tummy tuck specialist to give you a proper diagnosis.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

A TT gives you a result at that time. It is up to you to maintain the result with weight control and exercise. But I would think you should visit your surgeon just to make sure there are no other problems

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