Is Weight Gain After Tummy Tuck Normal?

Question

Is it normal to experience a 6 or 7 lb weight gain a day or so after having a Tummy Tuck?

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

it is very common to gain weight after any surgical procedure. This has to do with the intravenous fluids you receive in the operating room, as well as post-operative swelling. I specifically tell my patients not to go near a scale because of this. Some patients gain up to 10 pounds!  Most of this will be gone after 2 weeks, so don't worry about it. Avoid excessive salt intake (especially soups with high sodium!) and stop weighing yourself!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question about weight gain shortly after a tummy tuck.

Yes, it’s actually very normal to experience a temporary weight gain of 6 to 7 pounds (or even more) in the first few days after tummy tuck surgery. This early “weight gain” is not fat, but rather swelling (fluid retention), inflammation, and intravenous fluids given during and after your surgery.

Here’s what happens:

During surgery, IV fluids are administered to keep you hydrated and stabilize blood pressure.

Tissue trauma from the surgery causes your body to naturally retain water and become inflamed as part of the healing process.

Your body often swells in the surgical areas (especially the abdomen and flanks) and can even retain fluid in the legs, hands, or face.

Some patients also experience constipation from anesthesia and pain medications, which can temporarily add to their weight and sense of bloating.

This fluid-related weight gain usually peaks around 2–4 days after surgery and then gradually subsides over the following weeks as your body naturally reabsorbs the fluids and your lymphatic system starts functioning more normally again.

It’s important not to worry about the scale at this point. Focus instead on resting, following your surgeon’s instructions, wearing your compression garment, staying hydrated (yes, you still need water even if you’re swollen), and walking short distances to promote circulation.

Within a few weeks, most patients start to lose the excess fluid weight and will begin seeing a more sculpted shape emerge as the swelling improves.

Thank you again for your thoughtful question, and wishing you a smooth and beautiful recovery!

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame)

Be sure to attend all your follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon so they can monitor your progress, guide your recovery, and reassure you along the way. Early swelling is completely normal, and the real results reveal themselves with time and patience.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Swelling and weight gain after a tummy tuck is common and part of the who scheme of things.  During the procedure your are given intravenous fluid and post operatively your body tends to hold on to the fluid and even accumulate more.  Therefore the swelling and weight gain is common.  Patients often state that their arms and feet are swollen and "puffy".
This will all go away after a few days but you will have residual swelling in the abdominal area where you had your surgery.  This is even more enhanced if you also had liposuction as well.
Good luck.

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

Do not fret.  It is completely normal to gain weight immediately after a tummy tuck.  You've received a significant amount of IV fluids with your surgery.  After surgery, your body holds on to excess fluid, making you quite swollen.  Beginning 2 to 3 days after surgery, you begin to collect that fluid into your bloodstream, allowing your kidneys to excrete it.  It'll take several days before it's all gone, but fear not - all swelling eventually subsides.
Hope this helps.  Best of luck!

Sutton Graham II, MD · Answer

Debnfl:
Since your surgery was very recent, it is normal and expected for your body to retain fluid. You will expel this after you recover and as you heal (days or weeks).
Over the long term, I'm sure you and your surgeon would like to see you maintain a healthy body weight in order to maintain the attractive results your procedure achieved.  In addition, you may be instructed to begin abdominal muscle toning weeks after surgery to enhance the results.

Is Weight Gain After Tummy Tuck Normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Weight gain after tummy tuck

Answer: Weight gain after tummy tuck

Answer: Post-op fluid retention is normal, long-term weight gain wouldn't be

Answer: Post-op fluid retention is normal, long-term weight gain wouldn't be

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Is Weight Gain After Tummy Tuck Normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Weight gain after tummy tuck

Answer: Weight gain after tummy tuck

Answer: Post-op fluid retention is normal, long-term weight gain wouldn't be

Answer: Post-op fluid retention is normal, long-term weight gain wouldn't be

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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.