What Happens if You Lose Weight Post Tummy Tuck?

Losing weight after you have a tummy tuck can reverse the effects of your surgery. Depending on the amount of weight you lose, your skin may not be able to retract and you'll be left with sagging skin like before (but maybe not as much). While you'll always look better than before your surgery, I always tell my patients to reach their goal weight first, because they'll have longer lasting results.

Clearly you should lose the weight prior to the tummy tuck. Depending on the extent of weight loss and the degree of skin laxity, you could experience insignificant effects or increased skin laxity requiring surgical intervention.

The best time to have a tummy tuck is when you are at a stable weight.  If you lose a significant amount of weight after a tummy tuck, you may compromise your result and end up with loose skin. Weight loss should be very gradual to allow time for the skin to retract and minimize the chances of having loose skin.

Please be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed physical exam prior to surgery.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno