What Happens if You Lose Weight Post Tummy Tuck?

Most patients who have abdomioplasties do lose a bit more weight after their operation.  It does not effect the result.  I would amend this if massive weight loss is intended (say 30 pounds or more).  This might leave some loose skin but even then, it shouldn't be too bad.

Hello buster,

Thank you for your question regarding the skin contraction process post-tummy tuck surgery. Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty procedures, are designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while also tightening the underlying muscles.

During a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes incisions to remove the excess skin and fat, and then repositions and tightens the abdominal muscles, creating a firmer and flatter abdominal contour. The remaining skin is then pulled taut and sutured into place.

The skin contraction occurs as a result of the surgical removal of excess skin and the tension created by suturing the remaining skin into a tighter position. This tension stimulates the skin to adapt and contract over time, leading to a smoother and firmer appearance.

While tummy tucks can significantly improve the abdominal contour, it's important to note that individual results may vary based on factors such as skin elasticity, weight fluctuations, and overall health.

I hope this explanation helps clarify how tummy tucks work and how they contribute to skin contraction. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to ask.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

When weight loss occurs following abdominoplasty surgery the
response varies from patient to patient depending upon a multitude of
variables. When weight loss is relatively minor, the vast majority of patients
don’t notice changes in their bodies. In contrast, significant weight loss can
result in the development of loose saggy skin. Under these circumstances,
revisional abdominoplasty may be necessary.For
these reasons, we generally recommend that patients be within 10% of their
ideal body weight before proceeding with the abdominoplasty. When this approach
is taken, the need for secondary revisional surgery is markedly decreased.

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

During abdominoplasty, we excise (cut out) all the excess skin to give you a nice flat tummy. However, if you loose weight after surgery, then it is like deflating a balloon. You can let out a little bit of air and the surface remains tight. However, if you let out a lot of air, then the balloon surface is no longer tight. Likewise, if you loose a bit a weight, you will probably be fine, since the natural elasticity of your skin can compensate. However, if you loose an extraordinary about of weight, your skin can not tighten up enough to compensate and you will have loose skin.
Patients sometimes come back years later for a "secondary abdominoplasty." Either they have gained more weight and need some more fat excised or they have lost weight and need the extra skin excised. In their case, it is usually not as extensive of a surgery when compared to the primary surgery.
I hope this is helpful.

Losing weight after a tummy tuck surgery can have various effects on the results:1. Changes in appearance: If you lose a significant amount of weight, your body’s overall shape and the results of the tummy tuck may be affected. The skin and underlying tissues may not conform to the new body contours as intended.2. Potential excess skin: Significant weight loss can lead to excess skin, which may require further surgical procedures to address. This can include additional skin removal or body contouring surgery.3. Scar changes: The scars from the tummy tuck may be affected by weight loss, potentially becoming more noticeable or stretched. However, the extent of this change depends on factors like skin elasticity and the amount of weight lost.It’s important to discuss your weight loss goals and potential impacts with your plastic surgeon before undergoing a tummy tuck. They can provide guidance and recommendations to help you achieve the best long-term results. Maintaining a stable weight after the surgery is generally advised for optimal results.

Thanks for your question buster!
For my patients I always recommend they reach as close to their desired and realistic goal weight as possible prior to undergoing surgery. If they were to lose an excessive amount of weight after a tummy tuck, this may compromise their overall result and potentially lead to loose, sagging skin developing.  If this situation was to occur, revisional abdominoplasty may be necessary. If, however, the post-surgery weight loss was only minor this may not have an effect on the surgical outcome but will depend on each individual patient and the quality of the skin tissue in the area.

I would encourage for you to book an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your weight loss journey and desired surgical outcomes.

Thanks again

Wait until you reach your ideal weight because you could ruin your results if you lose weight after surgery. There's no guarantee, but it's probably better not to risk it, unless you don't mind getting another surgery.