Medically reviewed by Dr. Omar Tillo MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess skin from the abdomen. If you lost a significant amount of weight, whether it be from bariatric surgery or through diet and exercise, and are left with this additional skin, it is unlikely to contract on its own.
In this article, we will discuss how a tummy tuck can be a perfect option if you wish to remove this extra skin from significant weight loss so you can better understand if this cosmetic surgery is suitable for you.
Can You Lose Weight After a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is not designed to be a weight loss surgery. However, as the excess skin and any attached fat is removed, you can expect the associated weight of this tissue to be lost and associated stretch marks. The amount of weight lost depends on how much lax skin is removed. Tummy tucks are also commonly combined with liposuction, which can remove excess fat tissue. However, liposuction is not a weight loss surgery, and, as such, you can expect to lose only a small amount from this.
In addition, results are permanent, and skin laxity and excess abdominal fat that is removed won’t be regained, though patients will need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to ensure that results are sustained long-term.
Ideal Candidate For a Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss
A thorough consultation will be completed with our surgeon Dr Tillo to ensure that you are suitable for this cosmetic procedure. Generally, patients in good health, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) under 30, looking to contour their stomach are ideal candidates for a tummy tuck.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss
A tummy tuck is a popular procedure after weight loss that can have several benefits. One of the main goals of a tummy tuck is to remove excess, loose skin, which is often left behind after weight loss. By doing so, you can enjoy a more aesthetically pleasing and flatter stomach, which in turn can help you feel more comfortable in tight clothing.
Any muscle damage is also repaired, which can help to improve patients’ physical abilities. This includes strengthening the core, promoting good posture, and reducing associated ailments like back pain.
Before and After
Tummy Tuck Procedure
The exact surgical techniques used in a tummy tuck varies patient to patient. A standard abdominoplasty is conducted under general anaesthetic and requires an incision along the bikini line as well as around the naval. The lax skin is then removed, and any abdominal muscles are repaired where necessary. Finally, the skin is replaced back over the muscles, and the belly button is repositioned if required.
Recovery
After this cosmetic surgery, your surgeon will provide you with personalised aftercare instructions to ensure you have the smoothest recovery possible. For a standard abdominoplasty, it usually takes up to eight weeks to fully recover, and you may experience side effects such as swelling and bruising. You should be able to return to most daily activities, including work, two weeks after tummy tuck surgery. However, you should wait until you are fully recovered after eight weeks before engaging in more strenuous activities.
After any tummy tuck, you will be required to wear a compression garment for at least the first six weeks after tummy tuck surgery which will help to minimise swelling and further contour the abdominal area.
Results
Immediately after a tummy tuck, your stomach area will be noticeably flatter due to the removal of the excess skin. However, you will have to wait up to 6-12 months for swelling to completely dissipate. After this, you will be able to enjoy the full results of your newly contoured and slimmer abdomen.
Long-Term Benefits
A tummy tuck is a permanent procedure, meaning that the excess skin and any attached fat tissue will not return. After this, many patients feel more capable of pursuing a healthier lifestyle with regular exercise.
Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today
If you have recently lost weight and have stubborn excess skin on your abdomen, a tummy tuck may be suitable for you. Here at the CREO Clinic, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Omar Tillo specialises in body contouring plastic surgery, with extensive training and experience in a range of tummy tuck techniques.
Book a 1-to-1 consultation with Dr. Tillo today to see how a tummy tuck could help you achieve a more toned and slimmer stomach after weight loss.