Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess, sagging skin from the abdomen. If you lost a significant amount of weight – whether it be from bariatric or weight loss surgery or through diet and exercise – and are left with this excess skin, it is unlikely to contract on its own.

In this article, we will discuss how a tummy tuck can remove excess skin from extreme weight loss so you can better understand if this surgery is suitable for you. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Omar Tillo MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast)

Should You Have a Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss?

The aim of a tummy tuck surgery is to reduce areas of loose skin on the abdomen, which is why a tummy tuck is often performed after a period of significant weight loss. Rapid loss of body fat often results in excess skin on the stomach, so a tummy tuck makes sense as a way to flatten the stomach and restore its contour.

Another reason tummy tucks are often performed after weight loss is that being overweight can sometimes lead to diastasis recti – separation of the abdominal muscles – a tummy tuck can address this and even add greater definition to these muscles by combining the surgery with liposuction.

Before and After

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 drooping, excess 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.

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 excess 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 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 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 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 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 or undergone weight loss surgery and have stubborn excess skin on your abdomen, a tummy tuck may be suitable for you. Here at the CREO Clinic, our cosmetic surgeon Dr Omar Tillo specialises in body contouring 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.