A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that delivers a drastic transformation to the abdomen by removing excess skin. While the procedure is not performed for the purpose of weight loss, in this article, we will discuss how a tummy tuck can affect your weight to help manage your expectations if you’re considering this cosmetic surgery.

Weight Loss with a Tummy Tuck

Typically, a tummy tuck does not result in significant weight loss as it only involves the removal of excess skin and attached fat. However, if you do have a lot of loose skin, you can expect to lose up to around 4.5kg after the excess skin is removed. Additionally, by combining a tummy tuck with liposuction (lipoabdominoplasty), you may be able to lose a few more kilograms by getting rid of excess fat deposits in the area.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Although a tummy tuck does not result in drastic weight loss, the surgery can still be beneficial for a range of aesthetic and functional reasons:

Saggy Skin

The primary benefit of a tummy tuck is that it gets rid of loose skin that can result from weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing. As a result, it can flatten and tone the abdomen to show off the results of your weight loss, restore your pre-pregnancy figure, or restore a more youthful body. Removing the saggy skin can also make it easier to fit into clothes and engage in physical activity.

Excess Fat

A tummy tuck can remove excess fat tissue that is attached to the loose skin being removed. However, if you have larger subcutaneous fat deposits in the area, you may benefit from a lipoabdominoplasty, where the surgeon uses liposuction to extract the excess fat before performing the tummy tuck. As a result, you can have a flatter and more sculpted abdomen that adds definition to your abdominal muscles.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks in the abdomen are often found in the lower abdominal region. By removing the skin in this area, a tummy tuck gets rid of stretch marks, which can be a source of insecurity for many women that are often associated with weight gain. However, it’s important to maintain a stable weight after your tummy tuck to prevent your skin from further expanding, resulting in the reappearance of stretch marks.

Weak Muscles

A full tummy tuck can strengthen abdominal muscles by repairing muscle separation, which often occurs as a result of pregnancy, weight gain, or lifting injuries. As a result, you will have a stronger core that can improve your capacity for physical exercise, help with back pain and elevate your quality of life.

Posture

By repairing abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck can also improve your posture. A poor posture, where the lower back is curved, and chronic back pain can often be a result of weak abdominal muscles that are unable to sufficiently support the spine. By tightening and strengthening the muscles, a tummy tuck may naturally improve your posture and alleviate any back pain.

Types of Tummy Tuck

There are different types of tummy tucks, although the two most common variations are the mini and full tummy tuck. Your surgeon can advise on the best approach for you during a consultation.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck targets both the upper and lower abdomen by removing excess skin in the area. Additionally, if needed, the surgeon can also repair muscle separation with this procedure. To perform a full tummy tuck, the surgeon will make an incision along the bikini line and around the belly button.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck removes excess skin only in the lower abdomen and does not involve muscle repair. As a result, it’s less invasive than a full tummy tuck. To perform a mini tummy tuck, the surgeon will make a smaller incision along the bikini line.

Weight Loss Before Tummy Tuck

Many patients choose to have a tummy tuck after weight loss in order to get rid of the excess skin that results from losing a significant amount of weight. For this reason, patients are advised to pursue a tummy tuck after they have reached their ideal weight. If you need help losing weight before a tummy tuck, our nutritionists offer personalised weight loss programmes that can help you reach your ideal weight.

Maintaining Weight After a Tummy Tuck

To preserve your tummy tuck results, you will need to avoid fluctuations in weight that can lead to further loose skin in the area. Therefore, you will need to eat a healthy diet and work out regularly to enjoy the permanent effects of your surgery. For this reason, you should also wait until your last pregnancy before pursuing a tummy tuck.

Who is a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

You will need to attend a tummy tuck consultation with our plastic surgeon before we can confirm your eligibility for the surgery. In general, most men and women with a BMI below 30 and no underlying medical conditions are eligible for the surgery. Additionally, you should wait until you have reached your ideal weight or are within 10kg of it to get a tummy tuck.

Is Tummy Tuck Worth It?

Many patients consider a tummy tuck to be worth it as it provides a range of cosmetic and medical benefits by removing the excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. Additionally, it can provide a dramatic transformation for those who have lost weight and are looking to show off their newly toned figure.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

Dr Omar Tillo is a double-board certified surgeon specialising in a range of body contouring surgeries, including tummy tucks. Having performed the procedure hundreds of times, he has mastered the skills to create natural-looking results.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, book a consultation with Dr Tillo at the CREO Clinic to discuss a bespoke surgical solution.

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Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic