Weight fluctuations are a normal part of life, but can they affect the results of your tummy tuck? The good news is that tummy tuck results are extremely durable and can typically withstand a fair amount of weight gain or weight loss before results change significantly.
Here, La Jolla plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus weighs in on how weight fluctuations may impact the generally long-lasting results of your tummy tuck and what you can do to help maintain your results through thick and thin.
Gaining weight after a tummy tuck
While a tummy tuck removes excess skin, the surgery won’t prevent future weight gain. Still, it would typically take a considerable amount of weight gain before your tummy tuck results would be altered to the point where a tummy tuck revision may need to be considered. Here’s what you might expect if the scale starts to climb:
General weight gain
Adding a few pounds is typically harmless, but significant weight gain can stretch the skin and abdominal muscles, which are often tightened during surgery to correct muscle separation (diastasis recti). This can potentially diminish the procedure’s aesthetic results in a few ways, such as new areas of fat accumulation, stretch marks, and changes in the abdominal contours: a feminine silhouette may lose a curvy, hourglass shape and appear softer while a masculine physique may go from sculpted to more blunt in shape.
It’s difficult to say how much weight gain is “too much” because that number depends on unique factors such as your body type, height, and where you tend to hold excess fat. Thankfully, weight gain is usually distributed throughout the body for the most part, so most patients can gain 10-15 lbs before tummy tuck results are dramatically impacted.
“I went on about 12 consultations before choosing to go with Dr. Gallus. My experience at Restore SD has been positive from the very beginning. The entire staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Dr. Gallus listened to and addressed all of my questions and concerns. Her experience and expertise is evident in her work. I am very happy with my results and continue to go to her for my aesthetic needs.”
—5-star Google review
Weight gain during pregnancy
Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is a concern for many women. During pregnancy, your abdomen needs to expand to accommodate your growing bundle of joy, stretching the skin and muscles that were tightened during your tummy tuck. The degree of stretching and the ability to retract these tissues will vary from one individual to another, but pregnancy after a tummy tuck can lead to:
- Excess, loose skin
- Recurrence of diastasis recti
- Changes in body fat distribution around the abdomen or other areas of the body
- Changes in surgical scars, which might widen, become more prominent, or change in texture or color
Many women are still pleased with the look of their tummy tuck post-pregnancy, while others may want a secondary procedure to restore their initial results.
Losing weight after a tummy tuck
Losing weight after a tummy tuck can also influence your results, often in positive ways, but there are a few considerations. During a tummy tuck, the skin is tightened and any extra is removed based on the existing body fat and skin elasticity at the time of the surgery. If you lose a considerable amount of weight after the procedure, the skin, which has already been stretched over time and may have reduced elasticity, might not contract enough to maintain initial results.
Weight loss with diet and exercise
Moderate weight loss typically enhances your tummy tuck results: diet and exercise can reduce visceral fat—the fat surrounding internal organs that is not addressed by tummy tuck surgery or liposuction—which can significantly improve your overall health and the aesthetic look of your abdomen.
Medical weight loss treatments
Semaglutide or tirzepatide weight loss injections are very popular and can lead to significant weight loss—between 5-20% of your body weight. Because semaglutide-type medications are so effective, it’s best to complete your weight loss treatments before undergoing a tummy tuck or discuss your plans in a consultation so we can tailor a strategy that supports the aesthetics of your tummy tuck.
In most cases, it’s best to achieve your goal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck.
Substantial weight loss can leave behind loose, sagging skin and also cause remaining fat deposits to decrease unevenly. These effects can create asymmetries and irregularities in your body shape. In some cases, you may need additional body contouring procedures to restore a balanced appearance.
Determining how much weight you can lose before your results weaken is much the same as trying to figure out how much you can gain—it will be unique to each patient and depend on the same factors, particularly your inherent skin elasticity.
Preserving your tummy tuck results
To keep your tummy tuck results looking their best, consider the following tips:
- Prioritize healthy eating habits. A balanced, nutritious diet is crucial. Nutrient-rich foods support skin health and help regulate weight.
- Stay active. Incorporate a sensible exercise routine to support muscle tone. Strengthening your core can also help maintain the surgical results and improve your posture and back health.
Considering a tummy tuck? We’re here for you! Dr. Katerina Gallus is a female plastic surgeon San Diego area patients trust for open and honest communication and personalized body contouring procedures. If you are considering a tummy tuck, schedule a free consultation at our San Diego plastic surgery center by calling 858-224-2281 or filling out the contact form below!
References »
Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
shannonwilliam says
thanks