Will Fat Return After a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tucks are popular among those who need help toning up after weight loss or are having trouble ridding fat within the stomach region. The procedure involves removing fat tissue and tightening up loose skin along the abdomen. While tummy tucks are an effective way to restore the support and appearance of the belly, lasting results are ultimately up to you. Here is what you need to know about post-op weight gain and how you can avoid it.

Why Is Weight Gain A Possibility?

The tummy tuck itself does not cause weight gain, but it is possible to put on pounds after the procedure. The effects of a tummy tuck are meant to be long-term, but poor lifestyle habits such as unhealthy eating, excess stress, poor sleep schedules, and lack of exercise can reverse your results. Also, hormonal imbalances can lead to weight gain. If you follow a healthy lifestyle and are still packing on pounds, a tummy tuck may not be your best option. Instead, you should look at addressing the underlying causes of your weight gain with your physician.

How Would The Weight Gain Affect My Body?

While fluctuating five to fifteen pounds is not likely to negatively impact the results of your tummy tuck, gaining twenty pounds or more can cause your body to lose muscle tone and restretch your skin. Also, the weight gained following the procedure will likely look a lot different than before. Because fat tissue is removed from the abdomen during a tummy tuck, you probably won’t see a lot of growth in that area. Instead, fat will grow in other areas, such as the buttocks, arms, legs, back, and breasts.

Will Pregnancy Erase My Results?

Many women opt for a tummy tuck as a way to get rid of stubborn fat gained during pregnancy, so it’s no surprise that getting pregnant again could place you back at square one. Tummy tucks are usually recommended to women who don’t plan to carry children again; however, you can simply opt for another tummy tuck if you plan on having more children. You can also explore non-surgical alternatives if you’re between pregnancies.

Are Multiple Tummy Tucks Recommended?

Ideally, your first tummy tuck should give you your desired results, but if significant weight gain or another pregnancy occurs, you can opt for a second tuck. Once you hit the six-month mark after your initial tummy tuck or postpartum recovery, your plastic surgeon can tell you whether a second tummy tuck is recommended.

Schedule a Consultation

The tummy tuck can do a lot when it comes to reaching your cosmetic goals and offering a boost to your weight loss journey. To get started, contact our Naples office by calling or filling out our online form to meet with Dr. Prysi and discuss your options.

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