The tummy tuck procedure is a great surgery for those who want to get rid of stubborn extra fat and excess skin on their midsection/abdominal area. It’s a popular procedure, with more than 3.8 million surgeries performed each year.
The tummy tuck is effective in helping restore your body’s curves and is particularly popular among women after they’re done having children or in men and women who have gone through significant weight loss.
But, how does gaining weight affect your tummy tuck surgery? Are your results ruined? That depends on a few factors.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is an operation performed by plastic surgeons to remove unwanted belly fat and tighten up the abdominal muscles. Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck can be used as a standalone procedure or it could be combined with other procedures such as liposuction, breast-lift, or breast reduction. A tummy tuck is often recommended for people who have lost a lot of weight and are left with large amounts of loose skin and excess fat. This type of surgery will help you achieve a more toned and defined stomach area.
The tummy tuck procedure involves making incisions in the abdomen and removing any excess skin and fat. After this, the surgeon tightens up the remaining skin and muscle tissue using sutures. The final result is a tighter-looking stomach region that has less visible scarring.
Why Are Tummy Tucks Popular?
Tummy tucks are becoming increasingly popular because they offer patients a way to improve their overall appearance. There are many different reasons why someone may decide to go ahead with a tummy tuck:
- They’ve had a baby and would like to look better postpartum.
- They’ve lost a lot of weight but still have some loose skin, stretch marks and excess fat on their stomach.
- They don’t feel comfortable wearing certain clothes due to unwanted fat in the midsection.
What Is Recovery Time for A Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Recovery time for a tummy tuck varies from patient to patient. Some people recover quickly while others take longer to heal. Most patients should be able to return to work within two weeks of the surgery. However, it is important to note that you shouldn’t do anything strenuous until at least two months after your surgery. You’ll need plenty of time to heal before you start exercising again.
What Happens if You’re Gaining Weight After a Tummy Tuck?
Many patients worry that gaining weight after their tummy tuck procedure will ruin their results. While it’s true that putting on pounds can change your new look, there are ways to prevent this from happening and protect those curves you’ve achieved.
Normal fluctuations can be up to 15 pounds, but anything over 15 pounds may put you at risk of undoing your procedure.
Remember: All humans have natural weight fluctuations, but we want you to consider how to manage these fluctuations after your tummy tuck surgery. Here are some tips:
Lifestyle. Lifestyle plays a significant role in your weight. If you eat unhealthy foods and exercise too little, then you’ll likely gain weight. But if you make healthy choices and stay active, you’ll keep your weight under control and protect your results.
Exercise. Exercise is one of the best things you can do to maintain your weight. Try to exercise every day, even if it’s just walking around the block.
Stress management. Stress can cause you to overeat, which puts added pressure on your body to store calories. So try to relax and find ways to reduce stress in your life, such as yoga, exercise, meditation and massage therapy.
Sleep. Getting enough sleep helps regulate hormones that affect appetite and metabolism. Make sure you get seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Hormones. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also lead to weight gain. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy if you’re experiencing hormonal imbalances.
If you’re worried about gaining weight after your tummy tucking procedure, contact us today! We’d love to help you achieve — and maintain — the beautiful figure you deserve.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is an elective cosmetic procedure that can benefit anyone who wants to lose or tone down extra abdominal fat. It’s especially helpful for women who have gained a lot of weight after childbirth, or for individuals who have struggled with obesity for years.
If you’re considering having a tummy tuck, here are some factors that could influence whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure:
Your health. Your overall health is another factor that determines whether you’re a good fit for a tummy tuck. You should speak with your surgeon before undergoing any surgical procedure to discuss your medical history and current medications. We recommend that you also follow a healthy diet and exercise routine after your procedure to help reduce the potential for future weight gain.
Your goal weight. Patients who are at or near their ideal weight are good candidates for the procedure. Losing or gaining weight can change your results.
Your desire to have more children. Women who plan to become pregnant within six months of their tummy tuck are not candidates for this procedure.
Want to learn more about the tummy tuck? Call us to schedule a consultation today.
