Is It Possible to Still Gain Weight After A Tummy Tuck?

For women who want to feel attractive in tight clothing or be more comfortable in their own skin, tummy tuck surgery is a wonderful option. Not to be mistaken for weight loss surgery, a tummy tuck tightens the underlying muscles and trims away loose skin for a firmer, smoother appearance. The extra skin may be the result of significant weight loss or a post-pregnancy body. Either way, Dr. Nana Mizuguchi is a dual board-certified aesthetic and plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure.

While we can help resculpt your abdomen, some patients are concerned about future weight gain after tummy tuck surgery. So what happens if you gain weight after a tummy tuck? And how can you maintain your weight after recovery? When you get a consultation at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery in Louisville, KY, we can inform you about the procedure and help you keep your results for years to come. Learn more by browsing our website and scheduling an appointment at our clinic.

Maintaining a stable weight before surgery

Before getting a tummy tuck, patients need to be as close to their goal weight as possible. This is because a tummy tuck is primarily designed to get rid of loose or excess skin on the abdomen. Although tummy tuck surgery does include liposuction to get rid of small pockets of fat, it is important to put off the procedure until you are ready to maintain a steady weight on a long-term basis. At Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery, we will also perform an examination to determine if you are healthy enough to go under the knife. We may also ask questions about your diet and lifestyle to ensure you have the best outcome.

Why do people gain weight?

It is normal for weight to fluctuate in small amounts. Gaining or losing 5 – 10 pounds is not likely to impact the results of your tummy tuck. However, it is important for patients in Louisville, KY to be vigilant and understand where their weight gain is coming from. This will help them to not only preserve the results of their tummy tuck surgery, but they can also avoid serious health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Sometimes, the best way to prevent further weight gain is through education. Here are some of the most common reasons for weight fluctuations:

• Lifestyle choices: No matter how many cosmetic procedures you get, healthy habits are the most effective way to look and feel your best. There is simply no replacement for regular exercise and a balanced diet after tummy tuck surgery!

• Hormones: Hormones change throughout the course of your life, starting from puberty all the way to adulthood. When hormones are unbalanced, your weight may be affected. If you are living a healthy lifestyle, and still gaining weight, talk to your primary care doctor about your hormone levels.

• Stress: Outside pressure or trauma often causes people to eat more, which plays a major role in weight gain. More than that, stress can cause hormonal issues, which may result in the body storing extra fat. After visiting your doctor for advice, you can find ways to combat stress, such as meditation and journaling.

What happens if you gain weight after a tummy tuck?

So what happens if you gain weight after a tummy tuck? First, the abdominal skin will become stretched out and lax. Based on how much weight you gain, the skin may hang out below the beltline or develop stretch marks. If you become pregnant after tummy tuck surgery, the underlying muscles may also become separated once again.

At our clinic in Louisville, KY, we see patients every year who want to achieve a slimmer abdomen but are concerned about excessive weight gain after tummy tuck surgery. This is why Dr. Mizuguchi goes through an extensive consultation process to make sure you are the right candidate for an aesthetic procedure.

Exercise is an essential part of losing weight or maintaining your goal weight. Although heavy exercise should be avoided for the first few weeks after surgery, you can return to regular activities as soon as our office approves it. Establishing a healthy lifestyle and diet after tummy tuck surgery will help you avoid these issues and make the most of your surgery.

Learn more about weight gain after tummy tuck surgery

Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery understands that your appearance is an important part of your overall health and well-being. This is why dual board-certified aesthetic and plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi offers a range of plastic surgery options to help you look and feel great in Louisville, KY. If you are interested in body contouring procedures, or have questions about exercise and diet after tummy tuck surgery, feel free to call a member of our team for a consultation. Our unique approaches allow you to become the most confident version of yourself.