Why Should I Be At My Goal Weight Before Getting a Tummy Tuck?

One factor determining if you are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery is if you are at or near your goal weight. This blog discusses why you should ideally be at your goal weight prior to surgery, how much weight can be lost with a tummy tuck, and how to maintain your tummy tuck results.

Choosing to get a Tummy Tuck 

For many people, the stomach is an area of insecurity. This is because it is especially difficult to lose fat in this area with diet and exercise. Additionally, those who have undergone pregnancy and significant weight loss often have excess skin on the stomach, which can cause sagging. For these reasons, among a few others, many people are attracted to the idea of a tummy tuck. 

A common misconception about tummy tuck surgery is that it is an alternative to losing weight. Yet, tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure. It should not be viewed as such. A tummy tuck is more of a body contouring procedure that can remove a limited amount of excess fat. This is why we recommend that our patients are at or near their goal weight before receiving a tummy tuck. 

How Much Weight Can You Lose With a Tummy Tuck? 

The amount of weight you will lose with a tummy tuck will vary from patient to patient. Tummy tuck surgery can safely remove a limited amount of fat, and that amount varies depending on the patient’s overall body proportions. Generally speaking, a tummy tuck may result in a weight loss of four to ten pounds. 

It’s important to understand that a tummy tuck is meant to remove excess skin and fat from the stomach to improve its overall appearance. Tummy tuck surgery is most effective for those who have lost weight and want to redefine their abdominal contours and eliminate sagging skin. Tummy tuck patients often have lost significant weight, given birth, or experienced sagging due to the natural aging process. 

Determining Your Goal Weight 

Before you entertain the idea of a tummy tuck, assessing your body goals is essential. Ask yourself the following questions: 

• Are you happy with your current weight? If not, how much weight do you plan to lose to feel satisfied? 
• How long can you maintain this weight? 
• Do you regularly eat a balanced diet? 
• Do you have a consistent exercise routine, and can you stick to it? 

We typically recommend that patients are within ten pounds of their goal weight prior to having a tummy tuck. More significant weight fluctuations post-surgery may cause a reversal in your tummy tuck results. Additionally, we recommend that patients maintain a stable weight for at least six months before their surgery. This is to ensure that they are at a manageable weight for them and will set them up for success in maintaining their results. 

How Can I Maintain My Tummy Tuck Results? 

Maintaining a stable weight is key for prolonging your tummy tuck results. We recommend that patients get into the practice of eating a balanced diet filled with healthy foods and exercising regularly to help them stay at a stable weight. 

Since weight fluctuations can alter tummy tuck results, we advise patients not to plan subsequent pregnancies after their procedure. If you are planning on having kids in the future, you may want to postpone your tummy tuck until you are finished building your family or otherwise plan on the possibility of a secondary tummy tuck procedure. 

Have More Questions About Tummy Tucks in Fall River, MA? 

Those who feel ready to begin their tummy tuck journeys can schedule a consultation with Dr. Tolomeo to determine one’s candidacy. Call our office at (516) 350-8168 to schedule your consultation or complete our online contact form. 

If you’re not quite at your goal weight yet but want to learn more about tummy tuck surgery in Fall River, MA, you can also contact our office to receive more information about the procedure. Familiarizing yourself with tummy tuck surgery is a great way to plan for when you are at your goal weight and ready for a tummy tuck.