Will Weight Gain After a Tummy Tuck Ruin Results?

If you had a tummy tuck or are considering getting one, you may be wondering what happens if you gain weight. Can your results be ruined? How much weight gain will ruin your results? This blog will discuss weight gain after a tummy tuck and how to maintain your aesthetic and health.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery is designed to give patients smoother, slimmer contours in the abdominal area. 

During this cosmetic procedure, an incision is made a few inches above the pubic region. Then, excess skin and fat are removed, and the abdominal muscles are repaired. The belly button can be repositioned, and the upper abdomen can also be contoured. Finally, the skin is pulled taut and sutured back in place, creating a toned belly and slim physique.

Tummy tuck surgery should not be seen as a replacement for weight loss. Patients must be close to their goal weight before surgery. That said, abdominoplasty is an excellent option for patients who have tried to lose weight with diet and exercise without much success. This procedure often motivates patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle afterward. However, gaining weight after a tummy tuck is still possible.

How Does Weight Gain Affect a Tummy Tuck?

The fat cells removed during a tummy tuck are gone forever. However, this does not mean that the remaining fat cells can’t increase in size. 

Generally, a bit of weight fluctuation is fine after a tummy tuck and won’t affect your results. That said, significant weight gain of 10–15 pounds or more can be detrimental. It’s also difficult to predict where fat will accumulate. Some patients gain fat in their buttocks, thighs, arms, breasts, or even around their organs, which is highly dangerous.

Too much weight gain in the belly can weaken the abdominal muscles or make them separate, and skin stretching can cause loose skin to form again, essentially reversing your tummy tuck. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for long-lasting tummy tuck results.

How To Maintain Your Tummy Tuck

Staying healthy and in tune with your body is one of the best ways to maintain the results of your tummy tuck. Treat your body with care and consideration, and you will reap the benefits.

Eat a Healthy Diet

One of the main contributors to weight gain and increased body fat is diet. Eating too many calories leads to that excess energy being stored as fat. An unbalanced diet or eating too much sugar, processed food, or saturated fat can all contribute to weight gain. 

Avoid bad habits, like snacking while watching TV and drinking your calories (in the form of sugary sodas or juices). Don’t eat directly from the package—serve yourself a proper portion instead so you can control the amount of food you put into your body.

Make sure to eat a combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to stay fuller longer. Whole foods are often lower in calories and higher in nutrients, so your body will be lean and nourished. Research even shows that meal timing, such as fasting overnight or eating a big breakfast, may help to keep the weight off. Experiment or talk to your doctor to discover what works best for you.

Exercise

Regular movement is an essential part of your physical health and will help you maintain a slim figure. Cardiovascular exercise burns calories and keeps you in good shape. Strength training encourages muscle tone and is particularly important for keeping your core strong after a tummy tuck. Combining cardio, strength training, and stretching will keep your body in excellent shape. 

Get Regular Health Check-Ups

Factors that are harder to control, like hormone fluctuations and stress levels, can cause you to gain weight. Your overall holistic health is important and can affect your weight. If you are leading a healthy lifestyle but still gaining weight, see your primary doctor to see what could be the cause.

Interested in Tummy Tuck Surgery in San Francisco?

If you are considering tummy tuck surgery, it’s important to see a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Kimberly Henry is a leader in the field of plastic surgery, with exceptional surgical skills and dedication to her patients. To learn if a tummy tuck is right for you and get your questions answered, schedule a consultation by using our online contact form or calling (415) 924-1313.

We look forward to meeting you.