A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) doesn't directly boost your metabolism, but it can lead to positive metabolic indirectly by removing fat, improving body image, increasing physical activity, reducing inflammation, and potentially altering hunger hormones, making it easier to eat less and maintain a healthy weight long-term, though results vary and depend heavily on lifestyle changes post-surgery.
One of the most significant effects of a tummy tuck is the removal of excess skin and fat. This alteration in body composition can impact your metabolism. When you reduce body fat, particularly around the abdomen, your body may become more efficient at burning calories.
A tummy tuck is not necessarily designed to make weight loss easier. That being said, some patients may find that it is easier to keep the weight off after surgery because they feel motivated to maintain their results.
Complications of a tummy tuck may include: Scarring. Bleeding. Pain and swelling.
In general, redistribution will not be an issue unless you gain more than 20% – 30% of your post-procedure body weight. If there is any weight gain after liposuction for a tummy tuck, it will normally happen in other areas of the body.
Natural-looking results – A traditional tummy tuck can sometimes result in a boxy silhouette since fat is not added to the buttocks for added roundness. An hourglass tummy tuck creates a curvaceous, feminine figure that looks more natural.
How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Last? One of the most common questions Dr. Ridha hears is, “How long will the results last?” While a tummy tuck's results last about a decade, it's essential to understand that the aging process will continue, and lifestyle factors can impact the longevity of your results.
There is no “best age” for getting a tummy tuck. There is also not an ideal tummy tuck age range, as anyone young or old can be a good candidate for the procedure. Cosmetic surgeries in general are very popular among those over 50 years old.
Sono Bello's AbEX® procedure combines micro-laser liposuction with skin removal to deliver those results using a minimally invasive approach. It's a great option for individuals near their goal weight who are in good health and looking for a faster recovery and less downtime than a conventional tummy tuck.
Common Concerns About Tummy Tuck Results Over Time
You may see: Slight softening of the abdominal area. Minor recurrence of skin folds in high-motion zones. More visible scar tissue depending on care.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Surgeon
One of the most crucial factors for a successful tummy tuck is selecting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Patients often wish they had spent more time researching their surgeon's qualifications and patient reviews.
While a second tummy tuck can be an effective way to address issues that were not fully resolved during the initial surgery, there are risks associated with the procedure. It is important to have a conversation with your surgeon and discuss all options available before making a decision.
Post-Surgery Fluid Retention
Sometimes after surgery water is retained in the areas between your organs, which can lead to a bloated appearance. This fluid retention can be localized—like swollen hands and feet—or it can be more generalized to give the appearance of overall weight gain.
If your weight fluctuates up to 10 pounds or less after your tummy tuck, your results will likely not change much. However, your results may be compromised if you fluctuate more than 10 pounds. Losing substantial additional weight may result in excess sagging skin that can only be addressed with additional surgery.
A decade after the procedure, patients can expect their tummy tuck scars to be flattened out and mostly faded. If the patient has maintained a stable weight and hasn't undergone pregnancy since the tummy tuck, then the tightened muscles and slim abdominal contours should still be apparent.
When fat cells are removed from your abdomen during a tummy tuck, the decreased amount of fatty tissue in your body could cause your glands to produce lower levels of hunger-inducing hormones as compared to the period before your abdominoplasty.
Try the “pinch test” — stand up straight and pinch the skin around your belly button. If you can gather less than an inch of skin, you're likely an excellent candidate for Renuvion. If you can pinch more and the skin doesn't snap back quickly when released, you may need surgical skin tightening, like a tummy tuck.
No amount of exercise can restore the elasticity of the skin on the abdomen when it has been stretched by drastic weight loss and wearing a waistband to conceal loose skin can be a daily inconvenience. A tummy tuck can provide surgical relief by removing the excess skin around the abdomen.
A panniculectomy is designed to treat an apron belly, while a plus size tummy tuck is designed to address the entire abdominal area. While every patient is unique, generally those who have a significant apron belly of hanging skin that covers the groin or lower, a panniculectomy is best.
Patients must be near their ideal weight before undergoing the treatment. Other factors, such as medication use, preexisting health conditions, and being a smoker, can also hinder one's ability to benefit from the treatment.
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.
Abdominal changes, such as loose skin and stubborn fat, are common after menopause. A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin, while liposuction helps contour the area by removing unwanted fat.
Full Tummy Tuck
Best for: Patients with significant skin laxity, stretched or separated muscles (diastasis recti), and excess skin or fat both above and below the belly button. Surgical time: Two to three hours.
Patients may have a higher risk of developing DVT after tummy tuck surgery because of things like immobility during the healing process and compression of blood vessels during the procedure. A pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition, can result from a blood clot that enters the lungs.
A tummy tuck can be painful for up to a week after surgery. The amount of pain will depend on the exact tummy tuck procedure you have. Mini tummy tucks present the least pain whilst extended tummy tucks have the most pain. Tummy tuck pain can be managed by pain medications prescribed by your surgeon.