Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

I would not consider a tummy tuck a weight loss procedure. While you might lose a few pounds, it should not be a procedure that helps you get to your goal weight. A tummy tuck is best for someone who is stable in their weight and is using the procedure to improve their shape.

Removing an excess apron of skin in a panniculetomy will result in a weight loss of several pounds but it is the change in contour and tightening of the abdominal muscles that improves patient’s appearances after tummy tuck. Clothes will fit much better and patients report a drop in pants size along with improvement in body image and self esteem.

Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss solution and is best reserved for those who have stretched abdominal muscles and/or loose skin due to pregnancy, rapid weight loss, or the effects of time and gravity. The amount of weight lost due to the removal of excess skin and tissue varies based on each patient’s individual situation, but is usually less than five pounds. Patients can expect to notice a difference in their silhouettes, with a shapelier abdomen that is slimmer and tighter.

Abdomioplasty how much weight loss

There is usually less weight loss with a tummy tuck than expected, although the contour changes may be significant. A tummy tuck is not done for weight loss and is most effective in those who are at or near their ideal body weight. Typically 2-5 pounds are removed during a tummy tuck, although in patients who have had significant weight loss it may be more than 10 lbs.

The results from a tummy tuck are often quite impressive, despite the relative unimpressive weights that are removed. The primary changes that occur are shape and contour. The abdominal roll that bothers many people can be removed and replaced with a flat (or almost flat) tummy.

Tummy tuck how much weight loss image

The amount of weight that is lost from the skin and fat removal is disappointingly low for most patients as skin and fat are not dense or heavy, and although a large amount of tissue is removed, the weight is not large. But it can allow a significant amount of inches to be removed, and the shape is better after the tumy tuck.

I have some patients that are very thin and have loose skin, but not much fat. I also take care of patients that have had massive weight loss. These patients can have greater than 15 pounds removed during a tummy tuck. Average patients who are height and weight proportionate will not have nearly as much weight removed.

The goal of a tummy tuck is contouring, not weight loss. The procedure involves removal of excess skin and fat as well as plication or tightening of your abdominal muscles. You should see a significant difference in your waist size and shape. While you may lose a few pounds as a result of the procedure, that is not its purpose.

Tummy tuck how much weight loss photos

The skin and fat that is removed from a tummy tuck operation varies alot with the amount of skin and fat that is to be removed. Generally skin and fat is not as significant amount in terms of weight. If the patient has mostly loose skin and not much fat, the amount removed during a tummy tuck may be in the order of one to two pounds. Removing as much as 7-10 pounds of skin and fat during a tummy tuck alone is fairly substantial.

The best solution for losing weight is dieting and exercise.

Most patients that undergo a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) also have concomitant liposuction of the hips at the same time. Contour improvements are achieved with the liposuction as well as removal of loose skin from the abdomen and tightening of the muscles. The skin and fat that is removed does not physically weight very much, most often, between 800 – 2500 gms, which is something like 1 – 3 lbs.

Tummy tuck surgery how much weight loss

This procedure is about shaping and patients will see changes in their clothing size and how clothing fits them, not necessarily a big change in weight. there are extreme cases of patients that are extremely heavy that have a heavy pannus (abdominal skin that hangs over like an apron), but these cases are more “reconstructive” and quite rare.

The weight loss that is typically seen occurs as these patients continue in their diet and exercise regimen and lose further weight. A tummy tuck should not really be thought of as a “weight loss procedure”.

In general, tummy tuck surgery should not change your weight on the scale much at all. This is because the goal of tummy tuck surgery is to remove some excess loose skin and tighten your muscles. The skin that is usually removed with tummy tuck procedures only weights a few hundred grams at most and that is not even one pound.

If you are trying to have a tummy tuck as a weight loss procedure this surgery may not be the right one for you. A board certified plastic surgeon will be able to tell you truthfully about the expectations from this surgery and whether you are a good candidate for it or not. Don’t feel pressured with the advice of just one surgeon, if you are still unsure get another consult to make sure the answers are similar. Good luck with your decision.