While achieving stunning results after plastic surgery is always the goal, maintaining those results is, arguably, just as important, if not more. One of the most sought-after and transformative cosmetic procedures performed today is the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty. More and more men and women across the country each year turn to tummy tuck to help them achieve or restore a slimmer, tighter, more appealing physique. However, when patients experience weight gain after a tummy tuck, whether due to pregnancy, lifestyle changes, or other factors, their original results may be significantly compromised.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the professional team at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV are dedicated to helping patients reach and maintain their ultimate aesthetic goals through the most effective and cutting-edge procedures and treatments available, including tummy tuck, as well as advising patients on the best course of action to restore their original results that may have changed over time.
What does a tummy tuck do?
Tummy tuck is primarily an excess skin removal procedure that is designed to sculpt and contour a patient’s abdomen for a slimmer, smoother contour. Women who have had children and patients who have lost a great deal of weight often have tummy tuck surgery to remove the excess, stretched out skin that remains after weight loss. In addition, tummy tuck surgery can be an effective solution for correcting diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles), a hernia, and other problems. In many cases, liposuction is performed as part of a tummy tuck to further enhance a patient’s results by removing stubborn deposits of fat in the abdomen.
How long does a tummy tuck last?
In theory, the results of a tummy tuck can last indefinitely, depending on a patient’s lifestyle, genetics, the aging process, and other factors. Tummy tuck aftercare plays an important role in how long patients may be able to enjoy their results. In addition to following your surgeon’s postoperative guidelines for proper and efficient healing, maintaining a stable weight is essential. Tummy tuck patients should avoid significant weight fluctuations by eating a healthy, balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly. It is also recommended that women be certain they are done having children before undergoing tummy tuck surgery, as weight fluctuations associated with pregnancy can also negatively impact their results.
What to do if you gain weight after a tummy tuck
In some cases, a small amount of weight gain may not have a major impact on the results of a tummy tuck. For instance, if a patient gains 5 – 10 pounds over the holiday season but subsequently loses it after a few months of returning to a normal diet and exercise routine, they may not see a difference in their figure. However, when someone gains a significant amount of weight after a tummy tuck, particularly if the weight is retained for a long period of time, the skin may once again become stretched out to the point that even losing weight will not be enough to restore their original results. In these cases, a repeat tummy tuck may be the only option for removing the loose skin and achieving an ideal figure.
It is important for patients to understand that a second or subsequent tummy tuck may be more difficult, and possibly less successful, than the first. Scar tissue, aging, and other factors may limit the surgeon’s ability to achieve results that are identical to those of the original procedure. Furthermore, patients who gain weight after their first tummy tuck still need to lose the weight and maintain a healthy, stable weight for at least six months before undergoing a second tummy tuck.
However, Dr. Khorsandi and the caring team at VIP Plastic Surgery understand that life does not always go according to plan. If you have experienced weight gain after your tummy tuck, whether due to pregnancy or otherwise, you are certainly not alone. Dr. Khorsandi is proud to help Las Vegas, NV men and women once again have the body of their dreams and feel more comfortable in their own skin through tummy tuck revision.
Can tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely! Many patients choose to pair tummy tuck with a variety of other surgeries to achieve a more dramatic transformation in a single surgical setting. For example, some women have breast augmentation along with their tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover procedure, while after weight loss patients may undergo tummy tuck as one component of a full lower body lift. Other procedures that are commonly performed alongside tummy tuck include:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Butt augmentation
- Brazilian butt lift
- Thigh lift
- Arm lift
If you have concerns about other areas of your body, make sure to discuss them with Dr. Khorsandi during your initial consultation so that he can put together a customized surgical plan to help you achieve your ultimate goals.
How to get started with a tummy tuck in Las Vegas, NV
If you are ready to learn more about tummy tuck surgery, or if you are interested in how to restore the results of your original tummy tuck, the best first step is to be evaluated by a highly experienced, qualified, and knowledgeable plastic surgeon. Call VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, or make an appointment for an online consultation from the privacy and comfort of your own home, and discover how tummy tuck surgery and other exciting cosmetic procedures can finally help you look – and feel – like the person you are meant to be!
