It’s a common misconception in Hawaii and elsewhere that a tummy tuck (a.k.a. abdominoplasties) is a method of removing fat off the belly. While liposuction aids in removing a certain amount of excess fat tissue, the goal of the tummy tuck is to improve body contour and remove inches from excess skin usually left behind after significant weight loss or delivering a baby. Some cases may see dramatic weight loss following a tummy tuck however it really depends on the initial indications for the procedure and where the weight came from (i.e. excess skin). For example, many of our clients in Hawaii come to us for tummy tucks after having had gastric bypass procedures to lose weight. Now that the extra weight is gone, these clients have been left with more skin and subcutaneous fat to be removed.
Really, tummy tucks should never be used as a method of losing weight. However, weight loss may still be a secondary gain from this procedure. Weight loss can not only come from the removal of unwanted skin and fat, but also because of the demands placed on the body following this type of procedure. The increased metabolic activity related to wound healing as well as the decrease in appetite related to the anesthetic and narcotics given post-op may collectively contribute to weight loss to some extent. Psychologically, the tummy tuck may also increase ones desire to exercise and eat right in order to maximizing ones results.
Overall, clients typically do not lose much weight as a result of a tummy tuck. Most of our Hawaii tummy tuck clients report a weight loss of less than five pounds, but the real difference is in their size and body shape. The number of pounds lost dramatically increases in clients who have had massive weight loss from diet and exercise or gastric bypass. The satisfaction our clients experience is not from a number on the scale, but the new ability to wear form fitting clothing and to just be able to easily tuck in a shirt or to wear a swimsuit with confidence. Take a look at our photo gallery on our website, it really is quite amazing to see some before and after photographs where men and women have literally been transformed.
Truly those who are closest to their ideal weight typically receive the best results from a body contouring surgery such as an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The tummy tuck procedure can do things that weight loss and working out cannot do on their own. Likewise, being fit and eating a healthy diet can provide health benefits that plastic surgery cannot provide. And it’s important to know that if you don’t have a stable weight or lifestyle as far as diet and exercise go, a tummy tuck will only be temporary and will be wasted if you don’t acquire healthy habits and gain the weight back. The ideal patient is one that has been stable at their weight, medically healthy enough for a significant surgery like abdominoplasty and has realistic expectations regarding the outcome.