After Weight Loss Tummy Tuck

A post-weight loss abdominoplasty, also known as a post-weight loss tummy tuck, is a procedure intended to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin caused by significant weight loss.

If you have recently lost a noticeable amount of weight, you might be left with excess skin–particularly around the abdominal area–that is difficult to address with exercise and dieting. If this is you, you can rest assured that you are not alone and that there are treatment options available. You do not have to let excess skin resulting from all of your hard work hold you back from being the best version of yourself, as you could be an ideal candidate for an after-weight-loss tummy tuck.

Dr. R Morgan Davoudi and the staff at Atlantic Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery offer the best treatment on the market if you are looking to reduce stubborn skin. When making the decision to receive a tummy tuck following your weight loss, it is essential that you choose a surgeon with a proven track record of success. Dr. Davoudi is a double-board certified plastic surgeon based in Duluth, Georgia who offers top-tier body contouring procedures to patients who come from all across the country.

Schedule a personal consultation at the Atlantic Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery by calling (770) 418-1234. Online consultations are also available.

About After Weight Loss Tummy Tummy Tuck Procedures

Excess skin around the abdomen can have several causes. One of the most common reasons for excess skin in this area is the result of a patient losing a significant amount of weight, oftentimes in a short period, therefore leaving behind a great deal of excess skin. In fact, one study found that this issue impacted up to one-third of individuals who underwent a period of significant weight loss. ⁽¹⁾ To combat this, many people will seek body contouring procedures, such as an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck procedure. Tummy tuck procedures often involve the removal of excess skin and tissue. During this procedure, the abdominal muscles can also be tightened with sutures. The result of a tummy tuck is an overall more defined abdominal area with a significant reduction in loose skin.

This procedure might also involve the use of liposuction to reduce pockets of fat in unwanted areas that are resistant to diet or exercise.

Benefits

There are a multitude of benefits associated with a post-weight loss tummy tuck procedure. In fact, abdominoplasty procedures have been linked to improvements in body image, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. ⁽²⁾ Patients who seek tummy tuck procedures often experience the following:

The benefits of a tummy tuck procedure are often both mental and physical. If you have actively been trying to lose weight and were ultimately successful in your goal, you should be able to feel proud about the results–not discouraged by excess skin. Removing bothersome excess skin can be the final step toward completing your weight loss journey.

If you want to experience these potentially life-changing benefits, contact Dr. Davoudi’s office today to schedule a consultation. Reach the office by phone by calling (770) 418-1234.

Online consultations are also available for patients who would rather connect virtually.

Candidates

It is important that candidates meet the criteria to be eligible to move forward with the post-weight loss tummy tuck procedure. Your eligibility will most likely be determined during your personal consultation. As a general rule of thumb, eligible candidates are people who are in overall good health and do not suffer from any major conditions that could impact the procedure, the results, or the recovery process. It is also preferred that candidates do not smoke or use tobacco or nicotine; if they do, they must be willing to quit for the purpose of this procedure.

Candidates for a tummy tuck procedure after a period of weight loss are usually people who have lost a significant amount of weight, resulting in an abundance of skin around the abdominal area. These candidates must have a generally healthy lifestyle; while tummy tuck procedures can permanently remove excess skin after weight loss, the improvements in abdominal definition can be undermined by future significant weight fluctuations.

Personal Consultation

Whether your heart is completely set on receiving a tummy tuck surgery or you are curious and want to learn more about what this procedure might have to offer, the first step for anyone who has recently lost weight and is interested in a tummy tuck surgery is to contact Dr. Davoudi’s office and schedule a personal consultation. Call our Duluth office at (770) 418-1234 or explore our online consultation options.

During this consultation, Dr. Davoudi will have an in-depth conversation with you about your medical history and what you hope to accomplish with an after weight loss tummy tuck procedure. Once Dr. Davoudi has a better understanding of who you are and what your goals are, he will then recommend a personalized procedure plan.

Preparation

Dr. Davoudi will walk you through each step in the preparation process so that, come procedure time, you are left with absolutely no surprises. Preparation may differ for each individual depending on a variety of factors, but in general, patients are advised to refrain from the usage of tobacco and nicotine, as well as the usage of blood thinners; these substances are known to disrupt regular blood flow.

Procedure

Every procedure will look a little different, especially if patients are receiving any additional procedures in addition to a post-weight loss tummy tuck. A post-weight loss tummy tuck procedure can last anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on the complexity of the procedure. During the procedure, a discreet incision will be made in the lower abdomen, where Dr. Davoudi will then remove excess skin and tissue. If your abdominal muscles separated during previous weight gain, Dr. Davoudi can also tighten the abdominal muscles with sutures at this time. If you are receiving liposuction during your post-weight loss tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Davoudi will use thin tubes to gently suction out areas of stubborn fat from the abdomen.

Recovery

After a post-weight loss tummy tuck, swelling should be expected immediately following surgery. This is the body’s natural response to an extensive surgery. Swelling will eventually subside on its own. Assuming the patient’s occupation does not require much physical labor, patients can expect to return to work within two weeks. With this established, it is highly recommended that patients refrain from intense physical activity for up to six weeks following the procedure. Dr. Davoudi will let you know when it is alright for you to return to your normal routine after surgery.

Dr. Davoudi and his staff will be there for you every step of the way during the recovery process. Several follow-up appointments should be scheduled with Dr. Davoudi in the following weeks to monitor your progress. Our team will help you schedule these appointments at a time that is convenient for you.

Results

Dr. Davoudi and the team at Atlantic Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery are more than confident you will be satisfied with the results of your procedure, but it is important to note that patients should have realistic expectations going into the procedure, as results may vary. In addition to this, patients should be aware that failure to commit to a healthy lifestyle might negate some of the benefits achieved through this procedure. Assuming the procedure runs according to plan, patients can expect to see a flatter, more defined abdominal area with significantly less excess skin. Scars will be located in discreet areas that can be easily concealed beneath clothing or undergarments.

Whether or not you choose to go forward with receiving tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Davoudi and the Atlantic Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery team are the most trusted people available to help you shed that excess skin following your weight loss.

Cost of an After Weight Loss Tummy Tuck

The cost of an after weight loss tummy tuck may vary depending on the specific techniques Dr. Davoudi employs, and whether or not you choose to combine your tummy tuck with other procedures. To determine the potential cost of your procedure, schedule a personal consultation at our Duluth office by calling (770) 418-1234 or filling out our online form.

Patient financing is available for those who qualify. If you are unsure of your eligibility for financing, we can help guide you through the process at your personal consultation.

References

1. Toma T, Harling L, Athanasiou T, Darzi A, Ashrafian H. Does Body Contouring After Bariatric Weight Loss Enhance Quality of Life? A Systematic Review of QOL Studies. Obesity Surgery. 2018;28(10):3333-3341. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-018-3323-8
2. Saariniemi KMM, Salmi AM, Peltoniemi HH, Helle MH, Charpentier P, Kuokkanen HOM. Abdominoplasty Improves Quality of Life, Psychological Distress, and Eating Disorder Symptoms: A Prospective Study. Plastic Surgery International. 2014;2014:197232. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/197232