Tummy Tuck After Massive Weight Loss

Restoring Your Abdominal Contours

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the underlying muscles. The result is a firmer, flatter, and more toned appearance. If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight, you may be all too familiar with the frustrating effects of excess skin. It can make it difficult to fit into clothing, cause hygiene issues, and even lead to discomfort during physical activity. But a tummy tuck can help restore your abdominal contours and give you the confidence to live your life to the fullest.

Dr. Gordon Andan is a highly skilled and board-certified cosmetic surgeon specializing in body contouring procedures. With his extensive training and experience, Dr. Andan has helped numerous patients achieve their desired results. At New York Surgical Arts, he and his team provide patients with solutions to improve their lives. You put in the work to lose weight; let us take it from here. Call (516) 746-0155 or complete this form to get started.

Reading Dr. Andan’s blog can provide valuable insights into procedures, recovery tips, and patient experiences, helping you make informed decisions and feel more confident about your cosmetic surgery journey.

Before and After Photos

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How Does Weight Loss Affect The Body? 

It’s no secret that the United States is facing an obesity epidemic. Approximately 35% of adults in the country are classified as obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. ^[1] Carrying excess weight can have serious consequences for your health, particularly regarding your heart and metabolism. ^[2]

Massive weight loss is when someone sheds more than half of their excess weight. In other words, it’s a major accomplishment that can transform bodies and lives. However, it can have some unexpected side effects.

Weight Loss and Skin 

The skin that once stretched to accommodate your excess weight may not necessarily snap back into place after weight loss. This can lead to excess skin, which can be especially bothersome and even cause health issues. It can cause hygiene issues, as skin folds may trap sweat and bacteria, leading to 

In addition, excess skin can cause discomfort and irritation, making it difficult to find clothing that fits properly and complete everyday tasks.

Weight Loss and Muscle Mass

It’s not just excess skin that can be a problem after massive weight loss. In some cases, you may also experience muscle mass loss, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks or engage in physical activity.

When you gain a significant amount of weight, the muscles in your stomach can become stretched out and weakened. This is because they have to work harder to support the extra weight, which can lead to a loss of tone and definition. As a result, your stomach may protrude more, and you may have a harder time engaging your core muscles. 

In some cases, this loss of muscle tone can also contribute to problems with digestion and bowel movements. ^[4] This is because your stomach and pelvic floor muscles are crucial in moving food through your digestive tract. When these muscles are weakened or stretched out, they may not be as effective at their job, leading to issues like constipation, bloating, and discomfort. This can also lead to serious conditions such as hernias.

How Can a Tummy Tuck Help?

Fortunately, a tummy tuck can help address many of these issues. By removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles, a tummy tuck can repair and restore your abdominal contours and provide relief from the physical and emotional challenges of massive weight loss. With a tummy tuck, you can regain your confidence and enjoy all the benefits of a healthier, happier you.

What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck After Massive Weightloss?

You worked hard to get where you are, but you may still feel like something is missing even after losing significant weight. Excess skin and stretched-out muscles can leave your abdomen flabby and saggy, detracting from your overall sense of accomplishment and confidence.

By removing this extra tissue, a tummy tuck can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your skin, fully enjoying your newfound health and vitality.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck after massive weight loss are those who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess skin and stretched-out muscles in their abdominal area. This may be due to bariatric surgery, diet and exercise, or a combination of factors.

A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, rather, it’s a way to address the physical changes that can occur after significant weight loss, helping to restore a smooth, toned appearance to the midsection. Candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the procedure. Having a stable weight is also important, as significant weight fluctuations can impact the surgery results. Additionally, candidates should be non-smokers or be willing to quit smoking for some time before and after the procedure, as smoking can increase the risk of complications.

Personal Consultation

Before patients in New York and the surrounding areas can schedule a tummy tuck procedure with Dr. Andan, they speak with him one-on-one during a consultation appointment. This is a chance for the patient to get to know their surgeon and for Dr. Andan to understand their goals and expectations better. 

Dr. Andan will 

He will also take the time to answer any questions or concerns the patient may have, ensuring that they are well-informed and comfortable with the entire process. Dr. Andan’s compassionate approach and attention to detail make him a top choice for patients in the tri-state area and nationwide seeking tummy tuck surgery after massive weight loss.

Preparation

Preparing for surgery helps ensure a smooth and successful outcome, and following a few key guidelines in the weeks leading up to your procedure is important.

Following these instructions closely can help ensure a safe and successful surgery experience.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

During abdominoplasty, an incision is made from one side of the pelvis to the other. This incision is made deep to hide the scar in the bikini line. Depending on the patient’s needs, additional incisions may be placed for optimal contouring. In other cases, the incision may stretch past the hipbones to allow for the removal and lifting of additional skin.

The undermining of excess skin and fat is performed, and the belly button is incised and remains attached only to the abdomen. Dr. Andan removes the excess skin tissue and temporarily closes the wound. The new position of the belly button is marked, and the belly button is sutured in place. In most cases, two drains are placed under the tissue flap to help reduce swelling and promote healing. The wound closure is done through multiple suture layers.

After the procedure is complete, our team will observe the patient as the effects of anesthesia wear off. When the patient is cleared, they can return home to begin recovery.

Recovery After Tummy Tuck

Recovery involves taking time off work or regular activities to allow the body to heal. Patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the belly area after the surgery. Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage these symptoms. Patients will receive medication to reduce the risk of infection. After about five days, the drains are removed in a follow-up appointment.

During the first few weeks after surgery, patients must avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or bending over. They may need a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the abdomen as it heals. Patients must follow Dr. Andan’s instructions, including when to remove dressings and stitches.

Full recovery can take several weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s overall health. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within 3-6 weeks after surgery, but it’s important to follow Dr. Andan’s advice and not rush the recovery process.

The Results of Tummy Tuck After Massive Weight Loss

After undergoing a tummy tuck procedure following massive weight loss, patients can expect a significant improvement in the appearance of their abdomen. Excess skin and stubborn fat that may have been resistant to diet and exercise are removed, resulting in a smoother, more contoured belly and waistline. Not only will patients look better, but they will also feel more confident and comfortable in their skin.

The results of this procedure are not only transformative but also long-lasting. Patients who maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly can enjoy their new look for years to come. Imagine wearing the clothes you’ve always wanted, feeling more confident in a swimsuit or at the beach, or simply feeling more comfortable in your skin. All of this is possible with Dr. Andan at New York Surgical Arts.

What is the Cost of Tummy Tuck in Manhattan?

The cost of a tummy tuck is an investment in yourself and your future. While it may seem like a significant expense, the procedure’s benefits can be life-changing. Patients often find that the increased confidence and improved quality of life are well worth the cost. Find out more by calling (516) 746-0155 today.

References

1. Cabbabe SW. Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss. Missouri Medicine. 2016;113(3):202-206. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140063/
2. Slentz CA, Houmard JA, Kraus WE. Exercise, Abdominal Obesity, Skeletal Muscle, and Metabolic Risk: Evidence for a Dose Response. Obesity. 2009;17(n3s):S27-S33. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2009.385
3. Nobles T, Miller RA. Intertrigo. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531489/
4. Andrews CN, Storr M. The pathophysiology of chronic constipation. Canadian journal of gastroenterology = Journal canadien de gastroenterologie. 2011;25 Suppl B(Suppl B):16B21B. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3206564/