Long-Term Weight Loss Continues After Tummy Tuck Surgery

Recent research indicates that patients who undergo abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, tend to continue losing weight even years after the procedure. Traditionally performed to remove excess skin and tissue following significant weight loss, this cosmetic surgery appears to have a lasting impact on body weight management. The study, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, analyzed 188 patients who had the surgery between 2018 and 2022, revealing a steady decline in weight over a five-year period. On average, patients experienced a total weight loss of nearly ten pounds by the five-year mark, along with a more than 5% reduction in BMI.

The research found that about 60% of patients maintained a continuous downward trend in body weight during follow-up. Factors such as older age, undergoing liposuction or lipectomy concurrently, and never having smoked were associated with greater weight loss. Interestingly, patients with higher initial body weight and BMI gained more from the long-term effects of the procedure. Additionally, some patients using the newer weight-loss medication semaglutide also experienced more significant weight reductions post-surgery.

While the exact reasons behind this ongoing weight loss remain unclear, the researchers suggest that successful post-surgical weight management may be linked to the development of healthy habits, including proper nutrition and exercise. The study highlights the importance of understanding long-term weight trajectories after abdominoplasty and encourages further research to establish evidence-based guidelines for optimizing patient outcomes.

In 2023, over 170,000 abdominoplasties were performed in the United States, often in individuals who experienced massive weight loss. Although plastic surgeons had observed continued weight loss in some patients after surgery, scientific evidence was limited until now. This new study offers promising insights into the long-term benefits of abdominoplasty for weight management, providing a basis for future research and patient education.

Source: MedicalXpress