Tummy Tuck After Massive Weightloss

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat and tightens weakened abdominal muscles. For patients who have lost a lot of weight, either through bariatric surgery or other means, a tummy tuck can help address the excess skin and weakened muscles that often result from significant weight loss. Losing a substantial weight is an accomplishment to be proud of. However, the aftermath can leave you with new challenges, such as sagging skin and excess fat around the abdomen. Often, this loose skin can impede physical activity and cause discomfort, negatively impacting your quality of life. A tummy tuck after massive weight loss can help restore your confidence and allow you to enjoy the benefits of your weight loss journey fully.

At Dr. Sean Younai‘s Beverly Hills and West Hollywood plastic surgery practice, we understand that each patient’s journey is unique. For someone who has had the life-changing shift of losing a substantial amount of weight, the journey doesn’t end with the weight loss itself. The physical transformation can come with challenges, sometimes preventing the individual from thoroughly enjoying their new body. If you are ready to take your transformation to the next level, call (310) 275-1971 or fill out our online contact form, and we will be in touch to schedule your consultation appointment.

Before and After Photos

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About Tummy Tuck After Massive Weightloss

Despite a healthy diet and exercise regimen, loose skin and weakened muscles can be challenging to address. But you have worked hard to lose weight and now deserve to feel confident and proud of your accomplishments. That’s why a tummy tuck after massive weight loss can be a great option to help you achieve the body you’ve worked so hard for.

A tummy tuck after massive weight loss can be a solution to restoring your body and confidence. When the body gains weight, it can have long-term consequences. This is especially true when it comes to significant weight gain and loss.

When a person gains weight, the skin stretches to accommodate the extra fat, and the underlying muscles may weaken or become distended. ^[1] If the weight gain is significant, the skin and muscles may not be able to bounce back to their original shape and tone once the weight is lost. This can leave the skin stretched and sagging, and the muscles weakened, leading to a protruding belly and other cosmetic concerns.

When weight is gained and lost repeatedly, this can also contribute to the skin and muscles losing their elasticity, making it even more challenging to achieve a toned and smooth appearance. ^[2] This can be particularly challenging for people who have undergone bariatric surgery or other medical weight loss procedures, as the rapid weight loss can result in significant changes to the skin and underlying musculature.

By removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles, a tummy tuck can create a smoother, more toned appearance to the abdomen. This procedure is customized to each patient’s unique needs and goals, with Dr. Younai working closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. The result is a more natural-looking appearance, with a flatter and more contoured stomach area that can enhance overall body symmetry.

What are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck After Massive Weightloss?

A tummy tuck after massive weight loss offers numerous benefits beyond cosmetic enhancement. Here are some of the critical advantages that patients can experience:

Improved Body Contour

A tummy tuck can help patients achieve a sleeker abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles. This can give patients a more proportionate and balanced appearance.

Increased Comfort

Loose skin and weakened muscles can cause physical discomfort, including chafing, rashes, and irritation. By addressing these issues, a tummy tuck can significantly improve physical comfort and quality of life.

Enhanced Self-Esteem

After significant weight loss, many patients struggle with self-consciousness and low self-esteem due to excess skin and sagging muscles. A tummy tuck can help patients feel more confident and comfortable in their skin, leading to greater self-esteem and body positivity.

Healthier Lifestyle

Patients who undergo a tummy tuck often report feeling more motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This can include regular exercise and a balanced diet, which can help preserve the procedure results and promote overall health and well-being.

Improved Functionality

Loose skin and weakened muscles can limit mobility and activity level. By restoring abdominal tone and contour, a tummy tuck can enhance physical functionality and allow patients to enjoy a broader range of activities and movements.

Dr. Sean Younai and his Beverly Hills and West Hollywood teams can help patients explore their options and create personalized treatment plans to achieve their desired results.

Who are the Ideal Candidates for This Procedure?

The ideal candidates for a tummy tuck after massive weight loss are men and women who have achieved significant weight loss through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise and are left with loose, sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles.

Candidates must maintain a stable weight for at least six months before considering a tummy tuck, as significant weight fluctuations can compromise the procedure results. Additionally, candidates should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the outcome, and understand that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle. They should maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen to ensure long-term results and optimal health.

To ensure optimal results and minimize risk during surgery, female patients are advised to refrain from using oral contraception for a month before their procedure. ^[3]

Personal Consultation

The consultation process at Dr. Sean Younai’s practice is an engaging and informative experience designed to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options. Patients will meet with Dr. Younai to discuss their goals, concerns, and medical history. The consultation typically begins with a warm welcome and a tour of the luxurious facility, providing patients with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Patients can ask questions about the procedure, including 

Dr. Younai will also perform a thorough physical examination to assess the patient’s skin quality, abdominal muscle tone, and overall health.

To help patients visualize their potential results, Dr. Younai may use advanced imaging technology to create a three-dimensional model of the patient’s body. This allows patients to see a realistic representation of how their abdomen may look after the procedure.

Dr. Younai’s team will also provide detailed information about the procedure, including the type of anesthesia used, the length of the surgery, and the expected recovery time. Patients will receive clear instructions on how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect during the postoperative period, including how to care for the surgical site and manage any discomfort.

To schedule your consultation in Beverly Hills or West Hollywood, call (310) 275-1971 today!

Preparing for Surgery

To ensure the best possible outcomes, Dr. Younai recommends that patients maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine in the weeks leading up to their procedure. This can help optimize overall health and reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery.

In addition, patients should make sure to arrange for transportation to and from the surgery center on the day of the procedure and arrange for someone to stay with them during the initial recovery period. Patients should also plan to take time off work and other activities to allow for a complete and comfortable recovery.

In the weeks leading up to the surgery, patients will have a pre-operative appointment with Dr. Younai or one of his experienced team members. The patient’s medical history will be reviewed during this appointment, and any necessary tests or evaluations will be performed. Patients will also receive specific instructions on preparing for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, medications, and lifestyle modifications.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

During the surgery, the patient is put under general anesthesia. Dr. Younai will perform surgery using one of the methods below or a combination that best suits the outcome. ^[3]

Each type of resection is chosen based on the individual patient’s anatomy and desired outcome and may involve other tissue removal and repositioning levels. After the tissue is removed, Dr. Younai will address the abdominal muscles. This will include tightening any weakened or separated abdominal muscles through a technique called plication. This helps to create a firmer and flatter abdomen.

Once the muscles are tightened, the remaining skin is pulled down. The incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures, and two drains are inserted to help reduce swelling and fluid buildup. The entire procedure typically takes around three to five hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. Dr. Younai and his team will closely monitor the patient’s progress during the post-operative recovery to ensure a safe and comfortable healing process.

Recovery

The initial recovery period can last up to two weeks, during which time you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Dr. Younai will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort, and you will need to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks.

Tummy tuck incisions typically leave a scar that may take several months to heal and fade; silicone sheets or gels can help minimize the appearance of the scar.

A critical part of recovery that is often overlooked is the emotional and psychological aspects. Many patients experience various emotions following surgery, including anxiety, depression, and loss or mourning for their old body. Patients must allow time to adjust to their new body and to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed.

What Results Can Patients Expect?

While you may see some immediate improvement in the appearance of your abdomen after surgery, final results may not be visible for several months as swelling subsides and the body fully heals. Patience and adherence to your surgeon’s instructions will help ensure the best possible outcome.

According to one clinical study, most patients (84.6%) report an improved quality of life after a tummy tuck after massive weight loss, while 86.5% experienced an improvement in their psychological well-being. Furthermore, 74% of patients reported improving their sexual relations, and 53.9% admitted liking their bodies more. 76.9% of patients expressed satisfaction with the results of their abdominoplasty, and an overwhelming majority of 96.1% would be willing to undergo the procedure again. ^[3]

What is the Cost of Tummy Tuck in Los Angeles?

We recommend a consult with Dr. Younai to determine the exact cost of a tummy tuck based on individual needs and goals. Call (310) 275-1971 to schedule your consultation in Beverly Hills or West Hollywood today!

References

1. Boswell CB. Body Contouring Following Massive Weight Loss. Missouri Medicine. 2010;107(3):189-194. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6188338/
2. Sami K, Elshahat A, Moussa M, Abbas A, Mahmoud A. Image Analyzer Study of the Skin in Patients With Morbid Obesity and Massive Weight Loss. Eplasty. 2015;15:e4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311578/
3. Lazar CC, Clerc I, Deneuve S, Auquit-Auckbur I, Milliez PY. Abdominoplasty after major weight loss: improvement of quality of life and psychological status. Obesity Surgery. 2009;19(8):1170-1175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-009-9883-x