How Much Weight Can A Tummy Tuck Help Me Lose?

When it comes to transforming your physique, you would be hard-pressed to find many procedures that are as effective and exciting as the tummy tuck. Formally known as abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is designed to sculpt and flatten a patient’s midsection through excess skin removal, tightening of the underlying muscles, and – in some cases – liposuction. With this combination of techniques, tummy tuck patients are able to achieve a dramatically smoother, tighter, more contoured figure that is often impossible through traditional diet and exercise alone.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the exceptional team at VIP Plastic Surgery have helped thousands of Las Vegas, NV men and women realize their ultimate aesthetic goals through cosmetic surgery, with the tummy tuck being one of the most popular and highly sought-after procedures among patients of all ages. Read on to discover more about how a tummy tuck may benefit you.

What does a tummy tuck do?

The tummy tuck is a highly effective and fairly extensive surgical procedure designed to sculpt and contour a patient’s abdomen. The tummy tuck is primarily a skin removal procedure, though in some cases a patient’s separated abdominal muscles – or diastasis recti – can be corrected with abdominoplasty. Additionally, a surgeon may utilize liposuction to remove deposits of stubborn fat and further enhance the patient’s tummy tuck results.

Tummy tuck surgery can be a fantastic option for almost anyone struggling with excess skin or other cosmetic complaints regarding their abdomen, though it is particularly beneficial for after weight loss patients and women who have had children. In both of these cases, patients are often left with significantly stretched out skin and/or lax abdominal muscles that result in the telltale “mommy pooch” or pouch. All of these concerns, and more, can be effectively corrected with abdominoplasty surgery.

What happens in a tummy tuck?

During a tummy tuck procedure at VIP Plastic Surgery, Dr. Khorsandi will begin by placing an incision just above the pubic area. The length of the incision will depend on how much excess skin needs to be removed, but Dr. Khorsandi takes great care to place his incisions where they can be easily concealed by swimsuits and underwear as much as possible. If the patient’s abdominal muscles have become weak and/or separated, which is common with weight fluctuation and pregnancy, Dr. Khorsandi can address and correct this during the tummy tuck. In many cases, liposuction will be used to remove small deposits of fat in order to further smooth and sculpt the patient’s abdomen. Once the excess skin has been removed, Dr. Khorsandi will pull the remaining skin tight and close the incisions with sutures, resulting in a sleek, beautiful new contour.

A tummy tuck is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and typically takes about 2 –3 hours, depending on what additional procedures are being performed. Oftentimes, the tummy tuck is paired with breast augmentation in a larger mommy makeover procedure or combined with various after weight loss surgeries, such as an arm lift or thigh lift. During your initial consultation at VIP Plastic Surgery, Dr. Khorsandi will discuss all of your concerns at length, explain your options in detail, and recommend a customized surgical plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Following your tummy tuck, it is normal to experience some level of discomfort, bruising, swelling, and limited mobility for the first 1 – 2 weeks. While you will likely notice a dramatic improvement in your figure right away, the final results won’t become visible until the majority of the swelling has resolved, which can take several weeks or months.

Do you lose weight with a tummy tuck?

It is common for patients to wonder whether or not a tummy tuck will help them lose weight, but it is important to understand that the procedure is not designed as a weight loss or fat loss tool. The tummy tuck is primarily a skin removal procedure and should be performed once a patient is at or near their goal weight. While some tummy tuck patients may experience minor weight loss due to the skin being excised or the small deposits of fat being removed via liposuction, large-volume weight loss is not the purpose of the procedure. For patients who have more fat or weight to lose, it is usually recommended that they maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen and continue to lose weight before having a tummy tuck.

How do I find the best tummy tuck surgeon in Las Vegas, NV?

As with any procedure, and particularly one as extensive as a tummy tuck, it is essential that patients select a highly qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable surgeon to ensure the best possible results. Call VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, or take advantage of our online consultations from the convenience of your own home, and find out more about the life-changing benefits of a tummy tuck!