An after-weight-loss tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and tighten the abdomen following significant weight loss. When your skin becomes stretched by excess fat, it can be difficult for it to bounce back on its own. Droopy skin is especially common after weight changes and can affect how your clothes fit. Removing it can improve your mobility and self-esteem, especially after you worked so hard to lose weight.
With the rise of weight loss procedures like the gastric sleeve and GLP-1 medications line semaglutide and tirzepatide, many patients remain dissatisfied with their body contours even after significant weight loss. This has led to a rise in cases of so-called “Ozempic body”, where excess sagging skin remains after a concerted effort to lose weight with these medications.
At Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic, we can help you achieve a smoother midsection with an after-weight-loss tummy tuck. Contact our office or call (720) 372-2155 to learn how we can help you balance your proportions and regain your confidence after weight loss.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About After Weight Loss Tummy Tucks
- 3 What is “Ozempic Body”?
- 4 After Weight Loss Tummy Tuck Benefits
- 5 Candidates & Consultation
- 6 Preparation
- 7 Procedure
- 8 Recovery
- 9 Results
- 10 Additional Body Procedures
- 11 Cost of an After Weight Loss Tummy Tuck in Denver
- 12 FAQ
- 12.1 Will there be scars following an after-weight-loss tummy tuck?
- 12.2 Can I become pregnant following an after-weight-loss tummy tuck?
- 12.3 Will an after-weight-loss tummy tuck help with weight loss?
- 12.4 Is an after-weight-loss tummy tuck safe?
- 12.5 Can I combine an after-weight-loss tummy tuck with other procedures?
- 13 References
Before and After Photos
About After Weight Loss Tummy Tucks
An after-weight-loss tummy tuck is a transformative procedure that offers individuals the chance to achieve a firmer, flatter abdomen. It caters to those who have undergone substantial weight loss, often from diet, exercise, medical weight loss, or weight loss surgeries like the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.
If you would like to improve the shape and appearance of your abdomen after weight changes, you are not alone. A significant amount of droopy skin after weight loss is common (1) and can be disfiguring if not addressed. A tummy tuck is an effective procedure and specialists performed more than 170,100 in 2023 to help patients remove excess skin. (2) Thick folds of skin can be difficult to clean, resulting in rashes and hygiene issues. An after-weight-loss tummy tuck is specifically designed to help you remove it so you can feel more comfortable in your body. If your underlying muscles were also stretched by pregnancy or changes to your body in the past, we can tighten them during a tummy tuck to improve your strength. (3)
What is “Ozempic Body”?
Patients taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) may experience significant reductions in appetite, leading to healthier dietary choices and weight loss over time. However, many people also experience excess sagging skin as a result of their rapid weight loss. “Ozempic body” is a term used to describe the leftover skin following the use of these GLP-1 medications. These issues can be addressed with an after-weight-loss tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), which removes excess skin, tightens underlying muscles and liposuction to remove fat, leaving a smoother, better-defined midsection.
Body Contouring After Weight Loss
After weight loss, it is common to notice pockets of excess fat in addition to skin affecting your body proportions. We will combine a tummy tuck with VASER liposuction to help you contour your body further. VASER liposuction is a special kind of fat removal surgery that uses advanced ultrasound technology to help contour the body. It stands for “Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance.” This technique allows plastic surgeons to remove unwanted fat from specific areas of the body, giving it a more sculpted and defined appearance.
After Weight Loss Tummy Tuck Benefits
After weight loss, patients who undergo a tummy tuck can enjoy several benefits, including:
- Balanced body proportions: A tummy tuck provides a flatter, more toned abdomen by eliminating uncomfortable sagging skin.
- Tighter abdominal muscles: During the procedure, we can tighten separated or weakened abdominal muscles for a stronger core.
- Increased self-esteem: Many patients experience improved self-esteem and confidence after a tummy tuck.
- Increased mobility: Removing excess skin can make participating in physical activities easier.
- Long-lasting results: If you diet and exercise regularly, you can enjoy long-lasting results since we permanently remove excess skin and fat during the procedure.
- Minimal scarring: Incisions along the natural contours of your skin provide a natural-looking result.
Candidates & Consultation
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck include individuals who:
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure
- Are frustrated by excess abdominal skin and fat
- Have experienced significant weight loss
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before surgery
During your consultation, you will meet with one of our patient coordinators. We will examine your skin to determine the severity of your sagging and discuss the best treatment plan for your needs. We will also discuss your family planning goals; if you are planning to become pregnant, we will recommend that you delay the procedure because pregnancy can stretch your skin further.
Preparation
Once your procedure is scheduled, following preoperative instructions is crucial for achieving optimal results:
- Discontinue Medications: Cease blood thinners and certain supplements as instructed to minimize bleeding risks.
- Quit Smoking: Avoid nicotine products before and during recovery to promote healing.
- Fill Prescriptions Ahead of Time: Prepare any necessary medication management for post-surgical care.
- Arrange Transportation: Ensure you have someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- Prepare Recovery Space: Make accommodations for rest and minimize physical activity during recovery.
These preparatory steps can greatly influence your comfort and accuracy of the surgical outcome.
Procedure
During an after-weight-loss tummy tuck, here are the commonly performed steps:
- Anesthesia Administration: You will receive general anesthesia from our board-certified anesthesiologist.
- Incision Creation: The incisions are usually made along the lower abdomen, designed to be as discreet as possible. For a full tummy tuck, a horizontal incision extending from hip to hip is employed.
- Excess Skin Removal: Any redundant skin is excised, and underlying fatty tissue is removed or repositioned.
- Liposuction: Liposuction is performed concurrently to remove additional stubborn fat pockets.
- Muscle Tightening: The surgeon will stitch the abdominal muscles together to create a firmer, flatter abdominal wall.
- Redraping of Skin: The remaining skin is pulled down and redraped smoothly over the newly sculpted abdomen, followed by stitching the incisions carefully to minimize surgical scars.
Recovery
After your tummy tuck, it is vital to follow your surgeon’s recovery guidelines:
- Swelling and Bruising: It is common to experience some swelling and bruising, which will gradually resolve.
- Activity Restrictions: Physical activities must be limited for several weeks. Strenuous exercises should be avoided for at least six weeks post-surgery.
- Follow-Up Visits: Routine follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring healing progress and removing stitches if needed.
With proper adherence to your recovery plan, you can anticipate seeing final results within a few months as swelling diminishes and your body adjusts.
Results
Once you have fully recovered from your after-weight-loss tummy tuck, you will notice a flatter, smoother abdomen with improved contours. Many patients report significant enhancements in body confidence and self-image. While surgical scars will remain, they will typically fade and become less noticeable over time. Through ongoing nutrition and exercise, you can enjoy lasting results that reflect your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Additional Body Procedures
Brazilian Butt Lift
A BBL is a procedure that increases the size of your buttocks with a fat transfer for a rounder, curvier appearance. After weight loss, it is common to notice droopy skin and pockets of fat that affect your proportions. If you would like to achieve firmer, rounder buttocks after weight changes, a BBL is an effective procedure to help you meet your body goals. We can harvest excess fat from your body with liposuction and inject it into your buttocks for natural-looking volume.
Emsculpt NEO
Emsculpt NEO is a treatment that tones your muscles and helps you increase muscle mass with HIFEM (high-intensity focused electromagnetic) technology. During the treatment, waves of HIFEM cause your muscles to contract which can help you build muscle more quickly than you could with diet and exercise alone. The treatment can help you increase muscle mass by up to 25%. (4)
Cost of an After Weight Loss Tummy Tuck in Denver
The cost of your after-weight-loss tummy tuck will depend on the unique nature of your treatment plan. The best way to find out more is to book a personal consultation at Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic.
Do not wait to prioritize your body goals and well-being. Contact our office or call (720) 372-2155 to learn more.
FAQ
Will there be scars following an after-weight-loss tummy tuck?
Incisions will leave surgical scars, but skilled techniques mean these will generally fade over time and can often be concealed beneath clothing.
Can I become pregnant following an after-weight-loss tummy tuck?
We recommend that you wait to have a tummy tuck if you are planning to become pregnant because pregnancy can affect your results and stretch your skin further.
Will an after-weight-loss tummy tuck help with weight loss?
No, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss treatment. However, it can remove excess skin to help you achieve a smoother figure.
Is an after-weight-loss tummy tuck safe?
An after-weight-loss tummy tuck is a safe, well-tolerated procedure that can help you achieve your body goals. However, whether or not the procedure is the right fit for you will depend on your medical history and aesthetic preferences.
Can I combine an after-weight-loss tummy tuck with other procedures?
Yes, the procedure is customizable and we can combine it with liposuction or other body contouring treatments.
References
- Boswell CB. Body contouring following massive weight loss. Missouri medicine. 2010;107(3):189-194. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6188338/#:~:text=Significant%20sagging%20skin%20folds%20remain
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Orr Shauly, Goel P, Gould DJ. Painless, Drainless Lipoabdominoplasty: A Retrospective Study of Pain Following Lipoabdominoplasty Utilizing Liposomal Bupivacaine and a Modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2022;4. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojac049
- Robert Weiss, M. D., M. D. Brian Kinney, and M. D. Carolyn Jacob. “Emsculpt NEO Simultaneous emission of novel Synchronized Radiofrequency and HIFEM (magnetic fields) in a single applicator for fat elimination and muscle building.” Retrieved 1/15/2021 from https://351face.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Emsculpt_neo_CLIN_Mechanism-of-action-paper-full_ENUS100.pdf
