Study Reveals Continued Weight Loss After Abdominoplasty

Recent research suggests that individuals who undergo abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, continue to lose weight in the years following the procedure. This finding, published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, highlights the potential long-term benefits of this cosmetic surgery for patients seeking to improve their body image after significant weight loss.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, often performed on patients who have experienced substantial weight loss. In 2023, more than 170,000 of these surgeries were reported in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The study analyzed data from 188 patients who had undergone abdominoplasty between 2018 and 2022, with a notable majority being women. Researchers found that patients not only maintained their weight loss but also experienced an average continued weight reduction of up to ten pounds over time. This weight loss appeared to be more pronounced in patients with higher body mass indices (BMI) prior to surgery.

During the first six months post-surgery, participants lost an average of five to six pounds, contributing to a 3% decrease in BMI. Over the next four years, patients continued to shed approximately five pounds, leading to a further 2% reduction in BMI. By the five-year mark, among a limited number of patients, the average weight loss approached ten pounds, with more than a 5% decrease in BMI.

Approximately 60% of participants reported weight loss during the follow-up period. The study noted a consistent trend of weight reduction that remained stable over time. Factors positively associated with continued weight loss included older age, simultaneous liposuction or lipectomy during the abdominoplasty, and a history of non-smoking. Additionally, patients who utilized the weight-loss medication semaglutide saw greater weight loss.

While the study presents compelling evidence that post-abdominoplasty weight reduction is a measurable outcome, researchers caution that it does not definitively explain the mechanisms behind this continued weight loss. It was observed that patients who achieved further weight loss post-surgery often adopted healthier lifestyle habits related to nutrition and physical activity.

The authors emphasize the need for a structured, evidence-based approach to monitor weight changes following abdominoplasty, aiming to identify the factors that contribute to sustained weight loss over time.