Weight gain is a common nemesis for many people in today’s society, and, let’s face it, sometimes dieting just can’t do the trick. A common remedy to get rid of excess belly fat is an abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck. Not only will this procedure trim the waist inches at a time, but a study reported study in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), suggests that women who have undergone a tummy tuck are far more successful in long-term weight loss.
Associated with the success rate of permanent weight loss is the amount of fat tissue removed at the time of the abdominoplasty. Although an average of five pounds of fat may be removed during the procedure, the Body Mass Index (BMI) of each patient will vary. According to the study, patients with a BMI of 24.5 or greater preoperatively were more likely to obtain a sustained weight loss, even after an entire year. This success was probably, in part, due to the reduced levels of hormones secreted by the fat cells, which affect one’s appetite.
In addition, the study reported that a tummy tuck is claimed to provide increased satiety, or feeling full after eating. This factor, alone, prominently contributes to the lasting weight loss that an abdominoplasty may provide. Although other procedures may be available, they may be restricted to patients with more dire health issues. For example, gastric bypass and other bariatric surgical procedures are available to produce permanent weight loss, but are generally limited to patients with morbid obesity. On the other hand, abdominoplasty is available to a wider range of patients, making long-term weight loss a lifetime possibility for those seeking a thinner appearance in the abdominal area.
Women who are close to their ideal body weight but have excess skin or belly fat that is unresponsive to diet and exercise are ideal candidates for an abdominoplasty. If a sustained loss of weight is desired, women should seek the advice of a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss what options are available to them.
If you are interested in learning more about abdominoplasty and whether it would be good for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Martin O’Toole. Dr. O’Toole has years of experience performing various surgical procedures and can help you obtain the results you desire. Contact Dr. O’Toole today by calling (626) 689-7800 or filling out our online contact form.