The Pros & Cons of Tummy Tuck Surgery

News | Adelaide Bariatric Centre

After losing more than 40 kilograms following a bariatric procedure such as gastric bypass or lap band surgery patients are typically left with loose folds of extra skin. Abdominoplasty surgery, more commonly known as a ‘tummy tuck’, is a popular way for bariatric patients to rid themselves of this loose, excess skin.

About Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Many bariatric patients undergo tummy tuck surgery following their weight loss surgery, not only because they see the loose skin around their abdomen as unattractive, but because this excess skin leaves them feeling uncomfortable.

Abdominoplasty is the process of removing this fatty tissue around the abdomen through an incision concealed below the waistline and tightening the remaining skin to fit the patient's new body. A standard tummy-tuck removes 1 to 4 kilograms of belly fat from the patient.

Since 2000, the number of tummy-tuck procedures performed in the US has risen by 79 per cent to more than 112,000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But what are the pros and cons of such an operation?

The Pros

• New research shows that there are major health benefits to undergoing abdominoplasty following substantial weight loss, and this includes motivating patients to keep their weight in check.
• Most research shows that there aren't generally major complications from combining bariatric and abdominoplasty procedures.
• Removing extra skin and fat in the abdomen can lessen the risk of infections that frequently occur in the folds of excess skin.

The Cons

• Like many surgical procedures, tummy tucks carry risks including infection and blood clots.
• Negative effects of a tummy tuck that you might notice immediately include issues with the incision healing including scarring.
• For women planning on having children in the future, a tummy tuck can have a negative effect on pregnancy.

For further information relating to the potential risks of undergoing a tummy tuck procedure see the American Society of Plastic Surgeons risk and safety information