Weight Loss After Abdominoplasty
- Posted on: Jan 29 2013
- By: Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
A new study in the latest issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons), addresses long term weight loss results after patients undergo abdominoplasty. Most of the women who were overweight or obese at the time of the tummy tuck procedure maintained the weight loss one year post-operatively. This was noted by measuring their Body Mass Index (BMI), which dropped from close to 30 down to 23. BMI is categorized numerically into the following groups: normal range is 18-25, overweight is 25-30, and obese is >30.
An explanation for the sustained weight loss in the overweight and obese women has yet to be elucidated, but may include both early satiety as well as neuroendocrine mechanisms. There may be hormonal changes similar to those seen in large volume liposuction patients, whose metabolic profiles are altered by removing large amounts of fat. Although neither procedure should be considered a method of weight loss, there may be associated health benefits which result from undergoing these types of cosmetic surgery.
Abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures may be combined with other types of aesthetic body contouring operations for women including thigh lift and labiaplasty, or may be part of a “mommy makeover” with additional breast enhancement surgery such as breast augmentation with saline or silicone breast implants or breast lift. In addition, the fatty tissue that is removed during liposuction has an abundance of stem cells and may be used as fat injections for volume enhancement or restoration and facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a female board certified plastic surgeon in NYC and specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutchinson please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400.
