Long-Term Weight Loss Trends Observed in Tummy Tuck Patients

A recent study published in the July 2025 issue of *Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery*, the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), reveals that patients who undergo abdominoplasty, commonly known as tummy tuck surgery, continue to experience weight loss for years following the procedure. The study, led by Dr. John Y.S. Kim, a senior author and a faculty member at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, tracked 188 patients who underwent the surgery between 2018 and 2022.

The research found that while abdominoplasty is primarily performed to remove excess skin and improve abdominal appearance, a significant percentage of patients not only maintained their pre-surgery weight loss but also lost an average of 10 pounds over a five-year period. Dr. Kim stated, “We found that patients not only maintained their weight loss after abdominoplasty but also continued to lose weight over time—up to ten pounds, on average.” This finding marks a noteworthy addition to the limited body of research regarding the long-term effects of tummy tuck surgery on weight management.

Historically, abdominoplasty has been associated with high satisfaction rates among patients, particularly those who have undergone significant weight loss. According to ASPS statistics, over 170,000 abdominoplasties were performed in 2023 alone, primarily on patients who face challenges with excess, sagging skin after substantial weight loss. The current study indicates that continued weight loss can be an additional benefit of the procedure, especially for patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) prior to surgery.

The study revealed that approximately 60% of participants lost weight during the follow-up period, with observed weight loss at various intervals: an average of 5 to 6 pounds within three to six months post-surgery, an additional 5 pounds from one to four years, and nearly 10 pounds by the five-year mark. The decline in BMI was also significant, with a reported decrease exceeding 5% over the same timeframe.

Critically, the research identified certain factors associated with continued weight loss post-abdominoplasty. Older patients and those who underwent simultaneous liposuction or lipectomy were more likely to experience sustained weight reductions. Furthermore, patients who had never smoked also showed higher rates of ongoing weight loss. Interestingly, a small subset of individuals who utilized the newer weight-loss medication semaglutide reported more significant weight loss outcomes.

Despite the promising findings, Dr. Kim and his coauthors acknowledged limitations in the study, including varying follow-up durations and potential confounding lifestyle factors. They emphasized the need for an evidence-based framework to better understand the mechanisms behind sustained weight loss following abdominoplasty. “Patients who achieved weight loss after their abdominoplasty succeeded in developing healthy habits that centered around nutrition and exercise,” Dr. Kim noted, highlighting the importance of lifestyle changes in conjunction with surgical interventions.

The implications of this research extend beyond individual patient outcomes; they may influence future practices in plastic surgery and weight management. As the field continues to evolve, further studies are essential to explore the relationship between surgical weight loss procedures and long-term weight maintenance strategies. By fostering a more comprehensive understanding of these dynamics, healthcare professionals can better support patients in achieving their desired health and wellness goals following surgery.

This study not only adds to the existing literature on postoperative outcomes but also opens new avenues for exploring how surgical interventions can be integrated with broader health strategies to support long-term weight management. As the demand for such cosmetic procedures continues to grow, understanding the potential for ongoing weight loss post-surgery could reshape patient expectations and treatment approaches in the realm of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.