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Should You Lose Weight Before a Tummy Tuck or Drainless Tummy Tuck?

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Tummy tucks are body contouring procedures that address unwanted skin and loose abdominal muscles. Many people choose this surgery to achieve a flatter and more toned midsection. At Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery, we also offer drainless tummy tucks that eliminate the use of drains during recovery. This makes healing easier and reduces your risk of complications.

When meeting with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe, our patients often wonder if they need to lose a little weight before going under the knife. So, do you have to lose weight before tummy tuck surgery? The answer varies by patient. Read the following to learn how to prepare for your drainless tummy tuck and contact our clinic in Dallas, TX to schedule a consultation.

Why should I lose weight?

The best candidates for body contouring and skin tightening surgery are near their ideal weight, usually within 10 – 15 pounds. This is because techniques like liposuction and excess skin removal are not designed for quick weight loss. Although most tummy tuck results are successful and long-lasting, your outcome may be affected by significant weight gain or loss. If you are obese or overweight, we recommend losing weight to reduce your risk of post-surgical complications.

How much should I weigh?

Because people come in different sizes and shapes, there is no magic number you need to achieve. You simply need to be at a healthy weight and maintain this weight for at least six months prior to your tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Dauwe does not recommend the use of weight loss pills or crash diets. We find that patients who try to lose as much weight as possible before their tummy tuck experience severe and unhealthy weight fluctuations later on.

Do you expect weight fluctuations after tummy tuck surgery?

A tummy tuck or drainless tummy tuck in Dallas first requires a consultation. During this time, Dr. Dauwe may ask questions about your lifestyle. For example, are you finished having children? Do you plan on getting pregnant in the future? Women who want to get pregnant in the next year or so should wait until they have completed their families before scheduling a tummy tuck. Otherwise, you may require additional skin tightening surgery in the future.

Having realistic expectations

The professionals at Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery understand that weight loss is a difficult subject for most people. This is why they request fat reduction and skin tightening surgery in the first place. We find that the best tummy tuck results are seen when someone is in good health, has a positive attitude, and maintains realistic expectations. Dr. Dauwe will let you know what to expect in terms of weight loss and results based on your individual situation.

Schedule a tummy tuck in Dallas

Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery is proud to provide patients with the most advanced cosmetic treatments in the field. If you want a tummy tuck or drainless tummy tuck in Dallas, TX, talk to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe. From your initial appointment to the final follow-up, our team can provide you with expert advice about weight loss. We are passionate about giving patients the best possible outcomes.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.