The short answer is, yes. It's definitely possible to get a second tummy tuck. We do it all the time! In fact, there is (almost) no limit to the number of tummy tucks that you can get, providing that you are a good candidate for the procedure.
How Many Times Can I Get abdominoplasty? There is no limit on the number of surgery you can undergo if you meet all the requirements and are surgically fit for the procedure. Ideally, abdominoplasty is only performed once on a patient. Abdominoplasty benefits can be lost following weight gain or pregnancy.
Because a tummy tuck is a more extensive surgery, patients need around 10 to 14 days to recover. The results are long-lasting, and the removed fat cells won't grow back—but remaining fat cells may expand and the skin may re-stretch if you gain a large amount of weight.
Tummy tuck results are considered permanent, insofar that the fat cells and skin removed during an abdominoplasty cannot grow back.
Even though loose skin and subcutaneous fat are removed, abdominoplasty cannot remove excess visceral fat that remains intact behind tightened abdominal muscles. Visceral fat surrounds your organs and can only be reduced by diet and exercise.
Where do patients gain weight after a tummy tuck? During body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, fat cells are eliminated from the body and cannot return. Because of this, patients may gain weight in other places like the buttocks, legs, arms, and breasts.
However, losing more than this may result in loose and excess skin again after the surgery. This can affect the longevity of your abdominoplasty. Some patients may require another tummy tuck procedure and skin-tightening treatment to restore their results.
Most women who choose this procedure are in their late 30s, early 40s, or beyond. However, when it comes to your age, as long as you are committed to maintaining results, don't plan on getting pregnant again, and are in good health, any age is the right age.
Tummy tuck surgery results will vary depending on a person's age. For example, a younger patient can expect to see very smooth abdominal skin after abdominoplasty. However, an older patient's skin is typically less elastic than that of a younger person and won't automatically “snap back” to fit the body's new contours.
A tummy tuck will leave a permanent scar
This will run along the horizontal incision line, stretching from hip to hip, right above the pubic bone. While the scar will fade a bit over time, it will remain visible for years to come.
Additionally, the skin, muscles, and fat of the abdomen were all repaired or altered during the procedure. These structures need time to heal and settle into their new positions. This causes inflammation, swelling, and other temporary side effects that can contribute to the look of the stomach.
With a full tuck, you will lose more weight than you would with a mini tuck because you probably have more excess skin and fat to be removed. Finally, the opportunity to lose the most weight after abdominoplasty is reserved for clients who choose an extended tuck.
Technically speaking, the fat cells removed during liposuction will not return to the body. However, weight gain, pregnancy after tummy tuck, hormones, age, and other factors can cause new fat cells to form and remaining fat cells to become enlarged.
Panniculectomy is a surgery done to remove stretched out, excess fat and overhanging skin from your abdomen. This can occur after a person undergoes massive weight loss. The skin may hang down and cover your thighs and genitals. Surgery to remove this skin helps improve your health and appearance.
Liposuction to Contour the Upper Abdomen
As a result, some patients still have upper abdominal fullness following surgery. This area of concern can be addressed with liposuction three to six months after the tummy tuck procedure.
For this reason, it's more helpful to look out for signs which indicate that you may require a tummy tuck revision: A disproportionate amount of scarring. Dog ears (Excess skin at the end of scars) Lumpy or poorly contoured skin due to inadequate removal of excess tissue.
The potential downsides of a tummy tuck are that there's a large scar, it runs from hipbone to hipbone, right across the bikini line. Some women are not really prepared to accept the scar, in most patients it fades, but it never disappears, it's always there.
Maintaining Your Results After a Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck results are considered permanent in that the skin and fat cells that Dr. Greenwald removes during the procedure cannot grow back. Likewise, any internal sutures that he places to repair stomach muscles are designed to remain in place indefinitely.
This study found that 8.2% reported pain within the past week between 3 months and 9 years after abdominoplasty, most often located under the umbilicus in the same location as the incision line, suggesting direct nerve injury in this area as the primary cause.
Medicare only covers tummy tuck surgery if it is deemed as a medical necessity. Medicare does not cover elective cosmetic tummy tucks. Patients can get coverage under Medicare if it is deemed as a medical necessity by their GP. You need to have a valid medical referral and meet the strict criteria.
BMI below 30 considered as an ideal BMI for tummy tuck, but you can have a tummy tuck with good results even if you are overweight. BMI 35 is the maximum acceptable BMI for tummy tuck. One thing that you should keep in your mind is the closer you are to your BMI, the better the final result you can get.
NOTE: Most plastic surgeons will not perform a tummy tuck on patients with a BMI of more than 40. Patients with a BMI > 40 would be advised to lose additional weight before surgery.
Does a tummy tuck make your waist smaller? Yes, it does. By removing excess fat and skin, and tightening abdominal muscles, you will see a smoother surface and a smaller waistline.
Smaller Appetite
It's not uncommon for people who have a tummy tuck to have a smaller appetite for the first three to six months following their surgery. The tightening of skin and muscles in your abdomen may cause your stomach to feel constricted, encouraging you to eat less.
The tummy tuck is very useful when exercise and diet have failed to tighten the abdominal muscles. However, a tummy tuck is not really designed to make you look “thinner.” Rather, the tummy tuck improves the muscle profile of the abdomen, which in turn can have the effect of making you look more fit and toned.