How Much Fat Can a Tummy Tuck Remove?

If you've been struggling with a stubborn belly that won't budge despite your best efforts, you may be considering cosmetic surgery for a smoother, flatter stomach you've been envisioning. One of the most common tummy tuck FAQ patients have when exploring abdominoplasty is how much fat can be removed during the procedure. First and foremost, patients considering a tummy tuck should understand that the procedure is not designed as a weight loss tool or primary fat removal treatment. Still, liposuction may be performed during a tummy tuck to address small-to-moderately sized areas of stubborn fat.

At Plastic Surgery Vegas, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew G. Silver and Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins perform advanced tummy tuck techniques to help patients in Las Vegas, NV achieve a firmer, tighter abdomen. Below, we take a closer look at what a tummy tuck can and can't do, including how much fat can realistically be removed during surgery.

What does a tummy tuck do?

A tummy tuck is not designed to be a weight loss procedure. Instead, the purpose of tummy tuck is to remove loose skin and excess tissue from the midsection, tighten the underlying abdominal muscles, and refine the shape and tone of the waistline. During the procedure, Dr. Higgins or Dr. Silver can also remove a modest amount of stubborn fat via liposuction to further contour the area. The result is a firmer, more youthful-looking abdominal profile, especially for patients who have experienced pregnancy, significant weight loss, or age-related skin laxity.

How much fat can you lose with a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery can include the removal of both skin and fat, though there are limits to how much can safely be taken out in a single procedure. On average, patients may expect to lose a few pounds of tissue during abdominoplasty. For those who also have stubborn fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise, Dr. Silver or Dr. Higgins may recommend combining liposuction with a tummy tuck for additional body contouring. Remember — the focus is on refining shape, not reducing overall weight.

For liposuction specifically, patients may be able to have up to about 10 – 11 pounds of fat removed in a single procedure. However, this can vary from person to person depending on a number of unique case factors, including how much excess fat is present, how extensive their need for skin removal is, and others. Following a thorough one-on-one consultation for tummy tuck, Dr. Higgins or Dr. Silver will outline what results may be possible for you, including how much fat and skin may be able to be safely removed during a tummy tuck surgery.

What else does a tummy tuck help with?

While trimming away excess fat is a nice bonus, the true value of a tummy tuck again lies in its ability to transform the overall appearance and feel of the midsection through skin removal, muscle tightening, and recontouring. Some of the most noticeable improvements patients experience after a tummy tuck include:

• Well-positioned, tightened abdominal muscles
• Smoother lower belly contour
• Reduced skin folds and laxity
• Removal of overhanging skin
• More balanced waistline proportions
• Improved fit of clothing

For many patients, these changes after a tummy tuck offer both physical relief and a boost in confidence.

Should I lose weight before tummy tuck surgery?

In most cases, patients should be at or near their goal weight before undergoing abdominoplasty tummy tuck surgery. Weight loss after tummy tuck surgery can affect your results, while gaining weight after a tummy tuck may stretch the skin and compromise your outcome. If you are considering a tummy tuck and still have significant weight to lose, our team will help you determine the ideal timing for surgery to ensure your results are safe and sustainable.

Keep in mind that tummy tuck surgery is for removing loose skin and reshaping the abdominal area — not for dropping a large number of pounds — though tummy tuck plus lipo can certainly help to address isolated pockets of abdominal fat and give you the slimmer, sexier physique you've been hoping for.

Say see you later to stubborn fat and loose skin with a tummy tuck in Las Vegas, NV

If loose skin and stubborn belly fat are keeping you from feeling confident in your body, our team can help. At Plastic Surgery Vegas, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew G. Silver and Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins offer personalized tummy tuck procedures for patients looking to restore their midsection and feel more comfortable in their skin. Contact us today to schedule your Las Vegas tummy tuck consultation and find out what life-changing results may be possible for you.