Op. Dr. Bora Yücel
klinikest@gmail.com +90 (545) 191 49 19
- Feb 14, 2026
- 4 min read
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Bora Yücel
It is possible to get rid of a sagging belly after pregnancy or significant weight loss through tummy tuck and achieve a flat stomach. But what if you gain weight after a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat in the abdominal area caused by various reasons and tightening the abdominal muscles.
However, this procedure does not mean that fat cells in the abdominal area are eliminated. Abdominoplasty removes excess tissue from the abdominal area.
Will weight gain after a tummy tuck ruin results?
Gaining excess weight after abdominoplasty could compromise the surgical results. Abdominal fat may accumulate if the patient puts on weight following an abdominoplasty. Skin sagging and muscle tissue weakening may occur. The flat abdominal appearance achieved through surgery is compromised.
If I gain weight after a tummy tuck, can I get a second tummy tuck?
A second tummy tuck can be performed one year after the first tummy tuck. However, maintaining weight control is certainly much easier for the patient than undergoing surgery. Moreover, every surgical procedure carries certain risks. Instead of planning a second surgery, healthy lifestyle principles should be adopted.
You can maintain the results of a tummy tuck for a lifetime by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and adhering to your doctor's recommendations.
Weight gain after tummy tuck
After abdominoplasty, the individual must take care to exercise regularly and eat healthily. Otherwise, they may regain weight. In cases of excessive weight gain after abdominoplasty, a saggy and large belly may reappear. Stretch marks and loosening of the skin may occur, and the tight and beautiful-looking abdominal area may lose its shape and become distorted due to weight gain.
What happens if you gain weight after a tummy surgery?
After a tummy tuck, individuals must maintain weight control to preserve the beautiful shape achieved. Weight gain after tummy tuck surgery can lead to fat accumulation in the abdominal area, loosening of the abdominal muscles, and sagging of the abdominal skin.
Weight gain after abdominoplasty negates the effects of the surgical intervention and leads to dissatisfaction.
If weight is gained after abdominoplasty:
- Fat accumulation occurs in the abdominal area.
- Sagging in the abdominal skin is observed.
- The aesthetic beauty achieved through surgery is compromised.
What to avoid gaining weight after a tummy tuck?
Weight control after tummy tuck surgery is very important for the permanence of the surgery's effects. Healthy and balanced nutrition, regular exercise, corset use, and avoiding bad habits after abdominoplasty ensure that the results of the surgery are permanent.
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet to avoid weight gain after tummy tuck surgery
Liposuction may also be performed during tummy tuck surgery. To prevent excess fat accumulation in the body, care should be taken to maintain a healthy diet after surgery. It is particularly beneficial to establish a diet plan with the support of a dietitian during the first few months after surgery.
The diet should avoid carbohydrates, focus on protein-rich foods and fibre-rich foods, and include plenty of water.
Portion sizes should not exceed normal portions. Even if the food is healthy, consuming large portions leads to excessive calorie intake and consequently fat accumulation.
Regular exercise to avoid weight gain after a tummy tuck
Starting regular exercise from the date recommended by your doctor after tummy tuck surgery maintains overall physical health and repaired abdominal muscles. Light exercise helps individuals feel more energetic and happy. This minimises the individual's constant need to snack due to psychological needs, even if they are not hungry.
Regular exercise is also beneficial for maintaining muscle tone and preventing loss of elasticity in the muscles.
Using a corset to avoid weight gain after tummy tuck surgery
The corset used after tummy tuck surgery helps keep the abdominal area tight and reduces the swelling caused by the surgery. Thanks to the tightness of the corset, many patients also maintain control over their eating habits.
Avoid harmful habits to prevent weight gain after tummy tuck surgery.
Avoid products like cigarettes and alcohol as much as possible after surgery, as they impair overall health and weaken the immune system. Consuming too many carbonated drinks also leads to high calorie intake and therefore weight gain. For this reason, fast food, products with excessive sugar, and carbonated drinks should be avoided after surgery.
During the recovery process after abdominoplasty, you should be patient, follow the plastic surgeon's recommendations, and take care to control your weight for life to maintain the results of the surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery does not prevent weight gain afterwards. In individuals who gain weight after a tummy tuck, the abdominal area may expand and sag again.
Please contact us for more information.