Timing abdominoplasty: Key factors to consider

This article has been reviewed and approved by Chief Medical and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Ali Bagher on March 18, 2024.

There are several reasons why you might want to undergo a tummy tuck. For example, you may have a lot of excess skin after losing weight or the skin on your stomach has become loose after pregnancy. Before deciding to book a surgery, it is important to consider some factors and to choose the right time for a tummy tuck. Since it is a relatively major procedure, timing is of the utmost importance.

For your tummy tuck to be successful, you need to make sure you time it right. For example, undergoing surgery before reaching your target weight will not give you the results you want. In addition, there is a high risk of additional excess skin appearing and a new surgery having to be performed. Below, we will look at five things to consider when scheduling a tummy tuck.

Your weight

Does your weight fluctuate a lot? Then it may be a good idea to wait until your weight is stable before having a tummy tuck. A stable weight gives you the best conditions and the most durable results.

A common misconception is that a tummy tuck is an operation that can be used to lose weight, but this is not the case. If you lose more weight after surgery, your results may be negatively affected. Instead, abdominoplasty is an operation that is suitable when you have already lost all the weight you want to lose, to tighten the skin and give a flatter appearance afterwards.

Weight loss after pregnancy

It is not uncommon to want to have a tummy tuck after pregnancy. After pregnancy, the skin usually loses its elasticity and excess skin is common.

Many people also lose significant weight after pregnancy. Therefore, make sure you wait some time after giving birth, preferably until you have reached your desired weight, before booking a tummy tuck after pregnancy.

You don't have to wait until you have your last child - it is possible to get pregnant again after a tummy tuck. However, it's obviously easier on the body if the skin doesn't have to be stretched again, so if you know you want to have more children, it may still be a good idea to wait.

Physical health

Of course, physical health is also important to consider. Some individuals have an increased risk of complications, so to ensure the best possible outcome and a quick recovery, your physical health is an important aspect. Therefore, in order to minimize the risks before surgery, you should always be honest about any health issues you have with your surgeon. You must also stop smoking before the operation and stop taking certain medications.

Mental preparation

Abdominoplasty is not only stressful for the physical body. Your psyche and mental health can also suffer when your body is out of balance after the procedure. Therefore, before undergoing a tummy tuck, you should make sure that your mental health is as stable as possible. It is also important that you have a good basic self-image and that you understand that the surgery may have limitations that affect the end result. 

Your life situation

After a tummy tuck, recovery time is often longer than you might think. Some people recover faster than others, but all of them require a period of rest and relaxation. So make sure that your life situation allows you to get the recovery your body needs. If you have small children at home, it is important that you can get help during the first period. Also plan to be away from work for 1-2 weeks. 

Want to know more about abdominoplasty? Read our guide to everything you need to know about abdominoplasty here, or book a consultation with a surgeon to discuss your options. We are happy to answer your questions.