Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. Can abdominal fat return some time after abdominoplasty?
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Does fat return after abdominoplasty?
Summary
Published July 2, 2025,
updated on July 3, 2025,
by
Lilia, Scientific Editor
—
4 min read
What is abdominoplasty?
The abdominoplasty is an aesthetic surgical procedure that tightens and reshapes the abdominal area. Performed by a plastic surgeon and team, it removes excess skin and fat that cause a sagging abdomen. This procedure targets people with a skin or fat surplus in the abdominal region: women after pregnancy, individuals after major weight loss, or older adults with lax skin. Before surgery, a preoperative consultation informs the patient about procedure steps, risks, and postoperative care. The surgeon assesses patient health through medical history and tests (blood work, imaging) to confirm eligibility. Abdominoplasty is performed under local or general anesthesia.
The surgeon performs a horizontal incision along the bikini line. Its length depends on how much skin must be removed. Sometimes a second incision around the navel is needed. After lifting the skin off the abdominal wall, he removes excess tissue and sculpts the area. He finishes with sutures, applies a dressing and a compress to limit swelling. Once the procedure ends, the healing phase begins. The final result is a firmer, more toned, and rejuvenated abdomen.
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Does fat return after abdominoplasty?
The accumulation of abdominal fat can result from multiple factors: a diet high in fats and sugars, insufficient physical activity, skin aging, or hormonal imbalances. The abdominoplasty allows removal of excess fat and skin, improves abdominal contour, and provides a firmer, more toned result.
However, this treatment does not provide a definitive solution to sebum overproduction.
Indeed, abdominoplasty does not alter metabolism or dietary and behavioral habits. If the patient does not make lasting lifestyle changes after surgery, fat may return. Adipose tissue can accumulate again in the abdomen or other areas, compromising the procedure’s aesthetic benefits. An imbalanced, calorie-rich diet or sedentary lifestyle are the main causes of this rebound.
Surgery is a tool among others to restore a balanced silhouette. To maintain long-term results, a healthy lifestyle is essential. This includes a diet rich in fiber, quality proteins, and healthy fats while limiting excess sugar and processed fats. Regular exercise prevents weight regain but can tone the abdominal muscles and support skin over time. Medical or nutritional follow-up may be recommended to guide the patient through this lasting lifestyle change.
Sources
LOCKWOOD T.E. Maximizing aesthetics in lateral-tension abdominoplasty and body lifts. Clinics in Plastic Surgery (2004).
ROSS R.J.M. & al. Women gain weight and fat mass despite lipectomy at abdominoplasty and breast reduction. European journal of Endocrinology (2006).
BERGH C. & al. A systematic review of outcomes of abdominoplasty. Journal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery (2012).
SHUREIH S.F & al. Abdominoplasty-Derived Dermal-Fat Graft Augmentation Gluteoplasty. Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2014).
DEMIRI E. & al. Short- and Long-Term Effects of Abdominal Lipectomy on Weight and Fat Mass in Females: a Systematic Review. Obesity Surgery (2015).
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