A new study has found that patients who undergo abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, may continue to lose weight for as long as five years after the procedure. The findings, published in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, suggest that beyond cosmetic benefits, the surgery may also support long-term weight management and healthier lifestyle choices.

The research, led by Dr. Jonathan Bricker of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, analyzed data from 188 patients who had undergone abdominoplasty. Patients were tracked over an average follow-up period of 26.5 months, with some followed for up to five years.

At the time of surgery, the average weight of patients was 167.8 pounds, and their average body mass index (BMI) was 27.7, placing many in the overweight range. Remarkably, weight loss was not only observed shortly after surgery but continued steadily in the years that followed.

According to the data, patients lost an average of 5.77 pounds (3.15%) of their body weight within three months. At six months, the average loss was 5.28 pounds (2.77%), and by the one-year mark, the figure stood at 4.02 pounds (2.17%). Weight reduction continued over the years, with average losses of 4.18 pounds at two years, 4.16 pounds at three years, and notably, 9.8 pounds (5.29%) at five years post-surgery.

Importantly, none of the patients who experienced weight loss required further surgery to remove excess skin, indicating that the original abdominoplasty was sufficient in addressing aesthetic and physical concerns.

Dr. John Y.S. Kim, senior author of the study and professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, highlighted the broader lifestyle impact of the procedure.

“We have found that patients who were able to achieve weight loss after their abdominoplasty succeeded in developing healthy habits that centered around nutrition and exercise,” said Dr. Kim.

The study provides encouraging insights for both patients and surgeons, suggesting that abdominoplasty may offer more than just aesthetic improvement — it could be a motivator for lasting health changes.

One of the study's authors disclosed a financial interest as a patent and equity holder for Surgical Innovation Associates and EDGe Surgical.

As interest in body contouring procedures continues to grow, this research adds a compelling dimension to the conversation, showing that the journey toward a healthier body may start on the operating table — but it often continues with sustained lifestyle commitment.