New research reveals that 61% of abdominoplasty patients in a 5-year study continued losing weight long after surgery, with some losing up to 10 pounds beyond their initial results. This makes tummy tuck surgery in Fayetteville, Arkansas not just a body contouring procedure, but potentially a catalyst for long-term weight management success.
If you’re considering abdominoplasty in Fayetteville, Arkansas, you might be surprised to learn about an unexpected benefit that extends far beyond removing excess skin and fat. A comprehensive study by Dr. Jonathan Bricker and colleagues, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (July 2025), analyzed 188 consecutive abdominoplasty cases and discovered that tummy tuck patients continue losing weight for up to 5 years after their procedure.
The landmark study tracked patients for up to 5 years following their abdominoplasty procedures in Northwest Arkansas and beyond. The results were remarkable:
What makes these findings particularly significant for Fayetteville plastic surgery patients is that over 61% of patients maintained or continued their weight loss throughout the entire study period. The research, which followed 188 patients (96.8% female, average age 42.5 years), represents one of the most comprehensive analyses of post-abdominoplasty weight changes to date.
Dr. Michael Spann, a plastic surgeon in Northwest Arkansas, has observed this phenomenon for years, but the Bricker study helps quantify what local patients can expect. The research team proposed several evidence-based factors that may contribute to post-surgery weight loss:
When board-certified plastic surgeons in Fayetteville tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess tissue during a tummy tuck, it creates a natural compression effect on the stomach area. This can lead to:
After recovering from abdominoplasty in Arkansas, many patients find they can:
The psychological boost from seeing improved body contours often motivates Fayetteville tummy tuck patients to:
The Bricker study’s statistical analysis revealed that certain Arkansas abdominoplasty patients experienced greater weight loss benefits:
These findings have important implications for anyone considering tummy tuck surgery in Northwest Arkansas:
While abdominoplasty isn’t primarily a weight loss procedure, Fayetteville patients can realistically expect some continued weight reduction as a valuable bonus benefit that may last for years.
The study shows that weight loss benefits aren’t just temporary—they can last for years when patients maintain healthy lifestyle habits, making this particularly valuable for Arkansas residents committed to long-term wellness.
Importantly, no patients in the Bricker study required revision surgery due to additional skin laxity from continued weight loss, suggesting the initial procedure accounts for potential future changes.
To get the most benefit from your abdominoplasty investment in Arkansas:
Northwest Arkansas offers several advantages for tummy tuck patients:
Based on the research, Fayetteville patients typically lose an additional 4-10 pounds over 5 years, with the most significant losses occurring in the first 3-6 months.
The study found that no patients required revision surgery due to continued weight loss, suggesting the initial procedure accounts for future changes.
Yes, patients who had liposuction with their tummy tuck experienced greater weight loss (99.1% of successful weight loss patients had concurrent procedures).
The research tracked patients for 5 years and found sustained benefits, with some patients experiencing their greatest weight loss at the 5-year mark.
If you’re considering abdominoplasty in Fayetteville, Arkansas, this research provides compelling evidence that the benefits extend far beyond what you see in the mirror. The combination of immediate body contouring results and potential long-term weight management benefits makes tummy tuck surgery an investment in your overall health and confidence.
Ready to learn more about abdominoplasty in Northwest Arkansas? Contact our Fayetteville plastic surgery practice to schedule your personal consultation and discover how tummy tuck surgery might benefit your unique situation. Dr. Spann will help you understand what to expect and create a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
References:Bricker, J., Ferenz, S., Moradian, S., Termanini, K., Jackson, B., & Kim, J. Y. S. (2025). What Happens to Weight following Abdominoplasty: An Analysis of 188 Consecutive Cases. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 156(1), 51e-58e. DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000011959
This blog post is based on peer-reviewed research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if abdominoplasty is right for you.
