When will I see shape after my extended abdominoplasty

Body Contouring with Dr Bernard Beldholm

It sounds like you’re in the early stages of recovery after your extended abdominoplasty, and you're wondering when you’ll start seeing your final shape. There are a few key factors to keep in mind that can influence the timeline for visible results:

1. Swelling: It's completely normal to experience swelling after surgery, which can initially obscure your shape. If you had liposuction as part of the procedure, the swelling might take a bit longer to subside. Typically, you'll start seeing noticeable changes in shape around the 3-6 month mark, but it can take up to 12 months for the final result to fully reveal itself.

2. No Liposuction: If you didn’t have liposuction and your surgery mainly involved removing loose skin (as is often the case with post-weight loss patients), you may start seeing your shape more quickly. In this case, 1 to 2 months could be enough time for you to notice significant improvements.

3. Type of Abdominoplasty: With a more traditional approach (which some surgeons use), where skin is simply pulled down without liposuction, the shape may not be as dramatic. This method doesn't address the fat in the tissue, so the final contour may be less defined compared to an approach that includes liposuction.

In summary, the timeline for seeing your final shape can vary:

• With liposuction: Expect to see more of your new shape in 3 to 6 months, with final results around 12 months.

• Without liposuction and just skin removal: You might see the shape sooner, around 1 to 2 months.

As you heal, be patient and keep following your surgeon’s post-op care instructions. Each body heals at its own pace, but with time, the results will become clearer.

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ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.