A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area to give you a tighter and smoother appearance.

Although the surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, the success of your tummy tuck also depends heavily on how well your body responds to the procedure.

Hormonal imbalances can affect your body in many ways, including how it heals after surgery. Here are five cues your body’s hormonal havoc affects your tummy tuck.

Cue 1: Inflammation and Swelling

Hormonal imbalances can cause inflammation, which is a natural response of the immune system to injuries or trauma. However, if the inflammation is not regulated, it can cause swelling and tissue damage.

After a tummy tuck, your body needs to heal the incisions made during the surgery, which causes inflammation and swelling. Hormonal imbalances can worsen the inflammation and delay the healing process, leading to increased swelling, pain, and discomfort.

Cue 2: Delayed Healing and Scarring

Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones that play a crucial role in wound healing. Estrogen promotes the growth of new blood vessels and collagen production, while progesterone helps to reduce inflammation and promote cell growth.

If your body has an imbalance of these hormones, it can affect how well your wounds heal and how much scarring you may experience. Hormonal imbalances can also lead to delayed healing and increase the risk of post-operative infections, which can further delay the recovery process.

Cue 3: Weight Gain and Obesity

Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels, control blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. However, prolonged exposure to cortisol can lead to weight gain and obesity.

Hormonal imbalances can cause the body to produce excess cortisol, which can affect your metabolism and cause you to gain weight around your midsection. Weight gain can negate the results of a tummy tuck and prevent you from achieving the desired body contouring effect.

Cue 4: Fluid Retention and Seroma

A seroma is a collection of fluid that can develop under the skin after surgery. It is a common complication of tummy tucks and can cause discomfort, swelling, and infection.

Hormonal imbalances can contribute to the development of seromas by affecting how your body regulates fluid balance. Hormones such as aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) help to regulate fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.

If there is an imbalance of these hormones, it can cause fluid retention and increase the risk of developing seromas after a tummy tuck.

Cue 5: Poor Skin Elasticity and Aging

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and becomes less firm. This can be accelerated by hormonal imbalances, especially in women going through menopause.

Estrogen helps to maintain skin elasticity and collagen production, so when levels of this hormone decline, it can cause the skin to become thinner and less supple. Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to the development of wrinkles and sagging skin, which can affect the outcome of a tummy tuck.

Conclusion

While a tummy tuck can give you a flatter and more toned abdominal area, it is important to understand how hormonal imbalances can affect the success of the procedure.

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical attention for any hormonal imbalances, you can ensure that your body is in the best shape possible for surgery and recovery.