Advice for Overweight Female Considering Tummy Tuck?

Am I a good candidate at my given size? I am 5'4", 220 lbs, and 20 years old, planning to have tummy tuck in about 5 years after my second child. However, I am very well proportioned and have a good deal of muscle mass vs fat mass. I know my BMI is probably around 38 or 39. I know I have enough time to lose more weight, but worst case scenario after my second child, say I still weigh the same. Is this a good idea? I am in very good health by the way.

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by SCJ519 in Rochester NY

Doctor Answers (10)
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Tummy tuck in patients above their ideal body weight

Hi, You're not a great candidate for a tummy tuck at your current height and weight. That being said, many patients are not able to reach their ideal body weight prior to surgery. They still get improvement from surgery, but the results are not as good as they would be if they lost weight prior to surgery. There are some examples in the photo gallery on my Web site. My best advice is to finish having children and then try to lose as much weight as you can. Although it won't be easy, the... more

You have plenty of time to loose weight

Dont worry now -- have your child and work on wieght loss. You will look the best at your lowest weight. Dont spend a lot of time an energy as you are thinking of doing this in 5 - 6 years. Get your weight under control.

Tummy Tuck being overweight

SEE VIDEO BELOW BY CLICKING "MORE": Your IBW is closer to 125lbs as you obviously are aware. At this point your weight is not a cosmetic issue but a medical one that has serious consequences for you and your new family. Your weight puts you at a particularly high risk of cardiovascular diseaase including heart attack as well as diabetes. Your BMI indicates that you are a higher operative risk for all surgery including the potential for fatal pulmonary embolism. Remember that in... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck will not be as good if you are over weight.

Your present height and weight are not in your favor. If you have a tummy tuck at this BMI, you are at higher risk for infection, wound separation, blood clots, etc. Your result is also not likely to make much of a difference to your shape. So you are better off losing at least 50-75 pounds and then re-evaluating. Don't do it at this weight.

Weight is a relative indicator

The most important thing is to be as fit as possible. This requires you to look at your diet, exercise routine, activity level, and overall habits. Once you are fit and can maintain a healthy, stable lifestyle, then look at your appearance and tailor your treatment to fit your anatomy and desires, keeping in mind that not all patients are good surgical candidates and not all aesthetic problems have good surgical solution. Different people will have different physiques with the identical... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Tummy options in high BMI

When it comes to evaluation of a high BMI patient we go through the options and try to come upon something that will be realistic for that patient. Ultimately we want a patient who is happy with their result and has achieved an appropriate procedure. So what are the options? 1. Diet and exercise-the absolute best option because it means that you are actively trying to improve yourself, and that you will probably continue to improve even after a surgeical procedure. You could also get to the... more

Over weight female tummy tuck

Your situation is very common with the population that I see regularly. I have a complete discussion with patients like your self regarding results and complications. Most of the decision will depend on how realistic is it that you will lose weight. If you have not tried very hard and think you can be successful then it is best to put it off until you have tried more. If you have worked and worked and now find your self at a dead end then you may choose to take the risk. After a... more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD

4 reviews

Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck with High BMI

Although it is possible to undergo a TT at your present BMI, you will be far happier if you first lose a siginificant amount of weight. You will get a much better result if you are at or near your ideal body weight. The complication rate is also much higher with your present BMI. Neither TT nor lipo are procedures designed for weight loss.

Advice for overweight (BMI 38) woman considering tummy tuck?

"Am I a good candidate at my given size? ...5'4", 220 lbs, and ...BMI is probably around 38 or 39 " Dear SCJ519, I am afraid you are not. The Best result are seen on women whose BMI's are well under 30 (around 23 to 25). The higher the BMI the worse the cosmetic result and the higher the complication rate. I would encourage you to complete having your family before having an abdominoplasty and losing as much weight as possible. When your weight loss has stabilized, only then shoul more

Get in shape before a tummy tuck

You would you NOT be at your best for a tummy tuck at 5'4" 220 lbs. You should lose about 80-100 pounds, and then lose the extra skin with a very well done tummy tuck.. You sound like you are trying to justify being so large but it really is not healthy.