Is It Safe to Have a Tummy Tuck - Either Standard or Modified - While Obese?

I know I should lose 80-100 pounds. But I would really like to improve my overall appearance now. I would like both my upper arms and tummy worked on. I would feel MUCH better in (and out) of clothes and think it would inspire me to lose more weight. I understand I may need the surgery repeated if indeed I lose a significant amount. Honestly, it's not likely. I am newly married and would LOVE to fix the apron of fat and reduce my arms. I am in excellent health.

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by ltladycop in Melbourne, FL

Doctor Answers (10)
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Fixing the Fat Apron with 100 lbs to Lose

I think it is reasonable to perform a panniculectomy in which the fat apron is removed, but I do not think it an acceptable risk to perform a tummy tuck and arm lift on someone who has 100 lbs to lose.

Losing weight before having a tummy tuck.

We require patients to be at their ideal weight for at least 6 months because once you lose additional weight, your results are compromised and you will need additional surgeries. Once you start to lose weight you may feel a little better. Best Wishes! see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Safe weight for a Tummy Tuck

Even if you are heavier than what is considered "ideal", you can absolutely benefit from a tummy tuck. I think that you have the perfect goals in this scenario. Those goals are to get rid of that "apron of fat". The thing that you have to be okay with in this scenario is that if in the future you decide to lose a lot of weight (50 pounds or more), you may have to have another tummy tuck to tighten up the skin. Since you understand this and are okay with this, I say... more

Tummy Tuck - While Obese?

The risks are much increased, the benefits much decreased in a patient who really needs to lose 80-100 pounds. A compromise procedure that a surgeon might consider would be a panniculectomy, where just the overlying skin and fat is removed. This can give a dramatic improvement in the right patient, with less excessive risk than a full TT. And it would compromise the possibility of doing a full TT after weight loss. As far as the arms go, I don't feel that making them a... more

Obesity

Having any form of surgery when you are considerably overweight has much higher risks for complications. Your results will also be better if you lose weight first

Too risky for tummy tuck in obesity.

Surgery is not the way to initially address your concerns. The operation has complications that are greatly increased with obesity. I would suggest you lose the weight before proceeding with elective surgery (unless it is bariatric surgery).

Lose the weight

Lose the weight first. the morbidity and yes the mortality of the operation is high if you are truly 100lbs overweight. bariatric surgery?

Tummy Tuck if Obese?

Although I understand your reasoning, I think the risks of doing any type of body contouring surgery while “obese” is too significant. Perioperative morbidity/mortality is increased for overweight patients who undergo any type of surgery. I would encourage you to seek medical help, the use of personal trainers, nutritionists… and work towards a long-term stable weight that will help you achieve and maintain truly " excellent health”. Best... more

Want your cake and eat it too

First you need to diet and get your BMI under 30. Obesity is a disease which means you are not healthy. Take control of your life, loose the weight and then discuss cosmetic surgery.

Panniculectomy vs tummy tuck

It is not right to do a full abdominoplasty when you are obese and you should be suspicious of any doctor willing to do that. The risk vs benefit ratio is all wrong. One thing you might do is be seen for a panniculectomy where the roll is cut off without doing a full tummy tuck. Forget the arms til you lose weight. All you'll get there are bad scars and still have big arms.