Is There a Cut-off Age for Tummy Tuck?

I am 61 years old and considering a full abdominoplasty fairly soon. Is there an age cut off for this type of surgery? I am in excellent health and has been working out regularly in the last 30+ years. I am toned everywhere except for my bulging stomach. Thanks.

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by emily in Wa in Puyallup, Wa

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Safe Tummy Tucks

It's not chronological age that matters, it is your health. You sound good. But it is true that a tummy tuck is a big operation and it has significant risks. For instance, if you are on hormonal therapy, it can increase your risk of blood clots which can even be fatal. So, don't get your answers here about whether or not to do it! See a plastic surgeon who is an ASAPS member and able to conscientiously gain an understanding of your medical issues.

Balancing health status and plastic surgery risks

It is not the physical health that matters but the general health status. It seems that you are in good shape.However, a good history and clinical exam by a board certified plastic surgeon will determine any point of weakness or concern that would increase the risks of complications. Hope that helps!

Not a problem...

You sound like you have taken great care of yourself. If you are indeed in good health, you should be fine for the surgery. Abdominoplasty is a huge operation even for a younger person. Therefore, I strongly urge you to get a complete check up with your internest prior to surgery. Communicate with the internist so that any precautions can be taken to assure your safety. sek

Tummy Tuck past "youth."

Abdominoplasty is a major surgery with significant risks related to the tightening of the abdominal muscles (slowing the blood return to the heart from the legs) and general extensiveness of the procedure (much larger than even the long incision would indicate). This means that you need to be in good health and able to get back to normal activities quickly after surgery. If you meet these criteria, there is no age restriction. You do need a good evaluation by an experienced Plastic Surgeon... more

It is health over age

Hello, I have performed the operation (even extended cases) for patients over 70 years of age with few problems. In my opinion, it is the patient's overall health that either makes or breaks the operation as long as you are in good hands. You will likely need pre-operative clearance from your internist and of course a complete evaluation by a good plastic surgeon who is experienced in tummy tuck surgery.

Tummy Tuck Age?

Thank you for the question. There is no specific “cut off age” for tummy tuck surgery. I would ask that you see your internist or primary care physician for medical workup prior to the procedure. Best wishes. see video

No cutoff age for tummy tuck if you are healthy.

As long as you are healthy and have a clear bill of health, it is safe to get a tummy tuck at 61 years old. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Is there a cut off age for Tummy Tuck?

Hello, You sound like a good candidate. The real decision about your health should be made by your primary care doctor. Even if you are medically cleared for surgery, you may want to spend one night in the hospital for safety reasons and stronger pain medication can be given there vs oral pain pills. Good job of staying in shape

There is no absolute age limit for a tummy tuck

There is no definite age limit for a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. The more important consideration is the patients overal medical conition. If a patient is in poor medical conditon they should not undergo an elective procedure, like a tummy tuck, no matter what there age is. Even though most women have tummy tucks after they are done having childeren your age should not elimiate you from the procedure. I have personally perfomed tummy tucks on patients in their early 70s. I have also... more