Should I Get a Tummy Tuck While Still Overweight?

I am 31 and a mother of 3. I am 5'3" and weigh 180lbs.I have been dieting and excercising since April of 2010 in hopes of getting a tummy tuck & breast lift. I have lost 17lbs and now it is becoming harder to lose even one pound.I spend 90 minutes/5 days a week at the gym.I am starting a dental program on Jan.15 - the end of April.I don't want to have to wait until May to do it and don't know if I can lose much more weight by then.I want to do it now before my class starts. Should I just do it??

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age 25-34 overweight female 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in 170-189 lbs

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by nenbay in CA

Doctor Answers (15)
Community Comments (0)

Achieve a stable weight prior to tummy tuck

I am concerned that you have this much apparent weight but are not able to lose any more through conventional methods. I would advise you to seek a medically supervised weight loss program. Your are still an estimated 40-60 pounds above your ideal body weight. Do this prior to having a tummy tuck

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

You can get tummy tuck and liposuction at the same time now

You have a lot of extra skin and only tummy tuck will help. You also have extra fatty tissue over the upper abdomen and waist and liposuction in combination of the tummy tuck will help.The combination will help you to achieve the look and also as you lose weight, you will lose from other parts than the abdomen area.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Timing of Tummy Tuck and Weight Loss

A Tummy tuck is most effective when the problem is more one of excess skin and muscle laxity then of excess fatty tissue. As noted , it is best to be as close to your ideal body weight as possible. Being overweight may also contribute to other risk factors for surgery in general as well. Discuss your particular situation carefully with your surgeon regarding timing of surgery. Good Luck.

Tummy Tuck Before Ideal Weight Loss

While it is ideal to get within 10 pounds of your target weight before a tummy tuck, many women opt to have their surgery sooner, because of timing contingencies or hitting a plateau oin their weight loss efforts. As always in plastic surgery, there are trade-offs for you to consider in your consultation with your surgeon.

Tummy Tuck Safer & Results Better If Not Overweight

Although you could have your tummy tuck performed now, your results will be better if your are nearing your ideal weight at the time of sugery. In addition, the likihood of having a complication would also be lessened if you are not significantly overweight at the time of surgery.

You are ready for your tummy tuck

From the appearance of your abdomen, I think you are ready and would benefit highly from a tummy tuck. That said, if you are able to lose more weight before your tummy tuck, you will undoubtedly get an even better result. So, if you can go ahead and lose more weight. However, if you cannot wait, then go ahead with the surgery now. see video

Tummy Tuck Now or Later

Kind of a tough question because it very reasonable to continue to lose weight. I use BMI as a guide to who may be appropriate for body contouring surgery. Usually a BMI around 30 or so it my cut off. Your BMI is 31.9. Secondly, you are cutting it pretty close with a planned procedure of this nature in regards to recovery before embarking on your dental training. With all this in mind the best answer would be to do it May at your summer break. Discuss this... more

Timing your tummy tuck

While the best results are obtained when tummy tucks are done near or at your ideal weight, we are interested in having you continue your quest for the ideal body and health through lifestyle redirection. If lifestyle changes are not enough, then the motivational boost from surgical reshaping can be useful. Surgery is really a last resort to correct difficult lifestyle consequences, but can be used in this way to keep your momentum on track. Don't be... more

Loose as much weight as you can!

In general it is better to be "too light", have your tummy tuck and gain a little weight. Your result will still be fine! However if you do your procedure before reaching your realistic weight, there is a good chance that you will be very happy with your result! As a result you will exercise more, and loose more weight, unfortunately then you risk to be less happy with your operation as it seems as if more could have been taken off. So: Know yourself, set a realistic... more

Timing of Tummy Tuck with Weight Loss

Congratulations on your weight loss. You almost certainly would be a candidate for a tummy-tuck combined with liposuction. If you have a great deal of loose skin, you may require an extended tummy-tuck. For optimal results you should be within 10 to 15 pounds of your final weight. This approach would minimize the possibility of recurrent skin laxity with further weight loss after your procedure. I would recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon... more