Is Tummy Tuck Safe for Overweight Patient?

You ask a very good question if tummy tuck is safe when you are overweight. All surgery carries risk. The risks are higher when the patient is overweight. In my practice we use a BMI cutoff of 30 for patients electing for cosmetic surgery. Your BMI is 30.4. If you lost the 10 lbs, your BMI drops to 28.9. In our plastic surgery literature, there have been studies that show the risks of complications are much greater in patients with BMIs over 30 than those under 30. These patients... more

For the sake of argument, I will assume that the surgeon evaluated you and you are a good candidate for the procedure from a medical and cosmetic perspecive. What is most important is your health, what you want to accomplish, and the risks associated with achieving your goals. If you are healthy and a non-smoker, you should be fine. If you are middle aged, a clearance by your internist may be a good idea. During this period, you should work on getting your cardiovascular reserve up - walk... more

Dear Lovely. Your BMI is 30.4. You are BARELY "obese" (defined as 30 and above). While better cosmetic results are seen in women with BMI's near 25 or so, I had nice results with women your size and larger. Your weight appears to be stable : "I have been around the same weight for years (gaining & losing 10 lbs.) " Personally speaking, nothing is gained by crash diets especially if you deprive yourself from nutrients your body may need to properly heal your wound. in... more

I tell my patients prior to surgery that results are best if they are close to their ideal body weight and at a stable weight. Many of my patients, however, are not close to their ideal weight; they never have been and it's not realistic to expect them to ever reach it. They still get great results from a tummy tuck; their abdomens get much flatter and more contoured. To say the least, the results are dramatic. If you've met with a board-certified plastic surgeon with whom you feel... more

Assuming a patient has no significant medical problems and has a "healthy" heart, a tummy tuck is a safe procedure when done with someone who has a normal BMI (Body Mass Index). Patients who are overweight (BMI between 25-30) can be good candidates for a tummy tuck, but do carry a higher risk of complications. Patients who are in the obese category (BMI above 30) are at a much higher risk for complications. It is generally advisable to not perform a tummy-tuck in patients who... more

Lovelylady, Your surgeon has already decided that you will look much improved with your tummy tuck. If he/she felt that you were dangerously overweight, they would recommend against surgery. Of course, they have all of the pieces of the puzzle; your medical history, medications and an examination. Also, of course, the risks of any surgery are lower at a lower body mass index (BMI). Good luck!

 It really depends on your health.  Sound like you have already made your decision.  Since your asking on line, it may be a good idea to see your surgeon again.  Both of you need to be on the same page and if your apprehensive, obtain your physical exam sooner vs later.

Hi! Assuming that you are in good health and do not smoke, I think it is fine to have a tummy tuck when you are overweight. You will have a much flatter stomach. Overweight patients have a higher risk of blood clots, so in New York we use mini heparin ( a blood thinner) when doing a tummy tuck on overweight patients, to prevent blood clots.

I feel that it is relatively safe for you to have a tummy tuck.  You must remember that all surgical procedures carry some risk.  One thing that I have found in slightly overweight patients undergoing tummy tucks is that their drains often need to stay in place a bit longer.

You have found a doctor who will operate on you so why second guess him? All cosmetic surgery gives a better result if your BMI is normal -- between 25 an 30 - usually OK - but the skinner you are the better the result. Talk it over with your doctor or get a second opinion.