Do I have to reach my weight loss goal before tummy tuck surgery?

The cosmetic result of a tummy tuck will ALWAYS be better if you loose excess abdomenal fat before surgery. Excess fat beneath the skin prevents the ability of the surgeon to maximally tighten the skin during surgery, and if excess fat is present, it can cause a roll or lump above the tummy tuck incision.

Personally, rather than talking pounds / stones / kilograms - it would be more accurate to consider your BMI. The closer you are to a BMI of 23-25 and remain there - the greater your results will be. Ideally, for you to have the best possible cosmetic result you SHOULD be at your ideal weight (based on... more

SEE VIDEO BELOW: I would strongly encourage you to lose all your weight prior to undergoing the tummy tuck, To be frank, it is most likely that you will require an extended tummy tuck or even a full body lift (circufrerential belt lipectomy). A tummy tuck will likely leave you with... more

In every case, it is always best to reach your goal weight first, if at all possible. At the very least, get down to a weight that you know you can maintain easily. This will only make things better for you, as you will reduce the amount of revisions that may be necessary. If you lose weight after everything... more

Thanks for the question. When you describe "torn stomach muscles",  what comes to mind to me is a tear in the muscle belly or possibly a muscle strain, generally brought on by excessive strain, either from exercise or some other strenuous force. While a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty will address... more

I have a portfolio I have a large selection of photos of clients with lots of rolls of skin and fat and many who have just loose skin. The final result is the same. It is always healthier to lose weight if you are overweight, but this does not tighten the skin.   If you are obese, I suggest waiting until... more

Dear Cheryl, You are almost there!  If at all possible, I recommend that my patients reach within 10% of their goal weight before considering body contouring.  It makes sense that if we "tighten up" everything to the optimum allowable conditions, it will become somewhat lax if you loose... more

My experience is that weight loss patients often mistake the large, overhanging excess skin for fat.  They do not understand their weight loss plateau as a result.  So I advise an early consulation with a plastic surgeon experienced with weight loss patients.  This way you can get an idea of how... more

Hi there- I know that after your tremendous accomplishment, you must be eager to pursue a tummy tuck to reward yourself- and you do deserve to look your best for the effort. It is important to understand what happens to skin after weight loss however. When you lose weight, the skin will contract, or shrink a... more

Cheryl Lynn: First of all, my sincerest congratulations are extended to you for a job well done! You should be very proud of yourself loosing a hundred pounds. My advice to you is to find a competent, board certified plastic surgeon that is experienced in body contouring surgery in major weight loss patients... more