Is there a certain weight limit for Tummy tuck surgery?

There is not an absolute weight requirement to be eligible for a tummy tuck, but better results are obtained when patients are near their ideal body weight. We, however, perform procedures frequently on patients who are a bit overweight, but not obese. I hope this helps.  You should have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your particular case.

Hello and thank you for your question. Every patient's anatomy is different.  I base the decision more on the amount of skin laxity rather than a strict BMI or weight.  I have performed tummy tucks with nice results in patients with high BMIs. A through medical history and medical clearance must of course be obtained prior to any surgery.  Safety must be the top priority in al patients.  I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.Best wishes and good luck.Richard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

You should have a BMI of 30 or below. Please consult with a board ceritifed plastic surgeon to discuss your optionsRegards, 

In general, we recommend the BMI being under 30. Obviously, this is a guideline rather than a hard and fast rule. Every case is different, and there are some women with a BMI of 28 whose fat distribution makes them a less ideal candidate than a person with a BMI of 32. So, discuss this with your plastic surgeon, who can advise you on your particular case, anatomy, and makeup.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Hello, Thank you for your question. The Aesthetic Surgery Journal study consisted of a retrospective review of 129 patients who had undergone a single body contouring procedure in 1993 or 2002. In order to assess whether or not a relationship existed between obesity and body contouring complications, participants were placed into groups based on their BMI, a clinical formula for determining the degrees of weight.These groups consisted of patients considered to be at an ideal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9), overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9), obese (BMI 30 to 35), morbidly obese (BMI 36 to 40) and severely morbidly obese (BMI greater than 40). The researchers recorded their health complications into minor and major categories. Postoperative wound infection, seroma (pockets of fluid) and haematoma (blood around the wound) were placed in the minor category. The major category included any need for hospital readmission, prolonged hospital admission, any wound requiring dressing changes, required re-operations and death.The survey demonstrated interesting results. Three patients from the ideal BMI group reported either minor or major complications while both groups of complications were found in six of the overweight group, in 10 in the obese group, in eight patients from the morbidly obese group and in 22 of the severely morbidly obese group.These figures drew the researchers to conclude that there is a statistically significant association between increased BMI, an increased number of complications and poorer surgery outcomes. When rendered as a percentage, the study found that complications increased as the weight categories increased. While the ideal weight BMI group suffered from minor complications at a rate of 3.3%, the severely morbidly obese group reported 46.9%. Major complications were found in 6.6% of the ideal weight group and in 43.7% of the severely morbidly obese group.The Aesthetic Surgery Journal study is significant in that very few researchers have looked into the possibility of a link between increased BMI and health complications as the result of body contouring treatment. Its findings are especially important to note as body contouring procedures (like tummy tucks, thigh lifts and liposuction) become increasingly popular.Senior study author, Dr. D. Mackay, a board certified plastic surgeon at Penn States’ College of Medicine, agreed with the significance of the study, stating that “the rising demand for body contouring procedures” makes it essential that plastic surgeons “be cognizant of potential predictors of poor outcomes and/or complications” that can arise from performing surgery on obese patients. He also described how obesity represents “a significant risk factor when considering operative procedures, particularly due to secondary conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease and poor healing” that are often found in obese patients.Before undergoing a body contouring procedure, ask yourself this: “Am I overweight?” It is highly recommended that you reach a normal and stable weight for your safety.All the best. 

Thank you for your question!   Tummy Tuck and / or lipo candidates are mainly determined by patient goals, excess skin and excess fat.  BMI or weight alone does not necessarily determine if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, etc.  An in-person consultation with a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon is the best way to discuss your goals and see if these procedures are a good option for you.  Good Luck with everything!Dr. Tag

There is no absolute weight limit for tummy tuck.  Preferably you would want to be at your ideal weight prior to surgery and you weight should be stable.  Often this is a medical decsion base d on your weight as well as any preexisting medical conditions.  Patients with a high BMI may be better candidates for bariatric or weigh loss procedures first.  

Hello and thanks for the question. For tummy tuck surgery to be performed safely your BMI should be below 30. Consult with a BCPS if you're considering surgery. 

Like my colleague stated, there is an increased risk of complications for individuals with a BMI over 30.  While this is not a hard and fast number, you should be at your realistic weight, prior to undergoing an abdominoplasty.  Remember, a tummy tuck is not for weight loss, but rather for body contouring.  You will lose very little weight following your tummy tuck.  There are charts available to calculate your BMI which is based on a height and weight relationship.