How much should I weigh to be eligible for skin removal surgery?

Question

I'm 18 years old, and I have lost roughly 75 pounds. I am 214.8 lbs currently, and already have a lot of loose skin. I really want skin removal surgery for my stomach, inner thighs and under arms, but I would like to weigh under 190 before I consider that. I wondered what weight a plastic surgeon would want me at before considering me for the surgery? Thanks!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding eligibility for skin removal surgery. Congratulations on your 75-pound weight loss—that is an incredible achievement!

I recommend you be at or very close to their goal weight before undergoing skin removal surgery. While there is no set weight requirement, the lower your frame is, the better your results will be.

More importantly than a specific weight, stability is key. Most plastic surgeons require that you maintain a stable weight for at least 3 months before surgery. This ensures that your body is in a balanced state and that your post-surgical results will be long-lasting. If you continue to lose significant weight after surgery, you may develop new loose skin, which could lead to the need for additional revisions.

Since you are 18 years old, your skin may have better elasticity compared to older patients, but if you already have significant loose skin, weight loss alone will not correct it. A lower body lift, arm lift (brachioplasty), and thigh lift are common procedures for addressing loose skin in the areas you described.

I recommend continuing with your weight loss goals until you reach a comfortable, maintainable weight and consulting with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in post-weight-loss body contouring. Many plastic surgeons offer virtual consultations where they can assess your case and provide guidance on when the best time for surgery would be.

Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding the ideal weight for skin removal surgery!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Sergio Alvarez, MD · Answer

I would base the safety of undergoing surgery on your BMI (body mass index). This takes into effect your height and weight. You can find a BMI calculator online. Best case scenario is less than 30, however I accept patients less than 35 after having a frank discussion about risks and the different ways to limit them! Also a stable weight of 3-6 months is recommended.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, Miad, and congratulations on your weight loss.  Ideally, we like patients to be as close to their realistic goal weight as possible, and maintain that weight for several months prior to surgery.  Premature surgery is to be avoided.  Significant weight loss after surgery can produce recurrent skin laxity and compromise the results of the procedure.  Best of luck with your continued efforts.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Your height along with pictures or an exam would be necessary to help provide recommendations.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Ryan T. M. Mitchell, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss. It is quite the accomplishment!Body contouring after weight loss like yours is best initiated when you are close to your goal weight and have been stable at that weight for 3-6 months. While you continue to lose weight your body will undergo changes where you will see loss of the fat compartments and deflation of the skin. As a result, you will notice loss of skin elasticity and redundant soft tissue. An ideal BMI for such procedures would be below 35.Best of luck with your continued weight loss!

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How much should I weigh to be eligible for skin removal surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: How much should I weigh to be eligible for skin removal surgery?

Answer: How much should I weigh to be eligible for skin removal surgery?

Answer: Contour improvement after massive weight loss

Answer: Contour improvement after massive weight loss

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.