I am plus size with high bmi am I eligible for lipo and tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

I am 27 years old and I have lost 7 stone and I am struggling to lose any more weight . I am 5ft 6 inches and I weight around 20 stone now. I have no medical conditions. I want a slimmer look on my arms and stomach area and I am happy with my legs as they are now more muscular than before. Please can. I get advise ? I am not happy with my body anymore and I have tried everything

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss so far!  You are not yet a good candidate for a tummy tuck.  It is recommended to have a BMI of 30 or under when considering elective plastic surgery.  Those above this threshold are at higher risk for complications such as poor wound healing, seroma and infection. Results may not be optimized.  If you have hit a weight loss plateau I encourage you to reach out to your primary care physician for assistance.  You may benefit from seeing a nutritionist, a fitness trainer, or you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ishmaiwilliams,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery.
If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello! Congratulations on your weight loss thus far! That is amazing keep up the great hard work. For health reasons and for your safety your BMI should be under 30 before considering cosmetic surgery. An increased BMI is a predictor of potential complications that can occur from plastic surgery. A higher BMI is associated with an increased risk for wound complications, such as dehiscense (the wound opens up), infection, or tissue necrosis (tissues do not survive due to poor blood supply). The higher the BMI the higher the risks of surgery. In addition, the results that you can get are likely to be much better if your weight is in a better range. Do not be discouraged by this information, use it as motivation to achieve your BMI goal. Best of luck in your journey!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Ideally you should try to lose as much weight as you can before a tummy tuck. You are certainly well on your way and another 20 to 30 pounds would be good.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

A healthy BMI is between 15 - 24, the maximum recommended being around 30. If you are above 30, then you are encouraged to lose weight before undergoing surgery. The higher the BMI the more room for possible complications. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a tummy tuck specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation for your procedure and for pricing. 
Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

I am plus size with high bmi am I eligible for lipo and tummy tuck? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Ultra high definition tummy tuck

Answer: Ultra high definition tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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I am plus size with high bmi am I eligible for lipo and tummy tuck? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Ultra high definition tummy tuck

Answer: Ultra high definition tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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