Do I need to already be close to my goal weight to get a tummy tuck or can I just do lipo to remove fat and the TT?

Question

There isn’t necessarily a specific number I want to be on the scale but if I had to guess, I probably need to lose around 30lbs. Could the lipo just do the trick or do I need to be closer to goal weight? Thanks :)

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  First off liposuction is not a weight loss surgery, its more body contouring - even with aggressive liposuction you will only loose maybe a couple pounds.  Its like a pillow, takes up a lot of space but hardly weights much.  When we talk about body contouring there is a volume and skin issue to think about - as the volume and weight decreases, results in more excess skin.  Therefore it is imperative that you be within about 5-10 pounds of your goal weight, otherwise you can end up with excess skin after the tummy tuck procedure if you decide to loose more weight.  You could always get another tummy tuck but its better to just get the weight down to where you want and have the surgery only once.However only with an in-person consultation can a proper recommendation be provided and your goals reviewed so the best possible option can be tailored to your needs and desires.  Best of luck and hope this information helps!- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai

William Bruno, MD · Answer

You will not lose much weight with liposuction and a tummy tuck (perhaps a few pounds) but your contour/shape will be noticeably improved with these procedures. If you don't have a goal weight but feel you are slightly overweight, consult with a few plastic surgeons in person to see if you are a good candidate. It's difficult to advise you any further here without seeing photos or knowing your height and weight. Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

First, it's important to understand that liposuction can contour your tummy and make it somewhat flatter, but it doesn't really result in weight loss, nor does it tighten loose skin or muscles of the tummy. If you have loose tissues, then a tummy tuck is likely best for you. Second, it's generally best to be at least close to your anticipated final weight before surgery; that makes the surgery a little easier and safer, and can provide a better cosmetic result. If you realistically think you'll lose 30 pounds, it would be nice to lose 15 of it before the surgery. If you don't think you'll actually lose more than 15-20 pounds, then it doesn't matter when you do the surgery. Even if you lose 15-20 pounds (or even more) after the surgery, you'll still likely have a tremendous benefit from the surgery with a nice result. Please visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for an exam, in order to receive the best recommendations.

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

Your goal weight is not necessarily the same as what is considered the "ideal weight" for your height. Some women feel best at a slightly higher weight, and are able to keep stable at that weight. 30 pounds is a significant change though, and it would be best to be closer to your goal weight before any surgery. Lipo is not a weight loss technique, and lipo will not in any way achieve the same results as 30 pound weight loss. What lipo can do, however, is reshape or contour the body. It can remove fat from specific areas to change your proportions or shape, but if you truly need to lose 30 pounds and you get lipo, you still need to modify your diet so that you don't then expand the remaining fat cells you have. Think about it- if you get a bunch of fat cells removed by lipo and still eat the same way, that fat has to go somewhere, so it will end up in places you do have fat cells, making those areas fuller. No matter how aggressive the lipo is, you will have to be disciplined to maintain the results created by the lipo. That being said, you also cannot be as aggressive with lipo that is done at the same time as a tummy tuck, unless the lipo is in another area (not the front of the abdomen), such as the love handles or back, etc. I would recommend getting closer to your goal weight before having any surgery. It will give you the best chance of achieving optimal results.

Eugene Kim, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, liposuction is not a weight loss procedure so your weight won't change much after the procedure.  I recommend losing most of the weight by diet and exercise prior to having your tummy tuck to achieve optimal results.  You won't have to lose 30 lb's but the closest you get to that goal weight, the better.

Elisa A. Burgess, MD · Answer

It is always best prior to any procedure to be close to your goal weight. Liposuction only removes fat and does not improve skin quality. A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) removes fat and skin while tightening the abdominal muscles.  Typically a tummy tuck gives a better result but it also gives a larger scar. The two procedures achieve different goals. Make sure to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Kamran Azad, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is important to note that liposuction and a tummy tuck are not weight loss operations but rather their purpose body contouring. I always recommend my patients to be within about 10 pounds of their goal weight for optimal results as losing more weight after the surgery will alter the results of the surgery. I recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon in person so they may better address your concerns. Good luck!

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

Attempting to reach your ideal body weight will lead to improved results with maximum skin removal. Seek Board certified plastic surgeon near you

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear _nikki,The optimal weight to have Tummy Tuck surgery is a very common question and for good reason. Having surgery before you reach your target weight can lead to suboptimal results if you were to lose more weight after surgery.
Good first questions to ask yourself are:
1. Am I at my goal weight?
2. Is my weight stable? have you lost or gained more than 10lbs in the past month? What was your weight last year?
3.  Are you eating a healthy diet and exercising?
If you are not at your goal weight or your weight is not stable, you should hold off on surgery. 
If not, great! Also, you should not be considering liposuction for weight loss.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Timothy Treece, MD, FACS · Answer

You will always have an easier recovery if you are as close to your ideal weight and BMI.  I would visit a certified plastic surgeon to have a consultation with exam that includes your weight and BMI numbers. Obviously lipouction can be added in for the contouring, but does not substitute weight loss/and normal BMI.

Do I need to already be close to my goal weight to get a tummy tuck or can I just do lipo to remove fat and the TT?

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