What is the maximum BMI for a tummy tuck after weight loss?

Question

Hi there, I have recently lost 9 stone in weight ,and am looking to have a tummy tuck, arm, breast & thigh lifts or something to address these areas. I was curious as to what the maximum BMI should be ideally to have these sorts of surgeries. My BMI is under 30, but I want to be a good bmi before booking consultations. Thanks so much.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your significant weight loss, that's a fantastic achievement! Your question about BMI and its role in plastic surgery is an important one.

Although BMI can provide a general guideline, it's not the sole factor in determining whether someone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck or other body contouring surgeries. It's not so much about a specific BMI number, but more about your overall health, weight stability, and personal surgical goals.

Being at a stable weight before surgery is crucial, as significant post-surgery fluctuations can impact your results. Therefore, it's recommended that you reach and maintain your goal weight for at least six months before undergoing these procedures.

While a BMI under 30 is often used as a guideline, it's not an absolute cutoff. Some surgeons will operate on patients with higher BMIs if they are otherwise healthy. However, it's important to note that a higher BMI can increase the risk of complications, so it's crucial to thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits with your surgeon.

The most important step is to have a comprehensive consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your overall health, discuss your surgical goals, and guide you in making the best decisions for your individual circumstances.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Your current BMI is perfect for the procedure. You should have a good result.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. At my practice, the max BMI limit for a tummy tuck is 33. That said, you want to be at your ideal weight before surgery. Hope this helps. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take Care, Dr. Moises Salama, board certified plastic surgeon.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

We perform surgery’s with good results, and safe with a BMI not higher than 34, and you have 30, so you are at an excellent point to start the surgery Reconstruction

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Ideally BMI should be below 30 so you are at the best moment to get your surgery done. 
There are some patients who get benefited losing a bit more weight and we recommend to be closer to 25 because the way the tissues are.  For instance if your BMI is 29 but you still have a significant visceral fat or if the abdominal skin still very thick or the thighs still very thick and heavy, the surgery will not achieve the best outcome because of the heaviness of the tissues or the protruding effect on the abdomen which would make the surgery more difficult, and very importantly, more prone to develop complications. 
Be sure your PS is an expert in After Weight Loss surgery because is never the same to perform a Tummy Tuck VS a Lower Body lift. 
Be encouraged. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fabulous197014,
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 surgery, I would suggest you 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A BMI under 30 is good. Ideally, you should be at the weight you want to be, and then go to the plastic surgeon for surgery.  If you are still trying to loose weight, then wait.

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello!
After evaluating your case you seem to be a great candidate for a Tummy Tuck to remove the skin excess on the abdomen combined whit 360 liposusuction to reshape your body. 
The BMI neet to be under 33 for surgery. By combining these procedures we can achieve goog results.

Make sure to approach to a certified surgeon to help your clear all your doubts.

Best wishes!

Jorge Galaz, MD · Answer

The closer you are to your ideal weight, the better result you will have.
Good candidates are those with a BMI below 30, have no or few medical conditions, do not smoke and have reasonable expectations. 
Sincerely, Dr. Galaz

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  Ideally a candidate should have a BMI of 30 or under when considering elective plastic surgery.  For those who are losing weight, you want to be at or near your goal and able to maintain that weight before considering surgery.  I've included a video on plastic surgery after major weight loss that I hope you find helpful.

What is the maximum BMI for a tummy tuck after weight loss?

Answers (10)

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