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

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

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.

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.