Can I do a tummy tuck even if I am morbidly obese?

Question

My weight is 250 lbs , but i have a anormous weight on my belly . My weist size is 125 cm . I wanna get rid of my belly and get a life because that problem is disturbing me??i need your help please

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

My policy is to not do surgery on
anyone with a BMI of 30 or higher because higher BMIs carry much higher risk
during surgery. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you lose your extra weight
first through a strict diet and exercise plan before considering surgery. In an
ideal situation, you would be at your ideal, sustainable weight before
undergoing surgery. Not only is this safer, but it will also produce better
results. For example, if you got a tummy tuck and then lost a lot of weight
afterwards, you could end up with a lot of excess skin, warranting a second tummy
tuck. Whereas if you attain your ideal weight first, this would not be an
issue. Best of luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

While not an ideal situation many patients with a high BMI can experience substantial improvement with and abdominoplasty. Sometimes this can trigger future weight loss because of the indirect psychological benefits.

Craig Rubinstein, MBBS · Answer

Hi Sarah789,

Having an unhealthy body mass index means you are more likely to encounter
complications during and after your surgery, which is a risk your surgeon
probably won’t want to take. At our clinic, we have performed lap band
abdominoplasty on morbidly obese patients in certain cases, but my advice would be to at least
try to lose some weight first to increase your chances of a successful and
pleasing result. All the best,Craig

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.   Generally speaking, it is always best to achieve long-term stable weight prior to proceeding with  body contouring surgery. Doing so, will increase the safety of the operation, will likely improve the outcome of the operation, and will decrease chances that additional surgery will become necessary subsequently. In my practice, I do not ask specific patients to achieve a specific weight prior to proceeding with tummy tuck surgery. I simply ask patients to achieve a long-term stable weight where he/she feels comfortable and does not expect significant fluctuation postoperatively.  As you know, recruiting other professionals such as personal trainers, nutritionists, physicians who specialize in weight loss concerns etc. may be helpful to you.   When the time is right, seeking consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons will  be your next/best step.  Best wishes.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi
there and thank you for your question.  It can be frustrating to get the
weight off, however, plastic surgery does not result in massive weight
loss.  In our clinic, we would strongly urge you to seek a healthy diet and
exercise program that is medically assisted before embarking on any plastic
surgery procedure. Sometimes these programs can be covered under
insurance.  Best of luck to you. -Dr. Coan.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question. A tummy tuck on a morbidly obese patient is a risky proposition fraught with potential for significant complications. Seek help from a nutritionist or dietician to help you reduce as much weight as you can prior to surgery. Good luck. Dr. Burnett

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

A patient that has and maintains a healthy BMI is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck. Consider talking to a nutritionist and getting on an exercise plan. Unfortunately, the higher your BMI, the more complications you are at risk for. Cosmetic surgery is still surgery and carries risks. Surgical risks shouls not be taken lightly.  Talk to a board certified plastic surgeon so that he/she can examine and advise you more appropropriately.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you are morbidly obese, you run the risk of significant complications. Always better to lose wight first. If you have a hanging pannus, often this can be removed without undermining.

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You absolutely should lose the excess weight first!  Get on a good diet and exercise program if you are healthy enough for it and stick with it religiously. Avoid quick fad diets.  This needs to be a total lifetime change of habits.  Once you have lost the excess weight, THEN be sure to see an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck.Good luck.

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If you can get your weight as low as possible the risks of healing from a tummy tuck will go down significantly. In my practice in the San Francisco Bay Area I have come to the conclusion that the happiest patients are those that have realistic expectation on what a procedure will and won’t do for them. Good luck! Dean Vistnes.

Can I do a tummy tuck even if I am morbidly obese?

Answers (10)

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