Am I a tummy tuck candidate? What weight/BMI should I aim for? What do to fix the fat protrusions at my bra line?

At 5'4 and 189 lbs, your BMI is 32 which puts you at an acceptable range for surgery. Most surgeons want the BMI between 30-32. I would begin with you breasts using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars and nipple sensation (in 95%) is maintained. At the same time, I recommend an abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hi there and congrats on your weight loss. At your current height and weight you are just over a 32 BMI. Losing 2-4 pounds would put you right at 32 or below. All of my elective surgical patients have to be at a BMI of 32 or below to be considered safe for surgery. You are a great abdominoplasty candidate. As far as your back, an in person consultation would be necessary to provide surgical options.

Dear ButterKookie,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

Congratulations on your weight loss! Once you have reached your goal, then consider a tummy tuck to remove the excess tissue. Liposuction with radiofrequency treatments, like ThermiTight could help tighten the back bra roll area. At 5'4" you at least should try to loose down below 150 pounds. Ideal weight for your height is around 120 pounds.

Congratulations on your weight loss! For elective plastic surgery it is recommended that patients have a BMI of 30 or under to keep risks low. Ideally you should be as close to your goal body weight as possible and be able to maintain that weight. From the photos it appears you would have nice results from a tummy tuck when you are ready. Your surgeon will evaluate the concerns of your bra line during an in person visit. If the area has excess fatty tissue, liposuction should address it. If it's loose skin then excision may be recommended.

Hi and welcome to our forum!There are no hard and fast rules regarding qualifications, but in my practice, I have found that results are somewhat suboptimal if the BMI is greater than 30 and surgical complications rise significantly with a BMI of more than 35. As your BMI is 32.4, it may be wise to lose a bit more weight before proceeding with surgery. You have already lost 60 pounds, quite an accomplishment!As the bra rolls are only moderately full, liposuction may suffice, but if the overlying skin is lax, bra roll excisions may be of benefit for the fullness.Best wishes...