Would I be a good candidate for a tummy tuck and do you think I should lose more weight first?

The most important decision to be made before performing any surgical procedure is determining whether you are an ideal #candidate. #Weight, and more specifically body mass index (BMI), need to be considered when deciding. For instance, studies have shown that patients with BMI > 30kg/m sq (placing them in the obese category) have a higher complication rate. Therefore, it is important for patients to be as close as possible to their normal body weight prior to surgery for at least six months.
If deemed a candidate, you may benefit from a #drainless tummy tuck. Silicone #drainage tubes are used by trained Plastic Surgeons for many different operations.  The purpose is to drain extra fluid that may otherwise accumulate under the skin, fat or muscle following an operation.  Patients generally find this annoying and uncomfortable and they can impede mobility and therefore slow aspects of #healing. Over the years, surgeons have improved procedures and found ways to eliminate the need for these #drains in a variety of operations; including #tummy #tuck or #abdominoplasty.Another option is #vaser #liposuction, either with a tummy tuck, or without. Vaser liposuction, also known as Vaser #lipo, LipoSelection or Liposuction, is an advanced body #contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, #Vaser lipo uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently #reshape your body and, yes, it can be done on the #midsection. There are three types of #Vaser Lipo. Each benefit patients differently depending on their needs.
An ideal #candidate for Vaser Liposuction is a person in good health who seeks a minimally invasive way to remove stubborn fat with less downtime than traditional #liposuction. Vaser is ideal for those seeking improved definition of muscles and contouring.  Those who seek increased sculpting of are ideal vaser lipo candidates. Begin with an in-person, one-on-one consultation to determine if you are an ideal #candidate and which technique is best for you. Most importantly, your procedures should be performed by a #Plastic Surgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery.

I admire your drive to lose weight. Nice job! You appear to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, once you've achieved your goal weight in the summer. While you may be a candidate for the surgery right now, if you are planning on losing more weight, I recommend waiting until you done so. Best of luck!

Hi There, Based on your photos you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, whether you loose weight or not . I would perform complimentary liposuction with your tummy tuck, to ensure you get the desired results.

   You are a very good candidate for a tummy tuck, and, if you want to lose a bit more weight, that would be fine as well.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Congrats on your weight loss and it looks like you will be a good candidate for a tummy tuck when you get closer to your weight goal. The guideline that surgeons use is called Body Mass Index or BMI, which can easily be determined from your height and weight. If it is greater than 30, your risk of surgical complications rises so for safety and best results long term that will be the deciding factor for when you are ready.

Thank you  for the question and photos. You do not state how tall you are, bu based on the photos, it looks like you are a good candidate for an abdominoplasty and contouring of your hips and back at the same time. One thing that I need to caution you about, which you already know, is that do not do a diet or increased exercise routine just to loose the weight. You need to continue with your life style change of exercise and good nutrition. If you restrict your diet, it can back fire by slowing your metabolism down and actually can lead to weight gain. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body contouring procedures for a consultation/evaluation. You will loose 6-10lbs from surgery alone. Good luck.

Thank you for your pictures.  The answer depends on your Body Mass Index (BMI).  A BMI of 30 is ideal.  When you get around that number then you are ready.  I think that you will get an excellent result from your tummy tuck when you have it performed.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD,DDS, FACS

Hello and thanks for your post. Without a full exam and history I cannot tell that you're a good candidate now for TT surgery. However, I have done hundreds of tummy tucks on individuals that share your anatomy if we based it solely on your photos and achieved good outcomes. It is typically recommended that patients be at their ideal weight before surgery and 30 pounds surely can make a difference in the techniques employed and the overall results. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo.

Thank you for the pictures.I believe that you make a great candidate for tummy tuck with liposuction in the waist, upper and lower back and fat grafting in to buttocks.Dr. Campos

From the photos, it appears you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction. I usually suggest that patients get down to their goal weight before proceeding with surgery to optimize their end results. Good luck!