Am I an extended Tummy Tuck candidate? (Photo)

Question

I am 34 year old at 5’4 and 245 pounds seeking a tummy tuck. I’ve been told no by a few surgeons without consultation due to my BMI. However, my PCP has given me a surgery clearance as I have no known health problems. I have lost 127 pounds and had 5 pregnancies with 3 cesareans. I have maintained my current weight for just short of five years now.

Robert L. Steely, MD, FACS · Answer

Good afternoon!

congrats on your weight loss!  I know it was a difficult journey.  Despite your high BMI, many times we can help patients lie yourselves with procedures to remove skin and fat similar to an abdominoplasty.

Be sure to find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area versed in these procedures.

i hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

An obese BMI of 42 should not be ignored. A high BMI puts you at elevated risks for a variety of health problems, ranging from the inconvenient and embarrassing to the deadly. High BMIs are associated with Type II diabetes which could lead to blindness, amputation and even death. Hypertension which can lead to cardiovascular problems is another problem associated with a high BMI. Urinary stress, osteoarthritis, cancer, and sleep apnea are often caused by a high BMI. The risks of complications during and after surgery and less than optimal results would not justify a TT at this time.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  With your BMi being at 42 you are at much higher risk of complications from surgery including poor wound healing, infection, and seroma.  It is best if you continue your efforts to lose more weight before considering elective plastic surgery.  Lowering your BMI will also give your surgeon the opportunity to maximize your results.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Original449962,
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 a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At 5'4 and 245 lbs, your BMI is 42. If you underwent surgery at this time, because of the thickness of your fat layer, your wounds would dehisce whether you did a tummy tuck, panniculectomy or circumferential lift. I recommend you begin a low fat diet, core exercises such as sit-ups, planks, pilates and consult with a bariatric surgeon. Another alternative to consider is liposuction. 10 lbs can be safely removed during one session and the procedure can be repeated if necessary. You would need to lose approximately 50 lbs.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Am I an extended Tummy Tuck candidate? (Photo)

Answers (10)