What Should my Ideal Weight Be Before I Have a Tummy Tuck?

The ideal weight for a tummy tuck depends on where you tend to store fat.  

1.  If most of your weight is in the mid-section especially up high in your upper abdomen then you need to lose more.  

2.  If most of your weight is in your hips and thighs then you don't need to lose as much.

The important fat to lose is the part stored inside the abdomen.  If there is two much intra-abdominal fat it can make the tummy-tuck more risky.  It also makes it harder for the surgeon to give you a good result because he/she can't tighten the abdominal wall as much. 

As you lose weight you will see the upper abdomen start to deflate where it goes in slightly instead of bulging out.  This is a good sign that you have lost enough weight.  The fat down low in the apron area doesn't't matter much because it gets removed anyway.  The actual number of pounds and weight is not as important as getting rid of that fat inside the abdomen.

Looking at your photo it still looks like your upper abdomen is bulging some and you need to lose another 10-15 pounds which is what your goal is anyway.   I think it would be better to delay surgery and make it as safe as possible rather that have it when you still have too much intra-abdominal fat.

It also helps to go back to your surgeon for a quick check to see if you are ready.  Sometimes the upper abdomen looks like it is bulging because of fat, but during examination the surgeon can determine it is just a very relaxed stretched out abdominal wall from pregnancies.

Be careful because there are non-plastic surgeons out there doing tummy tucks.  There is even an oral surgeon in my city who does tummy tucks.  Make sure you are being cared for by a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question and for posting your photographs.  Ideally, your BMI (body mass index) before undergoing tummy tuck surgery would be no more than 30.  At your height and weight, your current BMI is 30.6.  Many plastic surgeons would still perform the operation at this BMI.  With that in mind, you are potentially at higher risk of both major and minor surgical complications while heavier.  It will always be in your best interest to lose the additional weight prior to undergoing surgery.

I appreciate your question.

For health and safety reasons, best to be at a BMI less than 30 or within 10 pounds of your goal weight and stable at that weight for 6 months prior to surgery for optimal results.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Congratulations on losing so much weight! I would recommend waiting until you reach your ideal weight before getting a tummy tuck. This is because depending on your body type and size, you may find that losing that last 13 pounds further affects your body contour. You should reach your goal weight and then get the tummy tuck, since you can address all of the loose skin you may have developed. That way, you will be happier with the results and they won't be negatively affected by your further expected weight loss.If another 13 pounds is actually unrealistic for you, and you're just "pushing it", then it might be better to pursue a tummy tuck now if you've been at this weight for a while. However, please ask your surgeon for their advice.

Do not go into your surgery unhealthy.  Losing weight can make you weak and not able to heal properly.  Talk to your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and obtain their opinion.