Can I have a tummy tuck if I'm overweight? (photos)

Question

I'm overweight. I'm 46 years old ,never had children. 175 cm in height and 104 kilos. My BMI is in the obese range . I feel l I could easily lose and tighten up the other parts of my body if my center core was stronger. I am in good health. No illnesses , allergies. I don't smoke and rarely drink. Would I be able to get a tummy tuck? If so what is the price range for doing so? I'm located in Istanbul, Turkey, but I go to America once a year during the summer .

Metin Kerem, MD · Answer

The operation you'll go through should not be tummy tuck alone. I can simply state that, even though you're overweight, your silhouette will significantly improve with a tummy tuck together with liposuction for your abdomen&waist. The main rule is not to gain weight afterwards. If you can maintain your current weight, you'll definitely benefit from this procedure, even though you're not the "perfect" candidate with respect to your BMI.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck would be reasonable at a safe, stable weight.  I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Just looking at your photos, you do appear to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Exercising will not remove excess skin. If you come to the US for this procedure, you do need to plan to stay for a few weeks, at least 4, to make sure you are healing well before travelling back home.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and pictures. Based on your photographs only, it appears that you may be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery at some point. Both, from the safety and outcome standpoints, you will be best off achieving your long-term stable weight prior to proceeding. Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.  
When it comes to costs of surgery, there may be many “variables” involved. The specific surgeon's credentials/experience level (or lack thereof), the specific geographic area you are looking at, the different operations available, the location of the procedure (quality of surgery facility), type/quality of anesthesia provider… are some of the potential variables involved.  You will find some average cost of surgery listed on this website, and on individual plastic surgeons websites as well.
In regards to outcome of the planned procedure, more important than costs of the procedures will be careful selection of your plastic surgeon. I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.
Be very careful with your decision-making. You will find, while doing your due diligence, that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you; again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  I hope this, and the attached link (idedicated to tummy tuck surgery concerns), helps.

John McFate, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures.  In general, I always recommend that my patients have a consistent weight before an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).  If you are in the process of exercising and dieting, wait until you are at a stable weight before undergoing an operation.  As you lose weight quickly, you develop more excess skin, which will not be corrected by exercise or diet.  If you are "stuck" trying but not losing or gaining weight ultimately, then it may be time for the surgery.  The important thing to know is a tummy tuck is mainly an operation to remove the excess abdominal skin and tighten up the abdominal muscles.  If excess fat in the abdomen is the issue, then liposuction may be the more appropriate procedure, or a combination of the two.  I recommend you consult with a plastic surgeon to properly examine you and discuss your different options.  Price range is difficult to say depending on the surgeon, facility location, geographical location, and your specific surgical needs.  I hope this helps, good luck.

William C. Rigano, MD (retired) · Answer

A tummy tuck can help your contour. Best results are in patients who have a healthy lifestyle. The fat inside the abdomen around your organs puts pressure inside-out on your muscle repair and can cause recurrent separation of muscles.See an experienced plastic surgeon.

Can I have a tummy tuck if I'm overweight? (photos)

Answers (6)

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