I am 52 years old. Am I too old for a tummy tuck? What can I do prior to tummy tuck to prepare myself?

As long as you are in good health, good weight, medical clearance, and a good candidate, age should not be an issue.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations. 

Many women your age undergo a tummy tuck procedure and are very happy with the results.   Your general health is much more important than your numerical age. Seek a consultation from a board-certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes to you! 

You are absolutely not too old for a tummy tuck. I have performed successful tummy tucks in women into their late 60's. Some of my most happiest tummy tuck patients were older. They just couldn't stand their aging and were unable to wear the clothes they desired. Sometimes the muscle tightening does not have to be done in order to make the recovery easier. It is your health rather than age which determines whether it should be done. Exercise, eating healthy, taking vitamins, and getting in better shape can help prepare you for recovery. Good luck.

As long as you are otherwise healthy your age is not on obstacle. To get ready for surgery you should be at your best, stable body weight. You should avoid aspirin or medications such as ibuprofen for two weeks prior to your surgery, and it is possible that you would need a physical from your personal physician prior to surgery. Best wishes.

Age is not so much of a factor in determining if you are a candidate for surgery.  Your overall health is more important.  It is also important that you are not grossly overweight as this may complicate your recovery.  Since you did not include a picture, I would suggest that you schedule an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you in person and discuss the risks, benefits, and procedure with you.

We do not determine if you are a TT candidate or PS candidate by age, really boils down to your overall health. If you are a healthy 52yo, not a problem undergoing a TT if that is what you would like to do. 

First to address your concern about age: you are certainly not too old for a tummy tuck at 52!  This is actually a quite common age range for patients to seek improvement in contour after raising a family and perhaps starting to see changes in your body as hormonal influences change.  An in person consultation with a board certified surgeon will address your candidacy for the operation, including your anatomy and general health status. As long as you are healthy enough to have several hours of general anesthesia and tolerate the recovery process, age alone is not a reason to avoid surgery of this type.  In terms of preparing for the procedure, your best result will come from maintaining a stable healthy weight and optimizing nutrition and fitness which will promote an easier recovery and better long term results. See a surgeon to address your concerns and learn what to expect from the procedure.  Good luck!

You are never too old to improve yourself. Without photos and the benefit of physical exam- it's difficult to give you the best answer. I suggest that you seek a consultation with an experienced Board Certified PS in order to proceed with your goals.

Hello and thank you for your question.  I have performed many tummy tucks in patients of your age group.  If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for sharing your question.  If you are otherwise healthy and cleared for surgery you are a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure.  Be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation.  Best wishes.