Can a person at 300 lbs get a tummy tuck?

Question

Hi, I would like to know since I weigh 300 lbs and I am active and lost over 75 lbs gradually, can I go ahead with the process of a tummy tuck. That is my main problem area? Thanks.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss. In order to see the best results, we normally recommend that patients reach their ideal weight first. All the best,

Shwetambara Parakh, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss. I usually do not perform a tummy tuck on somebody with a BMI of more than 30. However, in patients who have had massive weight loss like yourself, occasionally they have a heavy panus - overhanging skin and soft tissue of the lower abdomen that can cause rashes. Panniculectomy consists of removing the excess skin 
and soft tissue below the belly button only. The position of the belly 
button and the excess skin that you have above the belly button will not
 improve. If your primary concern is just the overhanging skin and 
infections then yes you can look at a pannicluectomy to help you from a 
functional standpoint. Panniculectomy is usually covered by insurance if there is a medical 
reason like overhanging skin and soft tissue causing skin infections. This can be done if necessary at 300 pounds but will not provide a nice aesthetic result.If you want recontouring of your abdominal wall with the 
best aesthetic result possible and a flat abdomen then you should 
undergo a full tummy tuck with repair of your six pack muscles (rectus 
abdominis) after you have achieved a stable weight loss and your bmi is less than 30Good luck with your ongoing weight loss !

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on the weight loss!  Though an apron of ski and fat may develop with along your stomach as a result of your weight loss, I would recommend you follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen until you reach your desired goal weight. This weight should be one where you are comfortable at, and can maintain, as weight fluctuations will affect your long-term results.  Any weight loss before surgery will not only be in your best interest from a safety point of view, but also in obtaining the best cosmetic results. Hope this helps.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate
your question.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

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your post. Plastic surgery is most effective in people who are at or very close to 
their ideal body weight.  Weight loss is best achieved through diet and 
exercise however some patients may require a consultation with a 
bariatric surgery before consulting with a plastic surgeon. Good luck :)

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

Congrats on your weigh loss! I typically recommend that patients reach their goal weight and maintain a healthy BMI before embarking on cosmetic surgery.

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

First, congratulations on your weight loss.   For most patients, we recommend that individuals being considered for a tummy tuck need to be near their goal weight.   Fortunately, it sounds like you are making healthy decisions.  Continue on your current plan and you should definitely be a candidate for a tummy tuck in the future.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your successful weight loss thus far. Generally speaking, it is always best to achieve long-term stable weight prior to proceeding with  body contouring surgery. Doing so, will increase the safety of the operation, will likely improve the outcome of the operation, and will decrease chances that additional surgery will become necessary subsequently. In my practice, I do not ask specific patients to achieve a specific weight prior to proceeding with tummy tuck surgery. I simply ask patients to achieve a long-term stable weight where he/she feels comfortable and does not expect significant fluctuation postoperatively.  As you know, recruiting other professionals such as personal trainers, nutritionists, physicians who specialize in weight loss concerns etc. may be helpful to you.   When the time is right, seeking consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons will  be your next/best step.  Best wishes.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.I'd probably not a great idea to get a tummy tuck at this point, as the risk of complications is high, and the end result isn't likely to be ideal.  However, I think it's a great idea to visit with a plastic surgeon to begin the discussion.  They will let you know what milestones should be met before undergoing the operation, and help guide you along.  Best of luck!

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss.  I would not recommend a tummy tuck at a weight of 300 lb.  Your risk of complications is high and your aesthetic outcome will not be optimal.  It is usually recommended that a patient's BMI be less 30 before undergoing cosmetic surgery.  So, I recommend continuing with your weight loss in order to get your BMI to 30 or less and consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options.  Best wishes!

Can a person at 300 lbs get a tummy tuck?

Answers (11)

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