Is BMI between 30-35 too high for a safe tummy tuck? (Photo)

Thank you for your question.  You would certainly be a candidate.  There is no "cut-off" number in terms of weight.  It is important to acknowledge that as BMI increases, the risks of surgical complications increase but a BMI 30-35 would not preclude you from proceeding. Continuing to work on weight loss will certainly benefit you in terms of minimizing your risks and optimizing your outcome.  Ideally you want your weight to be stable for at least 3-6 months rather than in the midst of ongoing weight changes before proceeding with surgery.  Good luck!

For safety reasons, to be a good candidate for the procedures you want, your labs and cardiovascular preoperative evaluation must be optimal and you must be a healthy person, within an appropriate BMI. Yo appear to be good candidate for tummy tuck if you achieve your weight goal.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Thank you for your question, and the pictures.Yes, you would be a candidate for a tummy tuck if you have a BMI of 30-35.  Losing as much weight as you can would allow us to give you a better result with surgery.  And, like you say, you may be able to lose even more after the surgery with new-found motivation and confidence.  At this point, continue to eat healthfully, and continue exercising.  Then, we would want you to be at a stable weight for several months before having surgery, as we want to make sure you have enough nutrition to allow for proper wound healing.  Best of luck!

First off, congratulations on the weight that you've lost so far. The fact that you've been so successful is a good sign. Your current BMI is too high for surgery, but it is also very important to be at a maintainable weight before your tummy tuck in order to insure long lasting results. So, continue with the diet and exercise and once you get down to 160, which you will, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best of luck, Dr. Nazarian

Thanks for posting your question.  Rather than looking at a specific BMI cutoff, your PS will likely consider your overall health and fitness for the operation.  Certainly if you can get closer to your ideal body weight, the surgical risks will likely decrease and the outcome will probably be more dramatic.

The short answer is yes.   In general the surgery is easier with less wound healing complications with a lower BMI, but with appropriate meticulous technique, the complication rate is still low with BMI in the 30 range.  I agree with what you have heard that tummy tuck can be a significant help in further weight reduction, and I have had many patients lose 30-40 pounds after abdominoplasty with very favorable outcomes.  I think you be within 30-40 pounds of your goal weight, and in general the closer you get the better the overall outcome.