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

Question

I am currently 260lbs and 5'6... I plan to get to around 200-215lbs before I have surgery. I would like to eventually get to around 160lbs and have read that a lot of women go on to lose more weight after having a TT due to increased motivation and confidence. I have attached photos of my stomach at my heaviest weight of 280lbs, and I will post a photo of me in clothing at 200lbs. I would like to know if I could expect to be a candidate for TT at 200lbs if I continue to lose weight.

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

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!

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

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.-

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

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

William Andrade, MD · Answer

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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question and photos. A high BMI contributes to a higher risk of complications and mortality from surgery. It also means that your results could be less than ideal. Liposuction is often done with an Abdominoplasty but it is not used as an effective weight loss aid and won't address large areas of excess.   I recommend that you lose as much weight as you possibly can in order to ensure your safety but also to give your Plastic Surgeon as much "material" to work with a s possible. A stable, healthy weight prior to surgery means that you can expect dramatic, long lasting results. All the best

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

In general we recommend patients to lose as much weight as possible before a tummy tuck because your result will be much better.  If your goal weight is to get to 160 and you are still losing the weight than keep pushing towards your goal and consider surgery once you have stopped losing weight and maintained that weight for at least a few months.  Your result will be much better in the long run if you wait and have your surgery after you have lost weight.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I generally prefer my patients to achieve a stable weight prior to a tummy tuck. IF you lose any significant amount of weight after a tummy tuck, you may find yourself with more loose skin that may require a touch up or revision. In my opinion, you are best advised to get down to your target weight prior to surgery. A higher BMU will likely put you at a higher risk of blood clotting and/or wound healing complications. It is my advice that you use the tummy tuck as the conclusion to your weight rather than the initiation for the weight loss. If completed in this manner it will improve your final outcome rather than compromise it.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well. I recommend to al my patient to los as much weight as they can, because is goin to guarantee better results of your surgery. In general, I prefer my patients to have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or less for body contouring, but in patients who have undergone massive weight loss, it is sometimes appropriate to proceed at higher BMIs. Good luck and keep pushing toward your goals :)

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

Answers (17)

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