How much weight do I need to lose prior to getting a tummy tuck & how long will it take months? a year?

Thank you very much for this interesting and important question.Trying to lose weight before a surgical procedure its a very delicate matter, since in many cases a restrictive diet can cause problems, such as anemia, electrolyte disturbances, decreased protein, etc ... retarding the healing process and damaging the surgery.For these reasons, if your purpose is to lose weight, i recommend you have a BMI less or equal to 30.you must to have a support with a nutritionist, so you can achieve the desired goal, in the most healthy way, without incressing complications risks in the plastic surgery to perform.On the other hand, I recommend you yo be treated by a board certified plastic surgeon, with special training in Plastic Surgery After Massive Weight Loss. Therefore, it will use different surgical techniques and special safety measures for ex- obese patients.It's very important to make a preparation weeks or even months before the surgery, advising the patient to take certain measures that helps to have a successful surgery with very good results.You only can perform multiple procedures at the same time if the blood work and pre-op cardiovascular evaluation are in optimal range that allows us to make a safe procedure.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

I appreciate your question.Lymphedema is a chronic issue that needs to be addressed before any cosmetic procedures 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

Hello,It sounds as though you are taking the right steps toward weight loss and stabilizing your health before surgery. Ideally, your BMI would be 30 or less before cosmetic surgery in order to ensure your safety but also to give you a better aesthetic result. Supplementary liposuction is done with Abdominoplasty for assistance with contouring- not for weight loss.  Tightening your separated abdominal muscles will help to slim your waistline and reduce protrusion of the abdomen. Keep in contact with your Plastic Surgeon so that they can help you plan and reach your goals.All the best

Thank you for your question and I wish you the best with your weight loss.  For any aesthetic procedure I recommend that patients first reach their desired goal weight. This weight should be one that you feel comfortable at, and can maintain, as this will ensure the best long-term results.  An in-person examination yields the best information to make a sound surgical recommendation, but it does sound as if a few medical conditions need to be stabilized before pursuing a tummy tuck.  It never hurts to see a plastic surgeon for a consultation, as they can be a source of advice and motivation to pursue your weight loss and lymphedema control.  Hope that this helps

You are in the right mindset to understand the need for weight loss prior to having any sort of body contouring procedure. However much weight you lose will make your results that much better and your health stronger. I absolutely recommend that you worked very diligently with the weight loss clinic to take off as much as you possibly can. Understand that you will likely have even more skin over your pubic area once you start lose weight.There are some unique cases where the disability from the overhanging skin is so great that it must be removed to aid in further weight loss. That is something that you need to see a surgeon about.I recommend that you seek the advice of a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of plastic surgery and has extensive experience of body contouring indeed obese and massive weight loss population. This is tricky surgery, but can be absolutely transformative in your life.I wish you the best.Dr. Gabbay

Thank you for your question.   At the current weight, you are at a much higher risk of postoperative complications.   In addition, your plastic surgeon is limited in the overall result that one can give.   There is very little weight loss that occurs with a tummy tuck.   The majority of patients see less than a 10 pound weight change.    Therefore, it is important to remember that tummy tuck can only contour, not reduce volume significantly.For this reason, I would highly encourage you to love at leave 70 pounds prior to your procedure.   This will greatly reduce your anesthesia risk and risk of postoperative complications.   In addition, you will achieve a much greater improvement in contour and a much happier result for you and your surgeon.    In terms of losing the weight, I would recommend exploring medical and surgical weight loss solutions.  Depending on your medical history, you may be able to get your insurance to cover some of your weight loss procedures.   I wish you all the best.Dr. Gill

At your weight 19 stones or 266 pounds you are at significant risk for complications following an abdominoplasty.  Depending upon your height you may need to lose 50 to 60 pounds to be a reasonable candidate for elective cosmetic surgery.  Hopefully you can lose weight at the clinic.

It sounds as if your weight is quite high if your primary care physician is recommending weight loss prior to any surgery.  Obesity places you at greater risk for complications with any surgery, especially elective, cosmetic surgery.  It is typically recommended that BMI be less than 30 to decrease risks of surgical complications and obtain better overall results.  You can consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who can follow you through the weight loss process and help guide you toward your goals.  Your surgeon can also then tell you at what point you would be a good candidate for surgery.

It sounds as though you have some significant medical issues that I would get resolved prior to considering an abdominoplasty. Based on a high BMI, lymphoedema and the possibility  other issues, I think that would put you at a higher risk for complications.Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Most surgeons use a body-mass index (BMI) of 30 as the threshold for performing a tummy tuck. Above that risks escalate, results are not as satisfactory. I don't know your height to calculate the BMI, but if we assume 65 inches you would have to lose about 85 pounds. Lymphedema itself is a considerable risk factor increasing the risks of blood clots and worsening of the lymphedema. Weight loss alone will help with many of your functional issues, and may make you a good candidate for tummy tuck.  All the best.