Will I get denied for a tummy tuck? Do I need to be a certain size in order to qualify?

Hello,Thank you for your question. Many people think of Tummy Tuck surgery as a fast track to weight loss but they are dissapointed to learn that it is a cosmetic procedure designed to contour, repair and remove excess skin from the abdomen- not designed for significant weight loss. The safety risks for surgery increase with obesity and likelihood of sub optimal results or poor healing would also increase. Most plastic surgeons would want your BMI to be 30 or less to ensure great results and patient safety. I recommend that you meet with a specialist who can help you lose the excess weight before considering a Tummy Tuck surgery. In cases of massive weight loss and post bariatric surgery, a panniculectomy which removes only the excess apron of skin at the lower abdomen, may help to increase mobility and may be covered by medical insurance. Perhaps a conversation with your primary care physician would be a good place to start planning.All the best

Thank you for your question it sound like you are a good candidate for a full tuck with muscle repair,if you lose a bit more  weight your outcome will be much better,consult in person with a board certified PS,

Hello dear!!

Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 

Weighting 220 lbs increase the risk of complications during and after your surgery, the BMI range is 30 and it is important have a stable weight in order to have any surgical process. 

Also you can make an appointment with a board plastic surgeon for a good evaluation and to talk about your goals.

Good luck.-

Thanks for the questions.Every patient that is going to undergo a surgical procedure must have a body mass index (BMI). below 35. in your case you must lose weight with a nutritionist and accompany him with your exercises. Then try a CP of the page, R.S. to evaluate you and guide you regarding the procedure that you are going to submit to. I hope my guidance is very useful for you. Thank you.

    The recommended BMI is less than 30. This is the recommendation of the American society of plastic surgery. The reason simply, is increased chance of complications. These include but limited to, pulmonary embolus, deep venous thrombosis, delayed wound healing and increase infection rate.

Choose a board certified plastic surgeon who has done a ton of Brazilian Butt Lifts and has privileges to do this surgery at a local university hospital. This says his credentials have been checked out by fellow Drs. All surgeries carry risk, talk to your plastic surgeon.

The ideal BMI for aesthetics procedures is below 34%, but the more weight you lose the better results you will get. Reaching your weight goal prior to surgery would decrease the risks of complications during and after surgery and enhance results.

Before all this, of course, you need to get a complete medical evaluation and laboratory exams to check everything is fine. Also please try to find a board certified plastic surgeon, remember that your safety, always, is going to be first.

Most plastic surgeons suggest that you finish having children, get your weight within 10 pounds of your ideal weight, and have a BMI less than 30 before undergoing an abdominoplasty with repair of the stretched out abdominal muscles and liposuction of selective areas, in order to achieve the best long term cosmetic result with the least potential complications.

Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you what to do without examining you, physically feeling your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest that you find a surgeon certified by the American Board of American Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. 

Robert Singer, M.D., FACS 

La Jolla, California

Typically, a tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance.  However, a panniculectomy may be covered if true functional impairment can be documented.  A panniculectomy is simply the surgical removal of the lower portion of the skin and fat of the abdomen that hangs below the pubic area.  Usually this overhanging tissue causes issues such as odor, rashes, open wounds, pain, infection, or difficulty ambulating or performing normal daily activities.  A panniculectomy does NOT involve the cosmetic features that produce a nice cosmetic outcome.  For example, the belly button is not moved or relocated, the abdominal wall is not tightened with stitches (plication), and no liposuction is performed.  I suggest consulting with a board certifies plastic surgeon to discuss your options.  Best wishes!