I’m 200lbs, 5’4 & desperate for a tummy tuck - please advise (Photos)

In person exam is essential. In our Practice we often work with patients with higher BMI- provided they are good candidates. Based on your photos- it appears that you would benefit from an extended tummy tuck with possible vertical component. I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS and review your options and details of the procedure during in person consultation

Thank you for your question.
Based on your photos, I think a panniculectomy would give you the best possible aesthetic. Keeping in mind your goal of losing additional weight, I do not believe that an abdominoplasty would be ideal as it would likely need to be revised to improve the overall appearance which will cost you more out of pocket. With how low the excess abdominal skin, or panis is, you may qualify with insurance for the removal via panniculectomy. This will accomplish the goal of removing the excess skin while allowing you time to lose the additional weight prior to fine-tuning with an abdominoplasty. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Thank you for the question. Please achieve your target body weight before undergoing surgery. To achieve a good result you can benefit from extended tummy tuck with 360 degree liposuction. The extended tummy tuck will give you longer scar but will address excess skin on the sides. You will need muscle repair as part of the tummy tuck.

Thank you for your question about whether you can have a tummy tuck of 200 pounds. While it would be ideal if you are under 200 pounds, this is not entirely necessary. If you are in good health or have stable medical conditions, you could still be a candidate for a tummy tuck while still weighing 200 pounds. Complications are decreased with a lower BMI, but does that not mean you cannot have a tummy tuck? Many plastic surgeons operate on patients with high BMIs. Please seek a second consultation; I am sure you can find a plastic surgeon who can operate on a patient with a higher BMI weighing 200 pounds. Thank you for your question about whether you can have a tummy tuck of 200 pounds.
If you have any more questions regarding reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss, please contact my office. Reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss include an abdominoplasty, tummy tuck, thigh lift, breast lift, mastopexy, arm lift, brachioplasty, torsoplasty, back lift, buttock augmentation, and buttock lift. Since these reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss, are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 100 of each procedure you are considering for reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss. Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.

Thanks for your question.

At my practice, the max Body Mass Index (BMI) limit for a Tummy Tuck is 33. Based on your height and weight, you are over the appropriate limit for a Tummy Tuck.

I would recommend consulting with your primary care physician on a proper diet for you to bring down your BMI in order to be able to undergo the procedure.

Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Stay safe and take care.

Moises Salama MD, board certified plastic surgeon

Thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss! Some Surgeons will over look a higher BMI if a patient is healthy and medically cleared. I would suggest speaking with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to discuss your options, health history etc. Looking at the photos you have provided I do believe that you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck. Best of luck to you.

Thank you for your question regarding your weight in relation to a tummy tuck and for including photos! Congratulations on your weight loss! Now to address the problem of excess skin.

From the photos you shared, it looks like you would be a candidate for a tummy tuck.

Thank you for your question about.
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​It is best to be at a stable weight that you can realistically maintain after surgery.  If your weight changes significantly, then this makes the results unpredictable.

To be sure, see two or more experienced, board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.

I hope this helps.

Hi there,Thanks for your question and congratulations on your weight loss, I know it isn't easy! I think you are an excellent candidate for an abdominoplasty! It would remove all of the excess skin you are dealing with, and give you a better quality of life and mobility! I recommend a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience with weight loss patients.

Hello @RoCoGirl2000, thank you for your question. Every practice has different requirements for performing a Tummy tuck or a surgical procedure. BMI is one of them, not everything depends on this factor but it helps analyze how risky and optimal the surgery can be. An optimal BMI is 30 for surgery. I suggest you continue to keep lowering your weight and eating healthy so you can maintain your figure after the procedure and have excellent results in the long run. For more information and options, I suggest you consult one or several board-certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS

Hello, congratulations on the weight loss and thank you for posting. I completely understand. A tummy tuck will definitely give you a huge boost…. plus it will make it easier for you to exercise helping you lose even more weight!!
You are currently at a 34 BMI. This might be a little to high for many surgeons. I am actually at a soft 30 BMI limit. This means that patients at 32 can qualify for some procedures.
If you where to lose 10lbs, your BMI would drop to 32. I can actually see you qualifying for a TT with a BMI of 32. Ten more pound s and you would be at 30.7. So don’t get discouraged. I’m sure you can make 190 and get the results you deserve!!
Best of luck!
Dr. Miguel Mota