Should I Be at my Goal Weight Before Having a Tummy Tuck?

i like the pragamtic answers all of the surgeons have provided.  i would just add that the answers depends to some degree on how overwheight you are.  if you are obese you may not qualify for an abdominoplasty anyhow and may be looking more at a a panniculectomy.

     A goal weight would be preferred, but a stable, maintainable, healthy weight would suffice prior to having tummy tuck.

For the best cosmetic results, I like for my patients to be near 10% of their ideal body weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. However, I also realize this is not possible in all individuals.  Many times weight loss has stagnated making it very difficult to be in that "ideal range". I have seen tummy tuck and liposuction be used as a catalyst for further weight reduction after the surgery. Because an individual looks and feels better, he or she is encoraged to keep the weight off and actually lose more weight. Occassionally, after this additional weight loss, other smaller procedures are possible to enhance the aesthetic results. Good Luck.

Generally speaking, it is best to attempt to approach your ideal goal weight before embarking on body contouring surgery such as a tummy tuck.  However, there may be a difference between your goal weight and an "ideal" weight that some doctor or nutritionist might suggest for you.  It is true that losing a lot of weight after a tummy tuck might result in some loosening of skin, which would detract from the surgical result.  And having a tummy tuck while still significantly overweight will  require more extensive surgery and may also detract from the result.  So I encourage my patients to lose as much weight as they can comfortably do without really struggling and try to reach a weight that they can maintain comfortably going forward.  Losing a lot of weight only to rebound up after the surgery is not good either.  You will be happiest with your surgical result if you lose some weight first (even if it isn't all that you might want) and can maintain that weight with a healthy lifestyle after surgery.

it  depends on what your goal weight is and whether you can reasonably obtain it.  I would say you should be at a reasonable weight and there is no need to starve yourself prior to a tummy tuck. More importantly is to avoid gaining weight after your surgery.  This can often be a problem with women who undergo tummy tucks especially since you will not be able to do much exercise for a few weeks after.  

Altlhough it is optimal to be at your ideal weight before undergoing abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, it is more realistic to be at a weight that you can maintain over time. I have found that you can lose 30 pounds after an abdominoplasty and not have loose skin in many patients.   So in general I suggest that if you are within 30 pounds of the weight you can mantain, it is reasonable to undergo tummy tuck regardless of your weight.  Most of us have an ideal weight that we aspire to, and a higher weight that we can realistically maintain.

If you believe that you truly can reach your ideal weight prior to undergoing a tummy tuck, you should definitely do so. This will result in the best chances for an excellent result. I often perform tummy tucks on patients who are still much heavier than their ideal weight, however, with dramatic improvement. If you should weigh 50 pounds less than you do currently, for example, but know from years of experience that you realistically will not reach that ideal weight, then a tummy tuck is still possible. Many of my patients find it much easier to lose weight AFTER undergoing a tummy tuck, decreasing to weights that they never could achieve prior to surgery. To summarize, you should try to achieve your ideal weight prior to a tummy tuck if at all possible; if not, do your BEST to lose what you can, then have your tummy tuck.

Yes. I believe that being at your goal weight. Or as close as you can get.. Would be an ideal timing for your Abdominoplasty  good luck

The answer is... IT DEPENDS.  It depends on what your current weight and body mass index (BMI) are, what your goal weight/BMI is, what your ideal body weight/BMI is, what your abdomen looks like, what sort of improvement can be expected from abdominoplasty, what your future pregnancy plans are, how successful weight loss efforts are expected to be, and multiple other factors.  My custom and practice is to evaluate each situation individually, and engage in constructive dialog and planning to help every patient seeking my help to achieve their desired outcome and quality of life... by the shortest route.     

Yes, you should try and be at your goal weight before any body contouring surgery.  If you are able to maintain a goal weight for several months prior to surgery, the chance of significant fluctuations after surgery are lower.  Thus, the results of your surgery will be long-lasting.