Is it absolutely imperative to maintain weight prior to surgery?

Question

Is it absolutely imperative to maintain your weight for a while prior to having the surgery? If so, how long is recommended? I am in the process of losing weight and will need a body lift or tummy tuck once I hit my goal weight. I am wondering if I absolutely have to wait a period to show I can maintain the weight prior to surgery or if I would be able to move forward right away. If I must wait, how long would that be?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi BreeMarieX3, thank you for your question regarding whether it’s an absolutely imperative to maintain your weight prior to plastic surgery. To maximize results, your weight should be stable for approximately 3 to 4 months prior to reconstructive plastic surgery after massive weight loss. It is certainly not a good idea to undergo reconstructive plastic surgery when you were gaining weight. Also, it is not a good idea to undergo reconstructive plastic surgery while you continue to lose weight. Therefore, most experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon suggest that you should lose the weight, and then, be at a stable weight (whether it’s your goal or not) for at least 3 to 4 months. Then, you should undergo a series of blood tests, EKG, and chest x-ray to determine if you are medically cleared for surgery. If you are medically cleared for surgery, then you can proceed with your scheduled surgery. I hope this information helps you to determine your weight before reconstructive plastic surgery. I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss. If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy please contact my office. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 100 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. If you cannot find an experienced, lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BreeMarieX3,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Physicians often recommend waiting a little bit of time once you hit your goal weight to make sure you do not keep losing weight. No one wants to operate on a moving target. The issue is if you continue losing weight after surgery you may need a revision to remove excess skin that has developed after additional weight loss. However, if you are certain that you are at your goal weight and do not plan on losing any more weight, then there is no need to wait a prolonged period of time for your surgery -  I would just proceed with scheduling!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is generally recommended that you attain your goal weight and then maintain it for 3 to 6 months before having plastic surgery.  This is important to ensure that you are not continuing to lose weight, nor gain it.  This allows your surgeon the opportunity to maximize your results.  When the term "maintain" is used it refers to remaining within 5-10 pounds of your goal weight.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

I’m assuming you are inquiring about LBL.  Reaching a predetermined weight is important.  Once you get there, you may have your surgery.  I don’t see the logic in having you wait a period to maintain your weight.  You must realize that you compromise your result if you gain weight.  And if you continue to lose weight after surgery, your skin will tighten even more.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

I typically recommend maintaining your goal weight for 9-12 months. No matter which method of weight loss a person uses to achieve their goal (diet and exercise or weight loss surgery), re-gaining weight can happen to the most well-intentioned patient. Body contouring surgery is costly in multiple ways: financial, physical, and psychological. In addition, complications are relatively common (delayed healing, open wounds, seroma). So timing and safety are critical. Best of luck as you continue to loose weight and with your future surgery!

Is it absolutely imperative to maintain weight prior to surgery?

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