I’m 34, 5’9 and currently 220lbs. Candidate for tummy tuck and liposuction? (photo)

A tummy tuck is a major operation. Before anyone undergoes this procedure, medical clearance by your doctor has to be performed. Candidates for this surgery have to be in good heath without other existing medical or physical conditions. I would certainly try diet and exercise with a good nutritionist before considering this surgery. Please consult with your plastic surgeon to organize a good plan to get you ready for surgery.

Sometimes a little weight loss can really help your results.  I wouldn't say that you "MUST" lose weight, but I agree with Dr. Hughes that in your case it would be very helpful.  If you really want to get back to the photo you have from two years ago, surgery will be a part of your solution, but not the complete answer.All this said, tummy tuck and liposuction of the flanks will go a long way in your case.  While your BMI is a little bit high, I still think you are a candidate.Good Luck!

Thank you for your question. A BMI of 30 or below is preferred to avoid the increased
risk of complications during and after surgery. I advise my patients
being at your ideal weight will give the best outcome. I would encourage you to start a proper diet and exercise routine to help get to your goal and then consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you.

I appreciate your question.

For health and safety reasons, best to be at a BMI less than 30 or within 10 pounds of your goal weight and stable at that weight for 6 months prior to surgery for optimal results.

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

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

From your pictures it looks like a significant portion of your issue is internal visceral fat.  A tummy tuck result cannot address this portion of fat, and unless it is decreased by other means such as diet and exercise, the result will be limited.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you will be a great candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction. after some additional weight loss.  This can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Hello!
Back problems, steroids, weight gain are all reasons for the abdominal contour to get out of whack. You are right. I think before pursuing surgery it would be good to explore options to improve your physical comfort and weight. As long as your health is otherwise good, you are a candidate for tummy tuck and lipo and surgery may help you to get back on track - worth exploring. When you look for a surgeon make sure she/he is board certified - can find on plasticsurgery.org.
Best of luck!

Would recommend that you lose 20 pounds to bring your BMI down to a healthy range.  Different surgeons will have different opinions and comfort levels with regard to this, so it is best to ask the individual surgeon.  BMI is but one measure.  Distribution of fat and overall health as well as goals all factor into this decision. The two main reasons for targeting a BMI close to 30 is to lower the risks of complications during and after surgery and to the raise the probability of attaining optimum results.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for the question. Tummy tuck and liposuction are recommended for patients with BMI (body mass index) under 30. Currently, you BMI is 32.5 so I'd advice losing weight through diet and exercise prior to considering plastic surgery. In itself, plastic surgery should not be treated as a weight loss procedure.
After you successfully lose weight, a tummy tuck would probably be the best option for you because it offers the most effective way to correct loose skin and muscle separation in addition to eliminating excess fat. Liposuction will also remove fat, but it can't address flabby, hanging skin that typically persists after weight loss. For this reason, many patients who have experienced a weight loss or recent pregnancy tend to opt for a tummy tuck. This procedure can also be combined with liposuction for maximum effect.  
An in-person exam with a board certified plastic surgeon is always the best way to fully assess your needs and address your concerns. Best of luck!  

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us. 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.

Looking at your photos I might say that you´ll be a great candidate to get an entire back, waist and flanks liposuction, with BBL, and tummy tuck, this is because all the extra skin located in this areas plus your abdominal muscle needs to be repaired.

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.

Have a great day!

Dr. JPG