BMI of 42: am I a candidate for tummy tuck/extended tummy tuck and Brazilian Butt Lift? (photos)

Question

I know im way over bmi limit (42) but im only big on top... I wear like a 2X on top and a L on bottom... I want this big stomach GONE! i have 3 kids and im done having kids. I've red stories about extended tummy tucks and doctors doing bbls with high bmi's

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. At my practice, the max Body Mass Index (BMI) limit for a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and tummy tuck is 33. The BMI is based on your height and weight. Going by the height and weight you provided, you do not meet our BMI requirement. Since you are over the BMI limit, 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. Take Care, Moises Salama MD, board certified plastic surgeon

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos! You appear to be a good candidate for the procedures you are inquiring about. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. To build up, shape or accent your natural curves, you can transfer your own fat to your buttocks and hips. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. 
Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD 
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Chicago 
South Barrington 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

I currently do not offer tummy tuck for your BMI range. The risk of complications is higher and I do not want to put my patients at risk.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

A BMI of 42 places you at a very high risk for complications from your desired procedures. Seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your overall health risks and make a recommendation for a safe weight for this type of surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Neither the TT nor the BBL are considered weight loss procedures. For the best results and to minimize the risks of complications during and after surgery, your BMI should be 35 or lower.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

With a BMI of 42, you are at a very high risk for complications. However, liposuction can be done to safely remove 10 lbs during one session and the sessions can be repeated if necessary. I recommend your begin a low fat diet, core exercises such as sit-ups, planks, pilates and see a weight loss medical doctor. Once you get your BMI down to 32 or lower then you can consider a tummy tuck. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

Sight unseen most plastic surgeons would turn you away at that BMI, and for health reasons your BMI should be lower. If you can find a plastic surgeon to see you in person they might have a different opinion once they see your exact body type. I wish you well.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Blackgirl718,
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

Richard Pecunia, MD, FACS · Answer

You are correct that your BMI is somewhat high, but based on your examination and your overall health, you may find a surgeon who would be willing to take on your case. The opportunity to improve the abdominal area would allow you to have a tummy tuck. Additional procedure such as BBL may be prohibitive but possible as long as you understand the increase risks involved

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At your current BMI you are not a candidate for the procedures you are wanting.  Those with a BMI above 30 have a higher risk of complications such as poor wound healing, seroma, infection, and less than optimal results.  You will need to lose weight before considering surgery.  Understanding that this can be hard for some people, you may want to visit with a personal trainer or dietician for assistance.

BMI of 42: am I a candidate for tummy tuck/extended tummy tuck and Brazilian Butt Lift? (photos)

Answers (14)

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