Is it ok to go for tummy tuck with 27 BMI or I should lose another 10 pounds?

Question

My BMI is 26.9 and I'm going to have my tummy tuck and breast reduction on 28th July 2016. I am trying hard to lose weight but this time I'm just stuck in 142 pounds. My ideal weight should be below 128 pounds . Is it ok to go for tummy tuck with 27 BMI or I should lose another 10 pounds in next two weeks ?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This is an issue you should discuss with your surgeon. Many surgeons would insist you lose the weight and be within a normal BMI range. For me, BMI is not a factor when considering the suitability of a patient for surgery because this method is fraught with problems. BMI disregards your unique body type (a weightlifter with little body fat would be considered overweight or even obese!). If you are at a stable weight and simply can’t lose anymore, then you may be considered for surgery pending an examination.

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

I would think that more weight loss will not affect the ultimate result of your abdominoplasty. Preceding with your surgery should be fine.Hope this helpsLeland Deane MD

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question.  At a BMI of 27 and assuming you are an otherwise good candidate for surgery you should be fine to undergo your tummy tuck and breast reduction.  Hope this helps.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

Your BMI is at an acceptable level. I don't subscribe to the idea of dieting to a weight you won't maintain prior to having surgery as it is usually unrealistic to stay at that weight and it can affect your healing from surgery. Instead, I believe that you should be at a normal weight that you will be able to maintain when having the procedure done. It sounds like you fit this description so go ahead and have your procedure.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

To achieve the best possible result after Tummytuck , try to lose as much weight as possible, and then maintain it before and after surgery. Check out the link below to an article I wrote about diet and exercise before plastic surgery. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Your weight is within safe limits for surgery.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

We do not recommend weight-loss targets in the weeks prior to surgery.  You should be at a stable weight that you can comfortably maintain with a healthy lifestyle and diet.  Stressing your body to lose weight in the weeks before surgery will accomplish nothing long-term, and will compromise your healing and recovery from surgery.Good Luck!

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. I believe it is best to be within 10 - 15 pounds of your ideal body weight prior to surgery for optimal results. If this is not possible, your BMI should be below 30 to minimize your risk of complications. Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring for an in-person examination. Ask to see a lot of before and after pictures of their work to understand what can be achieved. Hope this helps and good luck.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for the inquiry. Your surgeon need you to be at a BMI of less than 30 for safe, effective surgery. Accordingly a BMI of 27 is fine.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. There are no "averages" or magic numbers that I can help you with;  every patient's case should be individualized.Generally speaking, always best to achieve long-term stable weight prior to proceeding with tummy tuck surgery. Doing so, will increase the safety of the operation, will likely improve the outcome of the operation, and will decrease chances that additional surgery will become necessary subsequently. In my practice, I do not ask specific patients to achieve a specific weight prior to proceeding with tummy tuck surgery. I simply ask patients to achieve a long-term stable weight where he/she feels comfortable and does not expect significant fluctuation postoperatively.Also generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and (again) has reached a long-term stable weight. I hope this, and the attached link, helps.Best wishes.