Can you get a tummy tuck with a BMI of 37? (Photo)

A tummy tuck operation CAN be done with a BMI of 37, however, people with a BMI greater than 30 have an increased risk of complications and a decreased sense of satisfaction with the results. It would be safer for you, and your end result would be better, if you began a daily regiment of diet and exercise to reduce your weight down so your BMI is 30 or less. If you are going to have an elective procedure, be responsible for the cost of it and take time from work to recover from it, you should do everything to be sure it goes perfectly smoothly and you are very pleased with the results. Having a BMI of 30 or less will go a long ways toward helping you achieve that goal. Best wishes.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question.

While I think the that you will eventually be a great candidate for a tummy tuck, I would recommend that your BMI comes down to around 32 before you undergo surgery so that you can have the best possible results. The tummy tuck can be done through a very low incision and remove all of the excess skin and the belly button can be made to look natural. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

If your weight loss has been stable, you may be a candidate for tummy tuck to remove excess skin and stubborn fat.

​An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations. This would include your bmi and if you are an ideal candidate at this time.

Thank you for your question. To provide a valid medical opinion I will need to see pictures of you body from different angles without clothes. I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

I think at some point, come in and visit with a board certified plastic surgeon! Let's see what is causing your contours and higher BMI. For some patients, surgery such as a tummy tuck kickstarts a lifestyle change even more dramatically than weight loss surgery. Our office is happy to see you! Just give us a call 847-853-9900.

With a BMI of 37, you are at a high risk for deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia and pulmonary embolism. It is possible that you may benefit from consult with a bariatric medical physician, begin a low fat diet and core exercises such as sit-ups, planks and pilates and wear an abdominal binder. An alternative would be liposuction to help with the weight loss. 10 lbs can be safely removed at one session and repeated if necessary.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your photo and good job on losing the weight. Each surgeon will have their own protocol they wish for you to follow in regards to BMI and surgery. Typically as long as the patient is medically cleared it shouldn't be a problem, although it may be a reason your surgeon chooses to operate on you in a hospital vs an ambulatory center. I would suggest speaking with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your options. Best of luck to you.

Thank you for your question & photo! Yes. As long as you are healthy. Liposuction will remove excess fat with some retraction of skin. 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. 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
Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Hi there, thank you for your question. It's very hard to tell something without a consultation but, it seems that you would have a better result with tummy tuck operation if you lose a bit of weight.

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. I would wait at least a year after your weight loss surgery and try and reach a BMI of 30 or below as this will not only improve your surgical results but will also minimize your risks of the procedure. Hope this helps.