Tummy Tuck for Competitive Athletes?

Question

In 2004, I weighed nearly 290 lbs and decided to get serious with weight loss. That has spun into not only a big drop in weight but also lead to a new passion of mine which is competitive martial arts (contact sport). I am now at a junction of my life where I want to take my competitive athletic drive and body to a new level. My weight currently is between 190 and 205 and I am between 5'7 and 5'8. What type of results could I see with a tummy tuck? When should I do it? Is it right for me?

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer depends on the extent of excess skin, excess soft tissues and laxity of the abdominal muscles.

	It you have any of the above conditions, Tummy tuck will give you the best contour and shape.  However, you can't do abdominal exercises if your muscles are sutured together as part of Tummy tuck.

	Consultation by a board certified Plastic Surgeons can give you the ultimate answer.

	Good Luck.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

For a male, ideal body weight at 5'8" is approximately 154 pounds. If you are close and your weight is stable a tummy tuck could provide you with an enhanced body image that should not interfere with your results.

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

If you are mentally ready, then there is no right or wrong time. You should have it when you have 6 weeks to spare from physical activity. This period is needed for optimal healing. Nutritional supplement will help with the healing process. Tummy tuck with liposuction can be used to achieve sculpted look to enhance your physique. If you have lost a lot of weight and have significnat skin laxity, then an extended tummy tuck will remove excess tissue of waist too. A lower body lift is also an option in cases of severe lower body laxity.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Tummy tucks can be performed on competitive athletes as long as you can avoid strenuous exercise for about 6 weeks.  This needs to be planned into your scheduled events for the year.  You will then also want some more time to get back into good cardiovascular conditioning before competing.

	You want to be near your goal ideal weight.  That is an individual decision and height and weight are only part of the deciding factors.  You also have to take into consideration your build, your muscle mass etc.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

There is no "right" answer to your question but I'd point put that you are very motivated and you can use your motivation to get the best possible result. Clearly you will not get the best result if you do the tummy tuck before you are at an ideal or goal weight. A very good standard to use is your body mass index. Right now your BMI is 30.9. I usually recommend that my patients strive for a BMI of 25 or less before undergoing body contouring surgery.

Tummy Tuck for Competitive Athletes?

Answers (5)