Reach Weight Loss Goal Before Tummy Tuck Surgery?

I may be going against the grain on this one as most of my colleagues in the thread recommend achieving your weight loss goal (losing an additional 30 lbs) prior to considering elective cosmetic surgery. I used to do the same, as this is what we are taught. Historicaly, I saw patients who wanted to lose weight, say 30 lbs, and I told them to excercise, eat well, get a trainer, join a gym and then see me back in 3-6 months. They would do all the above, see me back in the office and say," Well I did it all, lost 15 lbs, then got tired of it, quit and gained 25 back. Now, I weigh more than I did 6 months ago and feel emotionally worse!"

Now, I tell patient to evaluate their current weight loss trends, has it been a continued steady/aggressive loss or a plateau with gradual loss? Surgery during the gradual loss, even if you are not totally at your goal "lowest" weight, can have dramatic effects. Namely, after recovering from surgery you will feel physically, emotionally and spiritually changed. You will want to go to the gym, your clothes (both work out and casual) will fit better and you will typically (I see it all the time) BLOW past your previous weight loss goal of 30 lbs and may lose more and maintain it.

Again, this is not what every plastic surgeon experiences with his/her patients, but I see it all the time in my practice and as such have changed my tune.

Talk with your surgeon and good luck!

Dr. C

Ideal:  I believe the adage that if you are within 15 pounds of your ideal body weight, that there is no aesthetic advantage to waiting til you get to the ideal body weight. Real:  If you are at a plateau, you can get significant improvement even if you are not within 15 pounds.  Settling for a little less?  Of course. Your choice.  Caveat:  The Higher the BMI, the higher the complication rate. It's a fact. Try to get the BMI below 30 (real). Below 25 (ideal).  

It's commendable that you've lost 100 pounds and are nearing your goal. In the context of a tummy tuck, it is generally advisable to reach your target weight before undergoing the surgery. Being at or near your goal weight ensures more stable and lasting results, as significant weight fluctuations after the procedure can affect the surgical outcome. Moreover, the removal of loose skin is more effective when your weight has stabilized.

However, your eagerness to address the loose skin is understandable. It’s important to balance the emotional impact of the loose skin with the potential benefits of waiting until you've reached your weight goal. Consulting with a plastic surgeon will provide insights tailored to your specific circumstances, including how close you are to your goal and your overall health. They can guide you on the best timing for the surgery, considering both physical and emotional factors

Firstly, congratulations on your incredible weight loss journey! Losing 100 pounds is a significant achievement, and you should be proud of your hard work and dedication.

Regarding your question about whether to wait until you reach your goal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck, it's essential to consider a few factors. Since you've already achieved massive weight loss, you may be a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck as long as you've been at a stable weight for at least three months.

While it's understandable that you may want to reach your ultimate weight goal before having surgery, it's important to weigh the benefits of addressing the loose skin and excess tissue sooner rather than later. A tummy tuck can provide dramatic improvements in the appearance of your abdomen, helping to contour and tighten the area affected by weight loss.

Additionally, having the tummy tuck may actually facilitate further weight loss efforts after surgery. With the removal of excess skin and tissue, you may find it easier to engage in physical activities and exercise routines, which can contribute to additional weight loss and improved overall health.

Ultimately, the decision to proceed with the tummy tuck should be based on your individual circumstances and goals. I recommend discussing your options with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your candidacy for the procedure and provide personalized recommendations based on your unique situation.

In summary, while reaching your weight loss goal is commendable, it may not be necessary to delay your tummy tuck surgery. Consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon can help you determine the best course of action to achieve your desired results.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

First of all, congratulations on your weight loss journey. You definitely got over the most challenging part. I highly suggest waiting until you reach your target weight. You should be at a relatively stable weight for at least 6 months before your surgery. Gaining or losing weight can undo the contoured shape achieved during the operation. Good luck with everything.

Yes it is advisable to reach your target weight before considering tummy tuck surgery. You should have a constant weight for at least 6 months before surgery. Gaining or losing weight after surgery might not give you desired results from the procedure. Please talk to a consultant plastic surgeon regarding your ideal weight before surgery

Thank you for your question. It is hard to provided with a valid medical opinion without photos.  I would suggest to be treated by board certificated plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.
Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Congratulations on your weight loss! In general, it is advisable to perform a tummy tuck when you have reached a more ideal weight. I would recommend getting within 10-15 pounds of your goal weight before having a tummy tuck. The reason for this several. First, sometimes performing a tummy tuck and liposuction will have suboptimal result if the abdominal girth is wide.  Second, if you do lose more weight in the future, the result of the tummy tuck will be inadequate since more skin will sag. Remember, the tummy tuck and liposuction is body shaping not weight loss.  Have an experienced plastic surgeon assess you since everyone is different and give you a recommendation.  If weight loss is an issue, there are many medically guided weight loss programs.

When have a tummy tuck you want to be at or close to your goal weight. If you continue to lose weight once your excess skin is removed, some of the skin laxity and looseness can return. You want to have your surgery when you are at a weight that you plan to be at long term. A fluctuation of 10 lbs. up or down won't make a significant change in results. Be realistic when planning your goal weight to make sure it is something that is achievable and realistic for you to maintain. With every surgery, the healthier and more fit you are the better your results will be. Best of luck on achieving your cosmetic surgery goals!

Congratulations on your weight loss! It is best to be within 5-10 pounds of your goal weight for at least 3 months prior to any body contouring procedure. This will allow your surgeon to plan the best possible operation for you based on your body's size and shape at a weight you intend to maintain for the long term.

Hi, thanks for your question. 

It is better to lose all the weight before a tummy tuck. For some patients, they feel at a stand-still and so need to get the skin removed in order to exercise and get the additional weight off and so doing the tummy tuck earlier can be of benefit.

However, if you can wait, you'll have a better result because losing more weight will mean more skin can be removed. 

All the best,

Dr. Blagg

Austin, TX