How Much Should I Weigh Before Body Lift?

Question

Highest Weight: 280lbs Current weight: 163lbs Height: 5'6 So, I want to be around 150lbs BEFORE surgery but I honestly feel like I cannot lose much more. At the same time I do not want to pay an extreme amount of money for results that I do not want. Should I wait until I reach my 150lb marker? How much weight/fat could be removed? Realistically, I'd like to be 140lbs (5'6") I believe that is a "healthy" weight. Is this unrealistic? Thank you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question about how much you should weigh before lifting a body.  Thank you for your personal information.  This is a very common question.  Ideally, patient should be at their ideal body weight or have a BMI less than 30 before undergoing a 360 circumferential lower body lift.  Based on your numbers, your current BMI is 26.31, which is classified as "overweight.  To be classified as "normal", your weight should be 154 pounds with a BMI of 24.85. 
Objectively, those are the numbers.  However, in reality, patients often cannot achieve these numbers no matter how much they exercise or how extreme their diet plan is.  There are physiological limitations.  
Therefore, most experienced plastic surgeons specializing in plastic surgery after massive weight loss suggest that you diet and exercise as much as possible.  When your weight plateaus, you are ready to undergo your lower body lift surgery.  Good luck.  I hope I've answered your question regarding how much weight you should lose before a body lift.  I hope this information helps you find answers regarding the 360 circumferential lower body lift.  If you have any questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.  Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift.  Do your research.  Ensure they have performed at least 150 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it. Please carefully review their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Congratulations on the weight loss.

	I ask patients to be at a stable, long term weight prior to any surgery.  This way you will achieve the best results with surgery.  If you are at 163lbs for a couple of months and cannot lose any more, it may be time to proceed with surgery.  Visit with well experienced, board certified plastic surgeons to discuss your goals and options.

	Best Wishes.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

We prefer patients to be at a steady weight that is reasonably close to their desired weight.

	If you are comfortable at 163, this may be the time. It is highly unlikely that your outcome would be compromised by a 13 pound difference from your goal. I would not say that if you were 40 pounds from your ideal.

	This is the time to see a plastic surgeon for a consultation, and to review your goals, the procedures that can be done to get you there. If you surgeon feels that you should lose more weight, you can expect to be told so.

	Thanks for the question.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

You should be at or close to your ideal body weight before proceeding with any plastic surgery procedures.A body lift is also referred to as  circumferential body lift = belt lipectomy.  This procedure is essentially 3 procedures in one: extended tummy tuck + waist/lateral thigh lift + buttock lift.  The procedure can taken between 5-7 hours depending on the amount of tissue/skin that needs removal/treatment.  Please see a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options.

	Dr. Sugene Kim

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

Great job losing the weight. hard work, but well worth the effort. I think that if you stabilize at this present weight, hold it for at least 3 months, then proceed is very reasonable. You will lose some weight at the time of the procedure as well.

	Get a consultation from a board certified plastic surgeon to give you recommendations and advice on how to proceed and when.

	Good luck.

How Much Should I Weigh Before Body Lift?

Answers (5)