Weight changes before and after Tummy Tuck - what is a safe range?

Question

I am a 29 yo female who lost ~90lbs naturally. I was 230lbs and right now roughly 20lbs away from my goal weight (130lbs ). I understand that if you plan to lose 10 or more pounds, you should lose the weight first. My plan is to reach my goal weight first, maintain ~6 mo and then get a tummy tuck to fix the loose skin. My question is, could anyone provide me with a rough idea what is the safe range of weight change after tummy tuck/liposuction that will not affect the result of my operation? Ty!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on the impressive weight loss! generally staying within 5-10 pounds of your goal is ideal.  Hope this helps.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  There is no definite answer to your question since there are many unique factors for each patient, that could affect their results differently after weight fluctuations.  For example, every person tends to store fat in different areas of their body.  Also, depending on the abdominal skin tone, the effect of weight fluctuations will vary.  A person with excellent tone might find that their tummy still remains tight even after losing a large amount of weight, whereas a person with extensive stretch marks and poor skin tone might develop laxity with a much smaller weight loss.  I do agree with your post that if you are planning to lose weight it makes sense to do this before the tummy tuck.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is difficult to provide a proper evaluation without pictures. I suggest you upload pictures of your front side and back. Always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Moises Salama, board certified plastic surgeon.

Bryan Armijo, MD · Answer

First, congratulations on your weight loss so far! I advise my patients to stay within 10-15 lbs of your weight post op you should still maintain your results. I would recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation as well.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Avoid extreme weight loss or weight gain. Losing a few pounds after a TT will not make a noticeable difference, but losing 20 or more pounds may start to affect the tummy tuck results.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. To provide a valid medical opinion I will need to see pictures of you body from different angles. 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.-

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight. Also, if you are within 10 lbs of your ideal weight then you are a good candidate for surgery at this time.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear minminsoft,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery.If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
 Depending on how your body holds weight,  it it hard to say.  It would be best to try and stay within your pre surgical weight. Best of luck!

Steven Mapula, MD · Answer

There really is not magic number, but weight does fluctuate in all people over the course of our lives. As long as you are weight stable at your goal weight, and work to maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery, then you should be able to maintain your result. Fluctuations of 10-15 lbs are pretty normal and reasonable.

Weight changes before and after Tummy Tuck - what is a safe range?

Answers (13)

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