5'3, 145lbs, does weight impact the success of a tummy tuck?

Your weight can influence the outcomes of a tummy tuck, but it's not the sole determinant of success. Being at a stable, healthy weight contributes to better results, as significant weight fluctuations post-surgery can affect the appearance. At 5'3" and 145 lbs, if you're close to your stable, desired weight and generally healthy, you could be a good candidate for the procedure.

Outcomes can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of your skin, muscle tone, and the specific surgical technique used. Comparing results between individuals isn't always straightforward, as each person's body reacts differently to surgery. Your best course of action is a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific goals and circumstances.

Dear JLrose,
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 surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The results of a tummy tuck depend on what you start with. The more skin and fat in the lower abdomen, more tissue will be excised, resulting in a more dramatic result. if there is less tissue to be removed, improvement still will occur but will not be as noticeable.

Thank you for the question. A tummy tuck is an excellent operation- it removes the excess skin and fat, and tightens the separated abdominal muscles to address the bulge and restore the core. Thinner individuals can still have extra fat and loose skin, and often they have the most notable results after a tummy tuck, which is not a weight loss operation. That being said, people of all BMIs can have transformational results with this procedure.

Hello JLrose!When we are evaluating candidates for a tummy tuck, we obtain a patient's weight history. If they have lost a massive amount of weight, are still overweight, but have been stable that is different from someone who know they could easily lose 30 pounds if they ate better. So we ask our patients to come in with a reasonable weight they like and can (and have maintained) for best results. If someone loses 30 pounds after a tummy tuck, their skin may sag and their results therefore not as optimal in the long run. However, if someone has already lost over 100 pounds and then loses 30 more after their tummy tuck because they have so much less skin and they feel better, they will likely still be happy with their results.

Thanks for your question! Weight plays a role but it really depends on the patient. Someone at your height and weight may carry all of their weight in their tummy and that could make you a less ideal candidate. I would suggest an in person consultation with a qualified surgeon. Good luck!

The best results would be at your goal weight. Your weight currently is fine for a tummy tuck and you'd have a nice result.

It certainly does. It can be a little bit harder achieving desired results in heavier patients. Plus, patients with a BMI over 30 will have higher risks of complications. A lower BMI usually means a safer and easier procedure. At a BMI of 26 you seem to be a very good candidate for a tummy tuck!

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Hello JLrose,

Thank you for your question about the relationship between weight and the success of a tummy tuck. Your current stature, at 5'3" and 145lbs, certainly plays a role in the potential outcome of a tummy tuck procedure.

Generally, individuals who are closer to their ideal body weight tend to experience more favorable results from a tummy tuck. This is because the procedure is primarily designed to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles, which can yield more pronounced and aesthetically pleasing results in individuals who have a smaller amount of abdominal fat.

However, it's important to note that a successful tummy tuck is not solely dependent on one's weight. Factors such as skin elasticity, overall health, the condition of the abdominal muscles, and individual body shape also significantly influence the outcome. For instance, if you had a relatively flat stomach prior to your C-section, this might indicate good skin elasticity and muscle tone, which are advantageous for tummy tuck results.

Comparing your potential results to someone who is heavier isn't always straightforward, as each individual's body responds differently to surgery. A heavier person might also achieve excellent results, especially if they have good skin quality and muscle structure.

That being said, being at a lower weight and having a smaller preoperative abdominal size can be beneficial for tummy tuck outcomes, but they are just part of a broader spectrum of factors that contribute to the success of the surgery. For a personalized assessment and to set realistic expectations, I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific case.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

At 5'3 and 145 lbs, your BMI is 26, which is acceptable for doing a tummy tuck. Patients who are excessively heavy are at a higher risk for complications. The success of the tummy tuck also depends on how much excess skin you have hanging. You may be able to get by with a smaller incision such as a mini tummy tuck. Some patients require smaller incision, some require larger incisions and some require circumferential incision.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.