Are there tummy tuck weight restrictions?

Question

Since researching doctors, I've noticed some have weight restrictions and others don't. I'm 5'9 and 260 lbs, but no one ever believes I weigh that much as I carry my weight well. I would like to have a tummy tuck/lipo sculpture, should I try to lose weight before getting any procedures done?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

I would definitely talk to a plastic surgeon who can talk to you about the risks and benefits of doing surgery at different weight classes. You can calculate your body mass index easily online. Typically a body mass index of less than 30 is desirable for cosmetic surgery. To help my patients get to a healthier weight, I have developed an obesity medicine program and I am even board-certified in obesity medicine as well as plastic surgery. My prime motivation is to help my patients become a healthier weight prior to surgery and also to help them maintain this after surgery.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

reducing your weight will reduce your surgical risk and can positivity affect your result. Seek a plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of these procedures and is an expert in this field.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I believe patients should be well-informed of their surgery - benefits, alternatives, as well as possible risks and complications.  Although obesity may increase risk for wound healing, recovery and possible complications have other variables: overall health, diabetes, smoking, medications, drugs, etc.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon who will examine you and review your medical history to see whether you are a good candidate for TT.  Best wishes.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss. In general, a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or less
is considered ideal but this is not a hard and fast rule.

Most plastic surgeons suggest that you finish having children and get your
weight within 10 pounds of your ideal weight before undergoing an
abdominoplasty with repair of the stretched out abdominal muscles and
liposuction of selective areas, in order to achieve the best long term cosmetic
result with the least potential complications.

Following the advice of anyone who would presume to tell you what to do without
seeing photos and more importantly without taking a full medical history,
examining you, feeling and assessing your tissue tone, discussing your desired
outcome and fully informing you about the pros and cons of each option would
not be in your best interest. Find a plastic surgeon that you are comfortable
with and one that you trust and listen to his or her advice.The surgeon should
be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of
the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). You should discuss
your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California.

Suresh Koneru, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I would agree with the physicians who have weight restrictions.  I think it has been well documented in Plastic Surgery Research into outcomes that risks increase with increasing Body Mass Index (BMI).  In my San Antonio Plastic Surgery practice, I prefer patients get their BMI below 30 prior to surgery.  Now, this is not always possible so there are exceptions.  I would recommend you see one of the surgeons in your area who cares enough to have weight restrictions and get their opinion.Good Luck!

John A. Millard, MD, FACS · Answer

Very good question!  I would recommend  working with a doctor that does have some weight criteria for selecting you as a patient.  Doctors that use weight restrictions are watching out for there patients safety.  The is well published medical data showing that patients who undergo tummy tucks and are at too high of a weight have much higher complication rates.  The calculation that used most commonly is the patient's height to weight ratio or BMI (Body Mass Index).  Patients with BMI over 35 start to have significantly increased risks of blood clots (pulmonary embolism), infections, wound healing problems and even breathing difficulties after surgery.  Your BMI, based on the height and weight that you provided is 38.5 and therefore puts you in a much higher risk group for a tummy tuck.  Based on your height, the weight goal for you to get below 35 is 235 lbs.  Therefore if you were my patient I would recommend a weight loss of at least 25 lbs.  In my practice I would refer you for a nutrition counselor to help you with this issue.  Many of my patients have benefited from this and returned to me after there successful weight loss to have there tummy tucks.  I find it always best to seek expertise and a coach.  I've even used the nutritional counseling myself!

Are there tummy tuck weight restrictions?

Answers (6)

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