I've lost 82 pounds. Am I ready for a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

I am 5'1, 160 lbs. BMI = 31. Am I ok to move forward with tummy tuck? If so, what kind? I do not want the FDL scar, if it can be helped. I am concerned about subcutaneous vs. visceral fat. I've lost 82 lbs

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss. You are at a healthy BMI and ready for your goal Abdominoplasty. I would recommend a lipo-abdominoplasty with lateral hip extension. Subcutaneous fat will be thinned with the lipo. Visceral fat cannot be eliminated through anything other than diffuse weight loss. I would recommend booking a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to start planning your surgical plan.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. From your pictures, you seem to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. That said, the BMI requirement at my practice is under 33, which you meet. I tell my patients to be at or around their ideal weight for optimal results. I suggest you schedule a consult for a proper evaluation. Always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Salama, board certified plastic surgeon.

Elisa Stein, MD · Answer

Original57069, Whenever we evaluate a patient for skin removal/tightening we recommend waiting until your weight has stabilized where you want it to be for 6 months. That ensures that after surgery weight changes don't affect the results you have worked hard to achieve. Weight loss after surgery can result in the return of some unwanted loose skin. Your surgeon will evaluate you for visceral vs subcutaneous fat as well as for hernia or diastasis of your rectus muscles to give you an idea of your outcome from surgery.
Dr Stein

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are in a reasonable range to consider a tummy tuck. While a BMI of 31 is slightly above the ideal range (

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It seems you would be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if your weight has stabilized.  It is best to talk to a plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks to give you a good idea of what your expectations should be.  You would probably need an extended tummy tuck and while you would lose your role of extra fat, you might expect to have quite a full profile because of visceral fat.  Many patients are extremely happy to lose the extra skin and fat of the abdominal wall even though they maintain some of that fullness.  Good luck!

Danielle Dumestre, MD · Answer

Hello! 
Congrats on the weight loss!! Yes, you are a tummy tuck candidate. It is hard to say without a proper in person physical exam the proper surgical plan. I would recommend scheduling a consult to see what’s best for you!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Nice job on the weight loss! An in person assessment can determine the amount of subcutaneous fat that can be removed, and whether its removal will achieve your goals. If it will, a full tummy tuck that possibly extends around the sides and maybe to the back (circumferential tummy tuck) may be suitable, depending on the extent of loose skin/excess fat on your back.

Afet Oncel Bozkurt, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

helloi for a good result, we recommend you to lose additional 10 kgs. And consideirng the lose skin, you may need a FDL scar, otherwise you upper tummy area will not be smooth

Luis Suarez, MD · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss! As long as you are a year out from your weight loss surgery and are stable in your weight. You are a great candidate for a lower body lift, which is also known as a circular tummy tuck, that will help eliminate all the skin from your lower back as well as your abdomen. however, if you are still looking to lose weight, I would suggest to do so before submitting yourself to Plastic Surgery so it doesn’t affect your outcome. The FDL incision is always recommended. If there’s more skin in the upper abdomen that is usually the only way to successfully remove it however, if you’re not comfortable, it is something that you can consider in the future after your initial surgery.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss journey - that is not an easy feat! Regarding the timing of a tummy tuck, the best advice is to be at or as close as possible to your goal weight prior to surgery (i.e. don't plan to lose more weight after surgery) and also have have stable weight for at least 6-12 months after notable weight loss (i.e. don't have surgery if your weight is still changing/fluctuating beyond plus/minus a few pounds. If this is the weight/BMI that you are happy and healthy at, then it is OK to proceed with a tummy tuck, in my opinion. And I do not believe you need the vertical FDL based on your photo, unless your goal was absolutely the tightest abdominal skin regardless of scarring.

Yes, it is important to note the difference between visceral and subcutaneous fat. For best aesthetic results (i.e. the flattest possible belly), I usually recommend a BMI less than 30 for patients. This is due to the fact that the proportion of visceral fat (behind the muscles that cannot safely be removed with plastic surgery) is greater in BMIs more than 30. Different surgeons likely have different "cut offs" and recommendations.

Nevertheless, in my opinion, many patients in the BMI 30-35 range can still have great results with abdominoplasty. I don't routinely recommend this surgery for patients with a BMI higher than 35 as not only does the aesthetic result become more unreliable, but there is also greater anesthesia and post-surgical complications risks involved with higher BMIs.

Thanks again and good luck with your journey!

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Good job on your successful weight loss. I would say you are ready to move on with rejuvenation of your tummy. There are two very good options for you depending on your anatomy, specifically your muscles. The first question is if you have noticeable diastasis, meaning a bulge in-between your six-pack muscles when you do a sit up or plank type of action. Your muscles look flat in your photo so this is likely not a major issue in decision making. You also do not have significant visceral fat. Assuming so, the I would recommend liposuction with skin excision and umbilical transposition. This is a tummy tuck type of skin excision excluding the muscle tightening. This can be done with an oral cocktail for sedation and local tumescent anesthesia, so you never go "under". There are no drains with resumption of activity as tolerated. Also, you get the benefit of liposuction of the abdominal flap in the same setting, so you lose the fatty bulk which is NOT done in a formal abdominoplasty. There is an overall lower complication rate and down time compared to a traditional tummy tuck. This is a great option for many women out there . . . An in-person exam will help determine which option is best for you. See attached reference.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

I've lost 82 pounds. Am I ready for a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Answers (16)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Could I still have swelling three years after tummy tuck?

What is the best treatment for diastasis recti from pregnancy?

Would a reverse tummy tuck and breast lift be best for me? (Photos)

Do your legs get larger after a tummy tuck?

Tummy Tuck or 360? Is It Worth the Scar If Loose Skin Only Shows When I Bend? (Photos)

44, two children - Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS