There are a few reasons why you might want to get a tummy tuck while you’re overweight: you may have lost weight since your last surgery, or maybe your doctor is recommending it because of how much weight you’ve gained since your last surgery. But there are also some risks associated with getting a tummy tuck while overweight, and they’re serious enough that they should be considered before proceeding with any procedure.
The first risk has to do with the fact that your body will need to heal from this type of surgery—and healing requires energy, which means that your body will need to burn calories to do so. If these calories come from fat stores around your stomach and abdomen, then it could lead to further weight gain rather than weight loss. In addition, if those fat stores are already there before surgery begins (as would be the case for most people), then there’s nothing stopping them from growing even larger afterwards! In this guide, we find out: Can you get a tummy tuck while overweight, how many sizes do you lose with a tummy tuck, what is the maximum bmi for tummy tuck, and How much does an obese tummy tuck cost?
The second risk has to do with the fact that when fat cells grow back after surgery (which they inevitably will), they tend not only grow back larger but also.
Can you get a tummy tuck while overweight
Tummy Tuck: How Many Sizes Do You Lose?
Many people carry excess fat on their abdomens, and for some people, it is a source of great insecurity. Whether a person has excess fat and skin on their lower abdomen as a result of substantial weight loss and weight gain, pregnancy, C-sections, surgeries, or other causes, a tummy tuck can help to eliminate excess skin and fat and provide a more contoured and toned appearance. Many patients, both male and female, report a significant increase in their self confidence following a tummy tuck procedure, and they may find themselves feeling comfortable in clothing that they previously could only dream of wearing. If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you should know what to expect from the procedure, what recovery is like, and how many sizes you can expect to lose.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon that is designed to remove excess fat and excess skin from the lower portion of the abdomen and tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles in the belly button area. The procedure does require general anesthesia and recovery times do vary. The result of a tummy tuck surgery is that patients have a more contoured appearance and an abdominal wall profile that appears firmer, smoother, and flatter, creating a toned and leaner look. While we often refer to tummy tucks as just one procedure, there are actually three different types of tummy tucks, each of which is appropriate for different patients depending on their needs. The three types of tummy tucks include:
- Partial or mini-abdominoplasty
- Complete abdominoplasty
- Circumferential abdominoplasty
Patients who carry the majority of their excess fat and sagging or loose skin below the belly button may get the results they are looking for from a partial or mini-abdominoplasty. A partial abdominoplasty has the smallest incision of any of the tummy tuck procedures and can sometimes be performed endoscopically, which helps to minimize scarring. Patients who need a significant amount of fat and skin removed from the abdomen will benefit most from a complete abdominoplasty. During a complete abdominoplasty, Dr. Applebaum makes an incision low on the abdomen that extends approximately from hip bone to hip bone, allowing him to manipulate the muscle and skin as required. During a circumferential abdominoplasty, the incision extends around the circumference of the body. This type of tummy tuck is most appropriate for patients with excess fat in the back and abdomen.
How many sizes do you lose with a tummy tuck?
While some people think of tummy tucks as a type of body contouring, weight loss cosmetic surgery, tummy tucks do not help you lose weight. In fact, tummy tucks should only be performed when a patient is at or near their preferred weight in order to avoid future surgery, since additional weight loss can cause more excess skin that the patient may want removed at a later time. Full tummy tucks help patients lose clothing sizes and inches in their midsection, but weight loss is usually not more than a few pounds. The average woman can expect to lose two to three dress sizes after a tummy tuck, while men can expect to drop several pant sizes. Patients do not need to lose weight prior to undergoing a tummy tuck; however, they should be comfortable with their current weight and not plan to lose significantly more weight after undergoing the procedure.
What other options for abdominal fat removal are available?
Depending on a patient’s goals, some patients may be able to achieve their desired results through liposuction alone. Whether liposuction alone is appropriate will depend on the amount of excess fat a patient has as well as their skin laxity. Other patients may need a combination of a tummy tuck and liposuction in order to achieve the results they are looking for, and some only need an abdominoplasty to meet their goals. During your consultation, Dr. Applebaum will review your medical history, assess your anatomic profile, and discuss your goals and expectations in order to determine which procedure will deliver the best results.
Can the scar be well hidden in small bathing suits and in underwear?
Tummy tucks, whether it’s a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck, do require a sizeable incision unless the patient receives a partial abdominoplasty that is performed laparoscopically, so it is natural for patients to be concerned about the visibility of their scars. Dr. Applebaum recognizes how important it is to minimize scarring, so each patient is evaluated on an individual basis in order to determine the best place to make an incision in order to avoid visible scarring. Most tummy tuck incisions are made low on the abdomen at approximately the same level as the pubic hair, so it is not visible in low rise jeans and some types of bathing suits and underwear. Dr. Applebaum can make temporary markings on the skin to show the location of the incision while the patient is wearing a bathing suit or underwear so that they have a clear idea of how visible the scar will be after surgery.
What is tummy tuck recovery like?
The recovery from abdominoplasty varies greatly depending on the type of abdominoplasty performed and the age and physical health of the patient prior to surgery. Mini abdominoplasty will have a shorter recovery time than complete or circumferential abdominoplasty. Patients generally will be told to wear a garment or wrap that is designed to support the area of the incision during the recovery process, as sitting up and moving can be painful in the days and weeks immediately following the surgery. Most people will take two to three weeks off of work following the surgery, but some patients may require slightly more or slightly less time off. Exercise is prohibited during the first weeks after surgery, so do not exercise until you receive clearance from Dr. Applebaum. Patients may experience swelling and bruising in the incision area for up to three months after surgery, but visible results will be noticeable immediately after surgery. During the consultation, in addition to creating a detailed treatment plan, Dr. Applebaum will discuss at length a realistic picture of the recovery process for each patient.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Robert Applebaum
Dr. Robert Applebaum is a world renowned and highly respected Plastic Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In his nearly 30 years as a practicing physician, Dr. Applebaum has become known as an innovator in the field of laser technology techniques for plastic surgery procedures. He has published numerous articles and scientific papers about the use of laser technology and educates physicians worldwide on the applications of laser technology for plastic surgery. Dr. Applebaum primarily practices out of his private outpatient surgery center, Four Thirty Six Aesthetic Surgery Center, which is located in Beverly Hills.
Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) yields high patient satisfaction and improved quality of life in patients who are overweight or obese – despite a substantial risk of complications, reports a study in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
An “overwhelming majority” of overweight/obese patients are happy with the results of abdominoplasty, according to the study by Dennis C. Hammond, MD, and colleagues of Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan, Grand Rapids. They write, “A real quality of life improvement can be obtained by offering body contouring even in the face of obesity, with the caveat that the risk of minor postoperative complications is high.”
Risks Are Higher, But Body Contouring Has Real Benefits for Patients with Increased BMI
Abdominoplasty is an effective procedure to improve the appearance of the abdomen. However, this and other body contouring procedures have historically been discouraged in overweight or obese patients. That reflects concerns that increased body mass index (BMI) may increase the risk of wound healing problems and other complications.
The researchers analyzed the outcomes of tummy tuck surgery in 46 overweight/obese patients over a 12-year period. The patients were 41 women and five men, average age 49 years. All had a BMI of 25 or higher, with an average BMI of 32. (A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 is the cutoff point for obesity.)
Eighty percent of patients underwent abdominoplasty, most often including a procedure to restore weakened or separated abdominal muscles. The remaining 20 percent had a procedure called panniculectomy to eliminate excess, “hanging” abdominal fat and skin. The researchers analyzed the outcomes of surgery, including complication rates and patient-rated outcomes.
Nearly half of patients had some type of complication. About 39 percent had minor complications, requiring office procedures or antibiotics. About nine percent of patients had major complications requiring a return to the operating room – mainly due to wound healing problems and/or fluid collections.
Thirty-six patients completed follow-up surveys an average of 15 months after their procedure. Ninety-four percent of patients were satisfied with the results of abdominoplasty/panniculectomy, while 97 percent stated they would choose to have the procedure again. Ninety-seven percent of patients said the procedure had improved their quality of life. Nearly half of patients said they lost additional weight after surgery.
“Abdominoplasty and panniculectomy in the overweight and obese patient presents as a surgical decision-making challenge for the treating surgeon,” Dr. Hammond and coauthors write. Due to their increased risk of complications, patients are commonly advised to lose weight before undergoing body contouring surgery.
The researchers note, “Even with weight loss, the excess skin and fat…will not completely recede and can still present as an impediment to normal function and exercise.” While acknowledging the increased risks, they offered abdominoplasty or panniculectomy to overweight/obese patients “in an attempt to relieve the discomfort and physical effects of the excess skin and fat and offer the potential to jumpstart a weight loss process.”
The authors believe their results support this strategy. Although complications were frequent, most were minor and readily manageable, and many patients lost more weight after surgery. Dr. Hammond and colleagues conclude: “[E]ven in the face of this elevated complication rate, patient satisfaction is overwhelmingly high, making body contouring procedures in this patient population an acceptable option in appropriately selected patients.”
About Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
For more than 70 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.
About ASPS
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 93 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
how many sizes do you lose with a tummy tuck
How much weight should I lose before my tummy tuck? How many inches will I lose when I have a tummy tuck? These are common questions that women ask after deciding to get a tummy tuck. Here’s our expert guide on how much weight you’ll lose after surgery, including information about the amount of fat cells removed during the procedure itself, how your body may store fat differently post-surgery, and tips for losing weight before your surgery date.
after a tummy tuck, you will lose inches from your waist, hips and waistline.
After a tummy tuck, you will lose inches from your waist, hips and waistline. The procedure removes excess skin and fat from the waistline. The surgery also tightens the abdominal muscles, which can reduce the size of your abdomen. In addition to this, it may also reduce the size of your hips and waistline by removing excess fat deposits that have built up over time in those areas.
the amount of weight you lose depends on your body type, diet and exercise regime.
The amount of weight you lose depends on your body type, diet and exercise regime. Some people will lose more than others, but it’s unlikely that you’ll lose all of the excess fat.
The amount of skin removed depends on how much excess skin there is and how much loose skin needs to be tightened after weight loss occurs. The surgeon may also take out some fat from under the chin area if this has become stretched out over time as a result of excessive weight gain in this region (a condition known as gynoid lipodystrophy).
The best way to estimate how much weight you’ll lose is to look at pre-surgery photos of patients who had similar surgeries and their weight loss afterward.
The best way to estimate how much weight you’ll lose is to look at pre-surgery photos of patients who had similar surgeries and their weight loss afterward. Looking at a woman with an hourglass figure and comparing her waistline before and after surgery will give you an idea of what your results might look like. As an example, let’s say I’m 5’8″ tall, weigh 140 pounds and want a tummy tuck. I want my clothes to fit better so I can feel confident in them again! My doctor tells me that this type of tummy tuck will help me achieve my goals by removing excess skin around my abdomen area as well as tightening up some muscles underneath it all (called fascia). We decide together that removing 3 inches of fat from around my waistline would give me the best result possible given my body type; this would leave me with a final measurement somewhere between 33″-35″.
Your waistline will shrink by inches when you have a tummy tuck
- Your waistline will shrink by inches when you have a tummy tuck.
- The amount of weight you lose depends on your body type, diet and exercise regime.
what is the maximum bmi for tummy tuck
What BMI Is Good for Tummy Tuck?
BMI below 30 considered as an ideal BMI for tummy tuck, but you can have a tummy tuck with good results even if you are overweight. BMI 35 is the maximum acceptable BMI for tummy tuck. One thing that you should keep in your mind is the closer you are to your BMI, the better the final result you can get.
Most surgeons would not perform tummy tuck if your BMI is greater than 40. However, some surgeons do not operate even if your BMI is greater than 30 due to surgical and anaesthesia risk. If your BMI is between 30 and 40, it’s important to consult your surgeon to determine your suitability for surgery.
If you lose additional weight after surgery, then your abdominal skin will again become saggy and you will have to undergo tummy tuck again. So, it will be better if you first lose weight as much as possible, then consider undergoing tummy tuck surgery.
Why BMI Is Important for Surgery?
Lose weight for surgery and attaining a healthy weight before undergoing plastic surgery will enhance your surgery results. More importantly, achieving a recommended BMI will minimise the risks associated with both the anaesthesia and the procedure itself.
In fact, patients with a BMI over 30 are at greater risk during any surgery, not just cosmetic procedures. Besides, obese clients often have other health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems, which are further drawbacks for surgery.
What Is the Ideal Weight for Tummy Tuck?
The ideal weight for tummy tuck is when you are around 5-7kg from your goal weight. This is important as weight loss after tummy tuck or gaining weight can undo the contour achieved through your surgery.
The exact weight can vary based on your height, age and gender, but most plastic surgeons rely on you to be close to your target goal weight as the ideal weight you should be prior to tummy tuck.
How much does an obese tummy tuck cost
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,154, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. Please consult with your plastic surgeon’s office to determine your final fee.
A surgeon’s fee for tummy tuck surgery will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used and the geographic office location.
Most health insurance plans do not cover tummy tuck surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
Tummy tuck costs may include:
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescriptions for medication
- Surgeon’s fee
When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for a tummy tuck, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.