Pregnancy, aging, and the weight fluctuations that accompany these life stages often bring patients into my practice to discuss tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery. While a tummy tuck addresses stubborn, excess skin and fat, it is not weight loss surgery. In fact, you must have a healthy BMI (body mass index) to be considered a good candidate for this procedure.
My team and I take your safety and results very seriously, and we’re passionate about setting you up for success before you undergo any type of body contouring procedure, including a tummy tuck. That’s why we encourage you to learn about the medical rationale behind healthy BMI for tummy tuck surgery. Keep reading for more about this and other essential tummy tuck takeaways.
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Understanding BMI Requirements for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Being at a stable weight before a body contouring procedure like tummy tuck, liposuction, or mommy makeover surgery is crucial because a higher BMI potentially impacts your surgery and outcome in the following ways:
- Increases your surgical risks
- Reduces your chance for optimal results
Studies show that higher BMI may increase your risk of these surgical complications:
- Blood clots
- Fluid collection
- Wound healing issues at incision sites
- Infection
Additionally, a higher-than-recommended BMI can impede recovery and affect your tummy tuck results. A high BMI is also linked to a weaker immune system, which leads to the potential for more bruising, swelling, and a slower surgical recovery. Calculate your BMI here.
What Is the BMI Needed for Tummy Tuck?
Many patients ask, “My BMI is 35; can I get a tummy tuck?” Most board-certified plastic surgeons agree that tummy tuck surgery is most safely performed on healthy patients with a BMI below 35. Ideally, you should be within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight before surgery. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet and living an active lifestyle can make you an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery because these healthy habits will preserve your surgical results.
Lowering Your BMI Before Surgery
If your BMI is preventing you from having tummy tuck surgery, we typically suggest that you speak with your primary care physician to initiate a healthy weight loss regimen. They may refer you to a nutritionist who can help you create a diet and exercise plan tailored to your unique weight loss goals before surgery.
While we understand you’re eager to begin your transformation, think of weight loss as the starting point to embarking on your body contouring journey and your tummy tuck as the ultimate reward for your efforts.
Other Factors To Consider Before a Tummy Tuck
Even if your BMI is under 35, tummy tuck candidates should consider several additional factors before surgery. After all, body contouring surgery is a significant investment you’ll want to protect and maximize for many years.
Ask yourself the following questions before undergoing a tummy tuck:
- Are you committed to living a healthy lifestyle? You can preserve your results by eating healthy and exercising regularly.
- Are you done having children? Becoming pregnant after tummy tuck surgery can compromise your results.
- Do you have realistic expectations? While tummy tuck surgery sculpts and firms your physique, it’s not a weight loss procedure.
The connection between a healthy BMI and achieving the best tummy tuck results is well established. If you are ready to explore your body contouring options, we encourage you to request a consultation online or call us at (419) 534-6551 to get started.
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