For a plus-size tummy tuck, there's no single weight, but surgeons look for stable weight, good overall health, and generally a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 35 (though some perform surgery with higher BMIs up to 40-50), focusing on realistic expectations, non-smoking status, and significant excess skin/muscle laxity from factors like weight loss or pregnancy, rather than weight loss itself.
Being overweight doesn't disqualify you
People with a higher BMI usually have a weaker immune system, which slows recovery and puts you at greater risk of infection, swelling, bruising, and pain after surgery. However, if you're in generally good health but overweight, you may still qualify for a tummy tuck.
A plus size tummy tuck is a tummy tuck (aka abdominoplasty) on patients that are plus size. Usually, a plus size individual is someone with a BMI greater than 30 or 35. BMI stands for body mass index and takes into account your height and weight.
In general, patients with a BMI of 30 or below are ideal candidates for abdominoplasty. Patients with a body mass index between 30 and 35 can have positive outcomes provided that they have good overall health.
Patients must be near their ideal weight before undergoing the treatment. Other factors, such as medication use, preexisting health conditions, and being a smoker, can also hinder one's ability to benefit from the treatment.
Sono Bello's AbEX® procedure combines micro-laser liposuction with skin removal to deliver those results using a minimally invasive approach. It's a great option for individuals near their goal weight who are in good health and looking for a faster recovery and less downtime than a conventional tummy tuck.
Pregnancy can significantly stretch abdominal muscles and skin, potentially reversing your tummy tuck results. For this reason, our plastic surgeons recommend you wait to get a tummy tuck until you have completed your family. You still have a big weight loss goal.
Losing Weight After a Tummy Tuck
Similar to gaining weight after surgery, if you lose a small amount of weight, then there may be no detectable changes in your results. However, significant weight loss after a tummy tuck can result in loose abdominal skin.
A reverse tummy tuck, also known as an upper abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin from the upper abdomen. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, which tightens the lower abdomen by pulling the skin downward, the reverse tummy tuck pulls the skin upward for a firmer, more contoured appearance.
There's no strict age limit for tummy tuck surgery. While the average age for the procedure is between 35 and 55, I've performed abdominoplasties on patients well outside that range. So, if you're wondering, “Is 75 too old for a tummy tuck?”—the answer is: not necessarily.
Beyond the immediate aesthetic improvements, a large-size tummy tuck can offer long-term benefits. These include improved posture due to tightened abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin that can sometimes cause discomfort and skin irritation.
Plus-size clothing is generally considered a women's size 18 and beyond. “Missy” or “straight” sizes range from 00–16/18, XXS–XXL, whereas plus sizes range from 12W–28W, 0X–4X and greater. You might think plus sizes are just extended straight sizes, but guess again.
At a normal weight, under BMI 30, the risks of surgery can occur some 5% to 7 % of the time. With BMI over 30, being overweight, your risks rapidly rise to over 65%. This means the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits of the surgery, and it is you, who will suffer the complications.
A high BMI tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat while strengthening abdominal muscles in patients with a higher body mass index. Unlike standard tummy tucks, this approach carefully considers the added physiological demands and tailors the technique for enhanced safety and improved long-term outcomes.
In essence, the results of a tummy tuck should be permanent. Once the excess skin and fat are removed during the procedure, they are removed for good. However, the longevity of these results depends on maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
During a tummy tuck, extra skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, and the muscle contours are changed. Then the skin is draped back over the new contours to create a smoother and more toned look. A tummy tuck is a surgery to improve the shape and appearance of the stomach area, also called the abdomen.
This revolutionary technique uses a method known as progressive tension sutures, which eliminates the need for a cumbersome fluid drain and helps speed up recovery. It provides the same sought-after results of a traditional abdominoplasty with less pain, less risk for infection, and outstanding aesthetic outcomes.
Blake Lively reportedly had eyelid surgery to refine her hooded eyes. In Blake's photos before, her gaze appeared slightly hooded and less defined. After blepharoplasty, her eyelids are gently lifted, enhancing eye contour and creating a naturally vibrant and open look.
Pain is expected during tummy tuck recovery, but the intensity and duration vary from person to person. Many patients experience the most significant pain during the first week following the tummy tuck procedure, often rating it around a 6 or 7 out of 10.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Surgeon
One of the most crucial factors for a successful tummy tuck is selecting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Patients often wish they had spent more time researching their surgeon's qualifications and patient reviews.
The fat cells removed during a tummy tuck are gone forever. However, this does not mean that the remaining fat cells can't increase in size. Generally, a bit of weight fluctuation is fine after a tummy tuck and won't affect your results. That said, significant weight gain of 10–15 pounds or more can be detrimental.
After 20 years, many patients still enjoy a flatter, more toned abdomen, but lifestyle choices, aging, and other factors can affect the outcome. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can preserve your tummy tuck results for decades.
Mini tummy tuck regrets are rare, but they can happen, just as regrets following full tummy tucks can occur — or regrets following any plastic surgery can happen.
In general, you should not drive until you've been off of your prescription pain medication for at least 24 hours and can safely operate a vehicle in traffic. You may be able to drive and return to a desk job as early as two weeks after a tummy tuck.
Sneezing, coughing and laughing in the days following surgery should not hurt your results (although it might be slightly uncomfortable). Your sutures are designed to withstand normal muscle movement and they will not come out if you sneeze, laugh or cough.