A BMI of less than 30 is considered ideal for a tummy tuck procedure because it lowers the risk of complications. A BMI of 30-35 is the maximum when it comes to a tummy tuck. Few plastic surgeons will perform abdominoplasty on patients with a BMI higher than 35.
They have different shapes and sizes with different reasons for wanting the procedure. You must be close to your desired weight for six to twelve months before undergoing a tummy tuck. Most surgeons will recommend patients should be between 10-15 pounds from their goal weight.
Even skinny individuals can enjoy more attractive and sculpted figures with a tummy tuck. As long as they have loose abdominal skin or weak muscles, the procedure can deliver amazing results.
In most procedures, the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area will result in weight loss of about 2kg-5kg, and there can be a significant improvement in the size and shape of the abdomen after the surgery. So while minimal weight loss occurs, physically, you will look like you've lost weight.
Up to five liters, or about 11 pounds, can be safely removed in a single liposuction procedure. Generally, there are no limits with tummy tuck surgery, but it is essential to leave behind enough tissue for safe closure and good cosmetic results.
While minor weight fluctuations among adults are normal, significant weight gain (generally over ten pounds) after a tummy tuck can lead to the accumulation of excess fat in the stomach once again. In addition, stretch marks and loose skin may return, all of which can impact your tummy tuck results.
What is the ideal body weight to undergo abdominoplasty?. In general, patients with body mass index equal or below to 30 are good candidates for abdominoplasty.
It is important that you be close to your desired weight for six to twelve months before undergoing a tummy tuck. Most surgeons will recommend patients be between 10-15 pounds from their goal weight. This is important as gaining or losing additional weight can undo the contoured shape achieved through your surgery.
A properly performed tummy tuck can reduce your waist size and help you feel confident about your curves again. Some patients may lose many inches off their waist, while others will see more subtle results. It all depends on how much tissue can be removed safely.
A tummy tuck can create a new, flat abdomen by removing extra fat. This can be a great, life-changing procedure if you've been carrying extra fat around your stomach area and can't get rid of it. However, it can only do so much in giving you a toned, contoured abdomen.
Obese or overweight. Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. Any previous clotting issues or surgical complications. Currently taking any medications, anticoagulants, or supplements that might interfere.
Liposuction performed on an area with loose skin will result in even more laxity and droopiness of the skin. In order to address not just the fat layer but also the skin and abdominal wall, an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is required.
Most women lose between 2 and 3 pants sizes after a tuck, but there are patients who lose even more. If you had a lot of loose skin before the procedure, for example, you could go down 4 more pants sizes.
There will be some discomfort after a tummy tuck, with the worst discomfort experienced within the first week. On a scale of 1 – 10, pain is often estimated at around a 6-7 for the the first few days to a week, reducing to around a 3 – 4 in the second week. This would, of course, depend on the individual.
In a C-section, an incision is made transecting the abdominal muscles. While a tummy tuck incision is similar to a C-section, the intra abdominal component of the operation is not there. This essentially means that a tummy tuck is less invasive procedure compared to the cesarean section.
When can I wear jeans after a tummy tuck? Most patients after tummy tuck surgery feel comfortable wearing jeans about 3-4 weeks after surgery. This gives time for the drains to be removed (if they were used), the incision to heal and some of the swelling to go down.
Tummy tucks flatten the patient's stomach but they don't necessarily give them an hourglass silhouette. To achieve that, patients also need targeted liposuction.
In short, the tighter the abdominoplasty, the longer a patient may walk with a bend at the waist. I believe most should walk straight within 2 weeks. Most return to the office in a few days with a 10 degree bend at the waist. However, this resolves with adequate pain control and skin relaxation.
While it is absolutely possible to lose weight after abdominoplasty, the amount of weight you can expect to lose depends on the type of procedure performed, how much excess skin you have, how much excess abdominal fat you have, and how much overall fat you need to lose.
A normal side effect after tummy tuck is swelling, which is temporary and usually disappears within the first few weeks. However, potential infections or failure to follow the plastic surgeon's post-operative instructions may cause swelling to persist for longer than expected.
A tummy tuck can result in a weight loss of approximately four pounds. If you opt for a mini truck, you can expect to lose around three pounds of excess skin and fat. If you opt for an extended tuck, you can expect to lose around five pounds of excess skin and fat.
That noted that a good surgery candidate will have a BMI of 30 or below. Some surgeons will operate on patients as high as BMI 35-39 but most will NOT operate on a patient of BMI 40 or above. If you are overweight or in the obesity BMI range of 30 or above, you're less likely to be a suitable candidate for surgery.
The obvious solution to this “BMI barrier” is for the patient to lose weight before a tummy tuck. However, most patients in the 30 to 35 BMI range are too light to qualify for weight loss surgery—and too heavy to qualify for cosmetic surgery—placing them in a “Catch 22” type of situation.