Ideal BMI for a tummy tuck cosmetic surgery
As there is no exact BMI required for a tummy tuck, I would recommend getting down to the weight that you want and maintaining it for 3 months.
Then, you will be in good shape for the recovery and give yourself the best chance for amazing results.
If you lose a lot of weight after a tummy tuck you might need further surgery down the line to re-tighten the muscles and remove any excess skin. (Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)
BMI to discuss a tummy tuck procedure
There is no correct BMI to discuss or consider an abdominoplasty. For optimal results, you should not be considering another pregnancy and your weight is within 10 lbs of where you expect to stay in the future.
If you don’t have your weight where you expect to stay or you may have another pregnancy in mind, I would put off the tuck which is to correct for the stretched out or excess skin and tighten down the abdominal wall. You could, however, consider liposuction now which is not related to BMI or weight and is only to reduce the number of fat cells between the skin and muscle wall down to the minimum and permanently without affecting the skin or underlying tissues.
Liposuction is best done as a separate procedure from a tummy tuck procedure (at least for the same area) and can be done under local anesthesia with minimal recovery and incisional scars. (Scott L. Replogle, MD, Denver Plastic Surgeon)
What is the ideal BMI prior to meeting with a plastic surgeon to discuss cosmetic surgery, specifically abdominoplasty?
There is no hard rule for BMI to be evaluated. You are a very good candidate for a Full Tummy Tuck with Liposuction of hips and flanks. (Thomas Trevisani, Sr., MD, Orlando Plastic Surgeon)
If you lost 20 lbs, that may make for a slightly better result, but I think you would have an excellent result at your current weight. (Kenneth B. Hughes, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)
Most patients do not present with anideal BMI, which is around 25. Your BMI is around 27 based on your height and weight . You should definitely consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a tummy tuck.
Looking at the photos and your BMI you should probably be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, but the consultation is important in making the final decsion as well as having the surgeon being able to explain to you the procedure, postop course and risks. (George Lefkovits, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
BMI and tummy tuck
There is no reason not to seek consultation now to review the pros and cons. Most surgeons use 30 as the upper limit of “safety” for a tummy tuck. The results are better the closer a patient is to her desired goal weight. If you expect that 179 is a realistic long term weight, now is as good a time as any.
If on the other hand you have expectations of getting back to 150, you should wait until you are close. Were you to have a tummy tuck today, and then lose 30 pounds you would find yourself with loose abdominal skin once again. (Jourdan Gottlieb, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck is okay when you are within 10 pounds of goal weight
There’s no BMI criteria for cosmetic surgery. I’d say that it is fine to do the research now to find your best doctor but hold off on doing the surgery until you get down to say 160 lbs. If you lost 10 pounds after surgery it wouldn’t hurt the result but losing 20-30 might leave you with loose skin that would make you unhappy. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)