At this weight a tummy tuck may not give you the results that you seek. However, a panniculectomy may remove the extra pannus of your abdomen, so that some of the activities will become easier. You may need a tummy tuck when you have lost sufficient weight. (Shahin Javaheri, MD, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon)
The weight before tummy tuck
As the others have said, safety is of the utmost concern, and a tummy tuck has significant risk of problems associated with excess weight due to fat.
Weight is not the only criterion, since there are those who weight a lot who are not obese. I calculate the BMI (Body Mass Index) and like to see that below 30.
But I have operated on ladies who were at 33 with a good safety margin because they were not obese: they had large bone structures with a lot of muscle. The fat thickness on the abdomen should not be excessive. All are evaluated before a decision is made. (Victor Au, MD, Chapel Hill Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tucks at proper weight
The results won’t look good at 280 pounds and the complication rates are substantially higher so I would recommend that you lose all the weight down to your proper weight and then have the tummy tuck done. You should actually be suspicious of any doctor who would be willing to do this for you without the weight loss first. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tucks offer best results if you are at your ideal weight.
I recommend patients to be at their ideal weight before any tummy tuck or liposuction surgery for best results. Weight gain and weight loss significantly increase the chance of undesirable results. (Otto Joseph Placik, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
More than likely you should lose weight before considering a tummy tuck. Patients who are overweight have a much higher risk of complications. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
Ideal Weight for tummy tuck
Each surgeon has different preferences regarding body contouring based on experience and expertise. Surgeons would generally prefer patients closer to their optimal weight, but patients can not always get there. You may still be a candidate depending on other factors including the amount of intra abdominal fat. Consult in person with 3 board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options. (Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS, West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon)