How much Weight should I lose before getting a Tummy Tuck?

Weight loss is an exciting journey. You remain dedicated to eating a healthy diet, and you exercise regularly. Many people with weight loss as their goal also want to take their body confidence to another level with plastic surgery to remove loose skin and tighten underlying muscles. Often, significant weight gain and loss in the abdominal area leads to stretched-out skin and loose muscles. For some individuals, no amount of weight loss or exercising will get them the tight and toned midsection they desire. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that tones the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin. However, candidates for a tummy tuck should be close to their goal weight, but what exactly should the number on the scale be? Today on the blog, our tummy tuck surgeon in New York City, Dr. Aviva Preminger, discusses how much weight you should lose before getting a tummy tuck.

The reason you should lose weight before getting a tummy tuck

Ideally, the best tummy tuck candidates are those within their “ideal” weight. Tummy tucks and liposuction exist to remove body flaws and repair minor cosmetic issues. However, these surgeries are not intended to be used as a weight-loss method. In fact, research shows that obese individuals are at a greater risk of complications from surgery than those within a healthy weight range. So, the reason you should lose weight before getting a tummy tuck have more to do with surgical risks than anything else. Additionally, results from a tummy tuck or other body contouring procedure can be long-lasting, as long as the patient maintains a healthy weight. You should avoid crash diets, diet pills, or other weight loss programs that promise dramatic weight loss in a short amount of time because usually, most people gain back the weight that they lost. Instead, aim to reach a healthy ideal weight that you can maintain for your body type.

Is there a definitive weight range?

The answer is a bit more complicated because 20 pounds on some body types looks completely different on others. While there isn’t a magic number on the scale that qualifies one as a candidate for this body-contouring surgery, there isn’t a specific sign that tells you that you’re ready for surgery either. You may have an ideal weight in mind, yet that weight may not be something you can safely maintain after surgery. Your goal weight before getting a tummy tuck should be a healthy weight that you can maintain long term. You might not know what that number should be, but monitor your weight loss to identify if you plateau or your weight loss slows.

Remain committed to a healthy lifestyle – eat a balanced diet, limit unhealthy options like processed foods and alcohol, and exercise daily. While you may not have reached your “goal weight,” you may reach a reasonable weight to qualify for a tummy tuck. If you still aren’t sure whether you’re a candidate for this procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Preminger. During this appointment, you can discuss with Dr. Preminger your body and weight loss goals, risks and complications of the procedure, what to expect, and whether she would recommend you as a candidate.

Tummy Tucks in New York City and Manhattan

If you’ve been considering a tummy tuck to finalize your weight loss journey and achieve a slim and toned abdominal, schedule a consultation today with Preminger Plastic Surgery by calling (212) 706-1900.