Ideal weight and BMI for abdominoplasty surgery

Ideal weight and BMI for abdominoplasty surgery – Am I too fat for abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgeries. Not only can it help remove excess skin for a better physical appearance after weight loss or pregnancy, but it can also help boost confidence and improve your mental state. The goal of tummy tuck surgery is to reduce excess fat and stretched skin around the belly area. Skin that no amount of diet or exercise can remove. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck may have had pregnancies, cesarean sections, hysterectomy, weight loss and/or aging. However, many patients worry or are told that they are too fat for the abdominoplasty procedure.

Have you been told you are too fat to have surgery?

Many patients come to see us after consulting with other surgeons who have told them they are “too fat” for abdominoplasty surgery. While this may be technically and medically correct, there are always better ways to hear the bad news and proactively put a plan in place to achieve your desired surgical outcome.

In a perfect world, you would be the ideal weight and BMI for surgery. Our skilled plastic surgeons have found that a tummy tuck can provide a boost to help you reach your perfect shape and weight. A more positive attitude, gentle encouragement and setting a realistic weight goal can help you commit and prepare you for a life-changing tummy tuck – you are more than a number!

This blog is about not only understanding your decision to have a tummy tuck, but also the risks involved and how to know your preferred weight or BMI for surgery. A full tummy tuck can tighten the loose, separated muscles in your abdomen for a firmer, more sculpted stomach, and body contouring can be achieved with liposuction.

Find out if you are ready for a tummy tuck and what you can do to prepare.

What is the ideal BMI for abdominoplasty?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, which is the ratio of height to body weight. This ratio gives an indication of your overall fitness as a function of your height.

BMI is calculated by dividing your current weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared, BMI = Weight (kg) / height (m)2.

Example: Height: 165 cm (1.65 m). Weight: 68 kg

68 ÷ 1,652 (2,7225) = 24,98

*According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, a healthy BMI is between 20 and 25 for most adults.

BMI ranges from;

Low weight: less than 18.5
Ideal range 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight: between 25 and 29,9

Obesity;

Obesity class I between 30 and 34,9
Class II between 35 and 39.9
Obesity class III between 40 and 45

Why is it important to know your BMI?

Because when you are taking steps towards tummy tuck surgery you should know that it only gives you the best results if you reached your ideal weight or ideal BMI.

A BMI of less than 30 is ideal for a candidate for abdominoplasty. Of course, you can still have a tummy tuck if you are overweight and still get good results.

What if my BMI is 30 or more?

Having a BMI equal to or greater than 30 is not ideal for this procedure, but it can still be done. However, you may want/need to lose some additional weight before undergoing surgery. Remember that the closer you are to your ideal weight, the better the final result will be.

It is important to keep in mind that a higher BMI also implies higher surgical risks. Likewise, there is also a greater risk of patient dissatisfaction with the final result. This is due to the fact that there is a greater likelihood of future weight loss, which in turn means more loose skin. The possibility of a secondary procedure is likely if a lot of weight is lost after surgery. To avoid this and get the best possible result, we recommend that you are at your ideal weight before surgery.

NOTE: Most plastic surgeons will not perform abdominoplasty on patients with a BMI over 40. Patients with a BMI over 40 are advised to lose additional weight prior to surgery. Unfortunately, some surgeons do not have good manners and will simply say “too fat” for a tummy tuck.

What are the risks of undergoing abdominoplasty for obese people – BMI > 30?

A high BMI or high weight can not only greatly affect the final results of your surgery, but it also exposes you to greater health and surgical risks. It is best to be at a healthy weight before your tummy tuck because;

First of all, being in good health helps the recovery process. Your immune system affects the healing process, generally the higher your BMI and body weight, the weaker your immune system.
This results in a slower and poorer recovery. A poor healing process can result in delayed recovery, wound breakdown, poor scarring and also the possibility of needing revision surgery.
Secondly, carrying excess body weight poses a safety risk during and after surgery. It can also cause postoperative pain and infection. In addition, further inflammation can cause more swelling, bruising and pain.
Finally, a healthy BMI and a healthy lifestyle are more likely to lead to a good outcome after surgery. In addition, it will help you not only to maintain your results, but also to maintain a good mental state.
The waist can also be better contoured at a lower weight and BMI.

How do you know if you are ready for a tummy tuck?

If you have an ideal or slightly overweight BMI, you may wonder if you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty. Having an adequate BMI is an indicator of overall good health. However, it is not the only factor that is taken into account.

Other factors taken into account are;

Be as close as possible to your ideal weight, preferably within 10 kg. This is a good way to get into the routine. We advise being within 10 kg of a maintainable weight because it is realistic for everyone and is not too specific.
Maintain a stable weight for at least six months, ideally one year. Gaining or losing weight more than once a year is not considered “stable weight”.
Maintain a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle before and after surgery.
Be physically healthy, with no major medical problems. The healthier you are, the fewer the risks and complications. And the faster the recovery process.
Have no future pregnancies or further weight loss planned. Pregnancy and weight fluctuation after surgery may weaken and separate your stomach muscles, causing a change in abdominal shape and waist circumference. This may require secondary surgery, as it is not possible to predict how your body will change due to weight loss or pregnancy.
Smoking before and after surgery greatly affects the recovery process and wound healing. In addition, smoking restricts the flow of oxygen through the body and oxygen is needed to heal not only internally but also the external wound. Smokers tend to have more wound breakdown and infections. Our surgeons ask you to stop smoking and make your health a priority before, during and after surgery. This is fundamental: you cannot smoke and have surgery!
You should also have realistic expectations about the tummy tuck. It is not a weight loss operation, but a contouring procedure. In other words, its goal is to repair muscles, remove excess fat, tissue and skin, and contour the waistline.
Weight loss surgery requires a weight loss surgeon (bariatric surgeon). A plastic surgeon can help you once you have completed your weight loss journey.

How much weight can be lost with abdominoplasty?

Tummy tuck weight loss varies greatly depending on the amount of excess skin and fat you have before the procedure. It may only be a few pounds on the scale, but in some cases it can be as much as 5 to 8 pounds. However, this is not the case for everyone.

The weight that is lost is the excess skin, tissue and fat that is removed during surgery and sometimes it is less than people expect. However, the overall result is not only the weight that has been physically lost, but it is often one of the final steps in getting rid of the old life and body for a new you, the one you have worked so hard to be.

How many dress sizes are lost with a tummy tuck?

Patients should have realistic expectations; one cannot expect to drop from a size 20 to a size 8. As mentioned above, tummy tuck surgery is not for weight loss, but for body shaping. Despite this, patients may drop one or two dress sizes due to the procedure.

You will be able to feel the difference not only in your body shape and overall proportions, but also in how things fit. You will get a smoother figure and a flatter abdomen, without the sagging belly shape. This can boost your self-confidence and help your image.

Before and after abdominoplasty pictures

Below are some of Dr. Guevara’s patients who have undergone abdominoplasty.

To see more you can click here to go to the abdominoplasty before and after photos page.

How to lose weight before tummy tuck surgery

Here are some tips that might help you lose some extra weight before abdominoplasty:

Stay motivated

Stay motivated and remember that healthy eating is not just for weight loss, but should be a lifestyle you want to maintain, to keep your body healthy and happy not only mentally but physically.

Reduces sugar

The first thing you can do is minimize your sugar intake. High sugar foods and sweets affect the immune system and make your body more vulnerable. Also, high intake of glucose and fructose is easily converted to fat. High sugar intake also increases insulin resistance. Your body’s cells cannot absorb glucose easily, which causes your pancreas to secrete more insulin, which in turn can lead to a rise in blood sugar. This will also affect your mood, as sugar causes a high and then a low. Making your own healthy treats is always a good option instead of buying them.

Avoid skipping meals

Skipping meals is not a good way to lose weight. Going long periods of time without eating during the day is a good way to tell the body that it is hungry. This causes the body to save energy by slowing down the metabolism process and increasing insulin response. In addition, you will not have enough energy for daily activities and exercise. Instead, try to have a healthy snack every 2-3 hours. This will boost your metabolism and leave you energized.

Sleep well

Sleeping the right amount of hours per day can help regulate digestion and metabolism. Less sleep promotes emotional eating and weight gain.
Eat early – Sleeping with a stomach full of undigested food will cause your body to store more fat, it can also lead to a less comfortable night’s sleep.

Small portions

Using small plates and small portions of food will give you the opportunity to feel full sooner than before. Remember to eat slowly.

Avoid salty foods

Avoid eating too many salty foods. Salty foods cause water retention, which in turn leads to high blood pressure and swelling of the extremities. Swelling and high blood pressure can impede exercise and cause you to eat even more, which works against your weight loss plan.

Plan your meals

Start preparing meals that have minimal salt or, better yet, no salt. This will help you stay healthier and lighter.

Strength exercise

Performing strength training exercises that build muscle will not only give you a better firmer shape, but it will also increase your overall metabolic rate. A high muscle-to-fat ratio helps your body burn even more fat. For best results, you can combine cardio exercises with strength training. However, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before starting strength workouts and to be supervised by a personal trainer. It is also important to give your body interval breaks between sessions. This is a good way to maintain strength for long duration workouts.

Drinking water

Drinking plenty of water and keeping your body hydrated will help you lose weight steadily.

Eating foods rich in water

The consumption of water-rich foods such as tomatoes, watermelon, apricots, cucumbers, bananas, etc. has been shown to decrease total calorie intake if consumed during meals.

Eat more fiber

Eating fiber-rich foods such as avocados, pears, berries, coconuts, etc. helps you feel fuller for longer, leaving you more satisfied throughout the day.

Different types of abdominoplasty and how to choose the best one

Standard or Traditional Abdominoplasty – Full Abdominoplasty with Muscle Repair

It is the most common type of abdominoplasty.
Skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen below the navel.
Leaving the remaining skin and muscles tighter.
Stretch marks below the belly button are usually removed/
The incision is usually made from hip to hip, above the pubis. This allows maximum removal of excess abdominal fat and skin.
There will be another incision around the navel, this is due to the repositioning of the navel and is necessary to obtain a symmetrical and natural shape.
Lower abdomen is contoured and flattened for a smoother appearance
A standard abdominoplasty is appropriate for women with multiple pregnancies. In most cases, the cesarean scar can be removed and the abdominoplasty scar left behind.

Mini Abdominoplasty – Skin only – No muscle repair

It is ideal for those who have a small amount of fat and skin below the navel that needs to be removed.
Or for those whose diet and physical exercise have left them with a little sagging or lower abdominal fat.
Mini-surgery has a smaller incision, along the bikini line, with abdominal results similar to those of a traditional abdominoplasty.
It may not be necessary to reposition the navel. However, the navel may appear slightly lower after this procedure.

Combined abdominoplasty

This type is suitable for patients who have had significant weight loss, usually due to bariatric weight loss surgery, or for patients who need to remove a large amount of skin and fat not only from the lower abdominal area, but also from the lower back or lateral “love handle” regions.
It is more invasive than the traditional tummy tuck. It involves a longer incision along the bikini line and extended to the back of each hip.
The repositioning of the navel will result in a scar around the navel.
Excess fat and skin is removed from the lower abdomen, back and hips, and the muscles are also tightened.
It is often performed in conjunction with liposuction.

Body lift and tummy tuck for patients with significant weight loss (post-bariatric)

Patients who have lost more than 25 kg sometimes have a greater amount of excess skin, fat and tissue that requires surgical removal to reduce the horizontal and/or vertical excess around the belly and/or back.
A belt lipectomy, 360 or circumferential abdominoplasty removes excess skin around your midsection, from front to back.
The incision is belt-shaped, around its midsection.
The Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty removes excess skin with a vertical incision in addition to the horizontal incision. It may also be called a corset abdominoplasty.

Is abdominoplasty suitable for the elderly?

The short answer is yes, however, as with most things, it is not that simple. While abdominoplasty surgery has great benefits for mature patients (getting rid of naturally sagging skin due to aging) younger bodies tend to have faster healing and recovery. In other words, mature patients should expect a longer recovery period and a slower healing process compared to younger patients. In addition, the post-surgical result will look less smooth and the muscles will not be as tight. Older individuals should also be aware that they may be subject to greater surgical risks and complications than younger patients.

That said, if you are fit and in good health, it is possible to perform a tummy tuck on a 65 or even 75 year old patient.