Who should not get a tummy tuck?

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.


What makes you not a candidate for tummy tuck?

If you are not finished having children and plan to get pregnant again, or are currently pregnant, you are not a suitable tummy tuck candidate. If you suffer from obesity, you are also not a good candidate for tummy tuck. Also, if you are a smoker who is not prepared to cease smoking, tummy tuck may not be for you.

What they don't tell you about a tummy tuck?

You Might Gain Weight (Temporarily)

Swelling after a tummy tuck won't just affect how your clothing fits. It might also lead to some (temporary) weight gain. You might retain water for a few weeks after the surgery, which can mean that the number on the scale will be higher than usual.


What are the dangers of a tummy tuck?

Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
...
A tummy tuck poses various risks, including:
  • Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). ...
  • Poor wound healing. ...
  • Unexpected scarring. ...
  • Tissue damage. ...
  • Changes in skin sensation.


Do you have to be at your ideal weight for a tummy tuck?

Expect to be at a stable weight before your tummy tuck

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.


Tummy Tuck, Repair the Muscle or Not? | Ramsey Choucair, M.D. | Dallas, TX | Ph: 214-389-9797



How many sizes do you drop with a tummy tuck?

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.

What BMI is too high for tummy tuck?

If Your BMI Is Over 40:

Unfortunately, you are not an ideal candidate for either liposuction or a tummy tuck. In fact, most plastic surgeons are reluctant to take on patients with BMIs over 40 for any kind of procedure, due to the risk of complications discussed above.

What percentage of tummy tucks have complications?

There is a 4% risk of major complications such as hematoma or infection after a tummy tuck.


Should I be scared to get a tummy tuck?

It's normal and common to be anxious before a plastic surgery, but if you know how to prepare for a procedure like tummy tuck, or you have an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon beside you who can explain the cosmetic procedure and the recovery that comes after, then there is no need to worry.

How long do you heal from a tummy tuck?

Six weeks after a tummy tuck

It takes six weeks for the body to heal from cosmetic surgery. Swelling may last several weeks, but most patients are fully recovered in three months or less. At this point, it's safe to begin exercising and resuming normal activities.

Will my waist be smaller after tummy tuck?

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. Dr.


Why do I weigh more after a tummy tuck?

During body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, fat cells are eliminated from the body and cannot return. Because of this, patients may gain weight in other places like the buttocks, legs, arms, and breasts.

How painful is a tummy tuck?

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.

What are realistic expectations for a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck patients typically start enjoying more natural-looking results after a few months, with final results appearing after six months or more. This extended recovery time means that, for those looking for a bikini-ready summer body, you'll need to plan a tummy tuck well in advance of the warm weather.


Can you exercise instead of tummy tuck?

Many people who embrace more exercise—or more effective and more targeted exercises—can save themselves from having to undergo surgery. Cardiovascular activity, abdominal muscle strength training, and other tummy tuck exercises can strengthen your abdominal muscles and help you shed excess fat.

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

To be a good candidate for tummy tuck, it is fairly important that you have loose or excess skin around your abdomen. If your goal is simply to remove excess fat from your abdomen, you may be a better candidate for liposuction. Moreover, to perform this procedure, your plastic surgeon will create an incision.

How do you mentally prepare for a tummy tuck?

How to Mentally & Physically Prepare for a Tummy Tuck in 7 Steps
  1. Stop Smoking & Avoid Blood Thinning Supplements. ...
  2. Eat Well & Keep Up With Your Usual Workout Routine. ...
  3. Assemble Your Support Squad. ...
  4. Prep Your “Recovery Nest” ...
  5. Make a Supply Run. ...
  6. Schedule Time Off Work or School. ...
  7. Get In a Healthy & Positive Mindset.


How do I calm my nerves before a tummy tuck?

You may be able to alleviate some pre operative anxiety with music, exercise, meditation, a glass of wine (if ok with your surgeon), and positive/objective focus on the long term outcome/benefits etc. prior to your procedure.

How long do drains stay in after tummy tuck?

Removing drains too soon may result in fluid buildup, seroma, and the need for fluid aspiration and/or a second surgery. Generally speaking, most patients who require tummy tuck drains are able to have them removed after about 1 – 3 weeks.

Is abdominoplasty worse than C section?

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.


How often are tummy tucks botched?

Overall, major complications occurred in four percent of patients undergoing abdominoplasty—significantly higher than the 1.4 percent rate after other cosmetic surgery procedures.

What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?

5 Essential Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips
  1. #1: Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. ...
  2. #2: Start walking. ...
  3. #3: Change your sleeping position. ...
  4. #4: Wear recommended compression garments. ...
  5. #5: Stay hydrated.


How big is too big for a tummy tuck?

If you meet all of the other qualifications and are in good overall health, you should qualify for a plus-size tummy tuck with a BMI of 35. Normally 40 is the maximum BMI tummy tuck threshold and patients may not be approved for the procedure.


How much do you have to weigh for a plus size tummy tuck?

What is a tummy tuck plus size? This is a plus size plastic surgery procedure that is combined with liposuction and designed to flatten, tighten, and reshape the tummy as well as the waist for high BMI individuals who are overweight from 150lbs to 200lbs.

Can I have a tummy tuck if I am obese?

Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) yields high patient satisfaction and improved quality of life in patients who are overweight or obese – despite a substantial risk of complications, reports a study in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of ...