Excess flabby skin around your belly and midsection can make you feel a lot less confident and attractive. A tummy tuck can be the right choice to help restore your confidence, but you need to answer the question, "should I lose weight before a tummy tuck," before deciding on the best course of action. Read on to learn about tummy tuck weight requirements and related concerns so you're better informed going into your tummy tuck surgery.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is not a weight-loss method. It's a body contouring procedure that can help remove excess skin and stubborn fat pockets. A tummy tuck can provide several advantages, such as:
- Tighter abdominal muscles
- Better-fitting clothes
- Improved self-confidence
Tummy tucks can be an excellent option for women who've been pregnant, as well as people who've lost significant amounts of weight, such as after liposuction or bariatric surgery. Around 98,000 tummy tucks are performed annually in the United States.
Tummy Tuck Weight Requirements
There's no ideal weight for tummy tuck surgery, but you should be at a stable weight before undergoing an abdominoplasty. A steady weight is essential because weight fluctuations after surgery can undo the gains made with the procedure. General tummy tuck weight requirements recommend that you be within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight. A tummy tuck is a means to define and enhance your body once you are near your target weight.
Why There Is No Ideal Weight Range
Because each person's body is different, it's impossible to recommend one ideal weight range for everyone. However, tummy tucks usually aren't recommended for people with a BMI over 30. Surgical procedures in people who are obese can have a wide range of negative outcomes, such as:
- Higher risk for infection
- Poor healing
- Life-threatening complications
How to Calculate Your Personal Ideal Weight Range
Gender, height and frame size have a direct impact on your personal ideal weight range. Here's a general rule of thumb for calculating your ideal weight:
- Men: Use 106 pounds for the first 5 feet of height and add six pounds for each additional inch.
- Women: Use 100 pounds for the first 5 feet of height and add five pounds for each additional inch. For women less than 5 feet tall, subtract two pounds for each inch under 5 feet.
To account for frame size, add 10% for a large frame and subtract 10% for a small frame. To figure out your frame size, wrap your hand around your wrist where your watch would be. If your thumb and index finger don't meet, you have a large frame. If your fingers just meet, you have a medium frame and, if your fingers overlap, you have a small frame.
So for a woman who's 5 feet 4 inches tall, the ideal weight range would be 108 to 132 pounds.
Of course, this is just one way to calculate your ideal weight range. Dr. Adam Basner can help you determine if your current weight and your goals for your body are in line with what a tummy tuck can achieve.
Trust Your Tummy Tuck to Dr. Adam Basner
Dr. Basner wants you to look and feel great, and he will explain all of the surgical options for restoring your confidence. Now that you know how to answer the question, "should I lose weight before a tummy tuck," you're ready for a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Basner. To find out if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, please contact us to schedule your consultation.
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