Tummy Tuck

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am in the process of reaching my ideal weight and have been researching tummy tuck surgery I have had two children via c section and I have been over weight/obese for many years. I am currently 5’5″ and weigh 227. I have lost 60 pounds so far but I’m wanting to lose another 40-50. I was wondering when I should start the tummy tuck process with a consult? I know I have a ways to go but I wasn’t sure what the requirements are before having a consult. Do I need to reach a certain BMI or be within so many pounds of my ideal weight? Like I said I’m just researching now and trying to plan for the future. I have double rolls of skin/fat around my abdomen and a lot of sagging already. I’m sure part of that will shrink but I also know I need muscle repair too. Thank you so much for your time and any info you can provide!!

A: Congratulations on your weight loss. This is a great question and a very proactive one. As a general rule when there is weight loss needed before a tummy tuck, one should not have the surgery until one is within 10 to 15 lbs of their weight goal. However, when one is undergoing extreme amounts of weight loss (bariatric surgery or otherwise), one may find that there comes a point when the skin rolls and their ongoing persistence (your skin rolls will not shrink much if at all) will cause one to consider where surgery may need sooner rather than later. I would continue with the weight loss until you hit the proverbial wall and no further change in how you look has become apparent. Then it is time to have a tummy tuck, or what is more likely an extended tummy tuck or body lift, consultation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana