Abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin in your abdominal area and can also repair separated muscle tissue.
This and other body contouring procedures like liposuction are not weight loss methods, though, so it’s important to come as close as you can to meeting your weight loss goals beforehand. Here’s what to know about your BMI before getting a tummy tuck.
What BMI Should You Be before Your Tummy Tuck?
Generally speaking, a BMI under 30 is considered to be safe to undergo a cosmetic procedure like a tummy tuck. Higher BMIs can equate to an increased risk of complications during and after surgery. Additionally, the closer you can come to your target weight before your tummy tuck, the better your results can be.
When a BMI Might Lie
BMI isn’t always the most accurate way to measure your health or candidacy for a tummy tuck. It’s measured by squaring your height and dividing your weight by that number. So someone with a short stature and a large muscle mass could potentially have a higher BMI than someone who is taller and significantly overweight.
The ratio of your height to waist circumference is now considered to be a more accurate measurement of your physical fitness and health.
If you’re unsure about whether or not you could be a good candidate for a tummy tuck or if you’d like to create a weight loss plan and tummy tuck timeline with the help of your plastic surgeon, it’s never too early to schedule your consultation.
