Plus Size Tummy Tuck

Many plus-sized people can benefit from a tummy tuck, although they will first need to meet the BMI requirements for the surgery. In this article, we’ll provide advice and guidance for plus-sized individuals who wish to contour and tone their abdomen with a tummy tuck procedure.

Can a Plus-Sized Patient Get a Tummy Tuck?

In the UK, a size 18 is often considered plus-size. However, cosmetic surgeons use BMI (Body Mass Index) to determine whether a patient is eligible for cosmetic surgery. 

Therefore, if you are plus-size, you can get a tummy tuck as long as your BMI (Body Mass Index) is below 30. Patients with a BMI above 30 are at a higher risk of a range of complications, including wound breakdown, skin necrosis, and infection. As such, most plastic surgeons will not perform the surgery on patients with a BMI above 30.

Benefits of a Plus Size Tummy Tuck

Getting rid of the loose skin on the abdomen results in a flatter and contoured stomach that can improve one’s self-confidence. Additionally, it can reveal the effects of weight loss, restore your figure after pregnancy, and get rid of stretch marks.

Patients who choose a tummy tuck with muscle repair can also reap the medical benefits of the surgery, which include improving back pain and poor posture. 

Ideal BMI for a Tummy Tuck

Patients who are of a BMI below 30 and have no underlying medical conditions are usually good candidates for tummy tuck. However, the ideal BMI for a tummy tuck can vary for each individual. As fluctuations in weight can impact the results of the surgery, we recommend that patients pursue a tummy tuck after they have reached a weight they are happy to maintain in order to retain the permanent effects of the procedure. 

How to Lose Weight Before a Tummy Tuck

If you consider yourself plus-size but would like to lose weight to reach your ideal size before pursuing a tummy tuck, below are a few useful tips to help you do so:

Work with a Nutritionist

Consuming a diet that addresses the nutritional needs of your body is key to losing weight. If you are struggling to lose weight, our nutritionists are experts at creating personalised diets that are effective and sustainable. They will run tests to understand your unique body composition and create a weight loss programme that fits into your lifestyle.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep has been shown to promote weight loss efforts, while a lack of sleep is linked with weight gain. Adults who get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep tend to have more energy for physical activity, a better metabolism, and a regulated appetite.

Exercise Daily

In conjunction with a healthy diet, a daily exercise routine will help you burn calories and shed off the excess weight. On average, most people will need to engage in moderate physical activities for 60 minutes five days per week to lose weight. We recommend a mix of cardio exercises and strength training exercises to help burn fat and elevate your metabolism.

Plus Size Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck procedure is no different for plus-sized individuals, and your surgeon will advise you on the most appropriate type of tummy tuck for your needs. However, plus-sized patients usually require a combination of tummy tuck and liposuction to achieve the best results. Typically, a full and mini tummy tuck are the most common variations of the surgery.

A full tummy tuck requires an incision along the bikini line and around the belly button, enabling the surgeon to remove excess skin in the full abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles if needed. Whereas, a mini tummy tuck requires a smaller incision along the bikini line, enabling the surgeon to only remove the skin in the lower abdomen.

Recovery

After a tummy tuck, you can expect the area to be swollen, sore, and bruised. These symptoms will gradually decline in a few days, with most patients being able to resume work and light activities in 2 weeks and more strenuous activities in a further few weeks. For a smooth tummy tuck recovery, be sure to follow our tummy tuck survival guide, recovery tips, and any additional aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon.

Results

You will notice that your abdomen is flatter and contoured immediately after the surgery. However, the final results of the surgery will begin to appear as the swelling dissipates and the scars begin to fade. Therefore, patients notice continuous improvements in their results up to 12 months after the surgery.

Is a Tummy Tuck Worth It for Plus-Sized Patients?

A tummy tuck may be worth it for plus-sized patients who would like to contour their abdomen by getting rid of any excess skin. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, many patients consider a tummy tuck with muscle repair as it provides a range of benefits by strengthening one’s core.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

At the CREO Clinic, you will be treated by Dr Omar Tillo for your tummy tuck procedure. Dr Tillo is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specialising in body contouring surgeries, including all types of tummy tucks. Having performed the surgery on hundreds of patients, he possesses the skills to create natural-looking results for all body types and sizes.