Tummy Tuck with Liposuction Results/ BMI Over 30, Raleigh, NC*

A frequently asked question for patients considering abdominoplasty is whether or not they need to lose weight prior to surgery. Generally when patients are hoping to lose weight, the abdominoplasty with liposuction is not a means to do so however patientsYes will lose weight with the loss of the excess skin and fat and any planned liposuction. Many physicians have BMI criteria and will elect not to offer abdominoplasty for patients with a higher BMI . Dr. Lyle limits his abdominoplasties to BMI of 35 or less( provided that they are otherwise very healthy) and BMI of 30 or less with some medical issues. This patient presented for abdominoplasty with a BMI of 34. Although she did qualify, she was hopeful to lose weight prior to her scheduled surgery. She did lose a few pounds but still underwent abdominoplasty with liposuction at BMI of 33. During surgery she had 1700 cc of lipolysis from liposuction and a 1.7 kg pannus removed. This was almost 7-1/2 pounds of fat and skin removal. Because she could not have a prone procedure she had some secondary liposuction of her flanks done under local anesthesia several months later with an additional 500 cc of removal. She was very pleased with her improved body and with some motivation and exercise now has a body mass index of right around 30 in hopes to continue to lose weight. Abdominoplasty with liposuction can be done safely but important factors such as BMI and other health risks must be taken into account.