Tummy Tuck when Overweight- Is There an Ideal BMI? Raleigh Surgeon Answers*

The World Health Organization characterizes normal weight as patients with BMI between 18 and 24.9 Between 25 and 30 is considered overweight; over 30 is obese. Those over BMI of 35 were previously labeled as morbidly obese. Obesity classifications are now in 3 categories; class I- body mass index between 30 and 34.9 with low risk and minimal health problems; class II: body mass index 35-39.9 and class III with body mass index 40 OR patients with body mass index over 35 with associated morbid conditions. Abdominoplasty is a very effective treatment for abdominal pannus or excess skin that develops typically in the lower abdomen after pregnancies, weight gain and also after weight loss. Many surgeons restrict patients to body mass index of 30 or less. Attaining the so-called ideal body weight prior to abdominoplasty may be very difficult for patients and not all patients are looking for a specific body mass index. Patients seeking to lose weight are encouraged to do so prior to abdominoplasty. Generally, patients with body mass index between 30 and 35 can be good candidates for tummy tuck as long as their health is otherwise good. This 48-year-old patient had a body mass index of over 30 and therefore was considered to have class I obesity. She did have mild hypertension. She underwent a full abdominoplasty with some liposuction of the flanks and abdomen with resultant slimming of her abdomen allowing her to feel more comfortable in her clothing.