Ideal Candidate for tummy tuck

Back in the early 2000's most of my practice was dedicated to weight loss patients. While I have never met you or even seen a photo, a good rule of thumb is for your weight to be stable for 3-6 months before taking on any body contouring procedures.

To find a good doctor...Look up surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and members of the ASPS. Ask how many similar patients they have operated on and make sure they can show you enough before and after photographs to satisfy you that this is one of their areas of expertise. Sometimes they may have lectured about the subject or perhaps have written in a textbook or journal - this gives more evidence that they truly do focus on body contouring.

Good Luck!

You should wait until your weight has been stabilized and you reach your goal weight. Once that is accomplished you can go see a plastic surgeon for evaluation for your tummy tuck. If you lose more than 100 pounds you were likely a candidate for a lower body lift.

Congratulations on your weight loss! You will be a great candidate for a tummy tuck. I would encourage you to consult with a plastic surgeon now. While you may not undergo the surgery right away, it's nice to learn about the procedure and any special issues in your case, find a surgeon you really click with, and let them share the journey with you. I would say consult now, perhaps return to them in 6 months to see where you are and plan together. I think it would be very motivating as well. Certainly stick to the ASPS website, but no substitute for meeting in person. Good luck to you!

Thank you for the great question. I personally like to meet patients like yourself early in your journey. It is beneficial for the patient to get to know his future surgeon, to understand the changes occurring to their body, to help set goals and to cheer the patient on as they begin to meet milestones. Knowing what is eventually possible stimulates patients to do even more and better. In addition, getting an idea of the types of procedures and possible costs allow the patient to prepare for reconstruction.

Kendra, Congratulations on already achieving a 90 pound weight loss! For a basic panniculectomy, most insurance companies require at least 100 pounds of weight loss, followed by a stable weight for at least 6 months, and a rash (preferably documented/treated by the primary physician/dermatologist). Depending on how you look at the end of your weight loss, it may be appropriate to add on certain modifications that may not be covered by insurance. Be sure to choose a board certified plastic surgeon who is willing to tailor the procedure specifically to you.

Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Researching of physicians can start immediately as your pare down the list of available providers to those few you would like to schedule a consultation. Once within 10% of your goal weight I would then schedule and see these physicians to discuss the best treatment option to help you achieve your goals. Hope this helps.

Actually, a further weight loss is not necessary for I remove the tissue between the umbilicus and pubic area and it really does not matter if it is skin or skin and tissue. I am President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons and body contouring after weight loss is my specialty.

Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Newport Beach, San Francisco,Miami, EU, Anguilla

Assistant Clinical Professor of SurgeryWOS-Plastic,University of California (Irvine)

Orange County’s Physician of Excellence/America’s Top Physicians/Top Doctors

Plastic Surgery- 2005-2018

President,American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons

Organoderm Skin care/ScaRxTape

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. In general, I recommend that patients get to within 10-20% of their ideal weight before having body contouring surgery. Whenever you are within this range, it would be reasonable for you to have your procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

The textbook answer is to be at a stable weight, close to your goal, for 3-6 months, prior to your tummy tuck. Practically speaking, if you are within 20 lbs of your goal, I would start your search for a well-qualified surgeon, as you continue with your weight loss. (It may take a while for you to find the right surgeon...)