Many women ask, “Can I have a tummy tuck if I am overweight?” If you meet the right criteria, the answer is yes.

Many plastic surgeons refuse overweight tummy tuck patients based on BMI alone, but it is not so black and white.  With 16+ years of experience working with patients with increased BMI, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bob Basu strives to create customized body contouring options for each individual patient.  While many people find incredible relief with this transformational procedure, plus-sized procedures are much more complex, time-intensive, and may carry more risks.  It is essential that you understand both the costs and whether or not you fit the criteria specified below:

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK IF I AM PLUS-SIZED?

Plus-size candidates for a tummy tuck should:

• Have a BMI* of less than 40
• Be physically and emotionally healthy
• Be medically safe to undergo elective surgery
• Not be pregnant or plan to get pregnant
• Be a good candidate anatomically.

*Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. You can calculate your BMI with this tool.

If you aren’t a good candidate for any reason, we will partner with you to resolve any issues and create a plan to help you work toward being ready for your tummy tuck.

The Skinny Shot Weight Loss Program

Achieve your ideal body weight prior to surgery for a safer procedure with the best possible results.

In the past, we would request that patients achieve their ideal weight before surgery and return to Basu Aesthetics once they have done so. This has changed thanks to new advancements in the Semaglutide and Tirzepatide family of recently available medications for patients. We now offer The Skinny Shot as part of our comprehensive approach for our patients.

The Skinny Shot can help you achieve your ideal body weight prior to surgery for the best possible aesthetic result. Treatment with The Skinny Shot not only improves your results, but it may also make your surgery safer. It has been shown that patients with a lower BMI undergoing plastic surgery have a lower risk of complications.

Learn more about our Skinny Shot weight loss program

Listen to Our Houston Plastic Surgery Podcast

Listen to the podcast episode about Tummy Tuck for Plus Size patients on Behind the Double Doors, our plastic surgery and aesthetics podcast hosted by Dr. Bob Basu:

WHAT IS THE COST OF A TUMMY TUCK?

The total price varies depending on what exactly is being done in your procedure. And tummy tuck procedures for plus-sized patients can be more complex and require more operative time and specialized expertise than non-plus-sized procedures. Hence, the total costs are higher. The typical range can be as high as $25,000 and as low as $19,000, depending on what procedure(s) would benefit you the most.

We work with a number of medical financing companies to make cosmetic surgery more affordable and can set up a financing plan to meet your budget with low monthly payments and competitive interest rates. Click to read more about financing options.

HOW IS A TUMMY TUCK DIFFERENT FOR PLUS-SIZE PATIENTS?

Regardless of your size, a tummy tuck is a custom surgical procedure to remove excess fat, skin, and tissue and tighten the abdominal muscle structure.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A TUMMY TUCK FOR PLUS-SIZED PATIENTS?

The benefits of a tummy tuck can be life-changing!

• Clothing fits and looks better
• Smaller, flatter tummy
• More comfortable in your clothes
• Exercise is easier once healed
• No more chafing or hanging skin folds
• Tighter abdominal muscles for a trimmer figure
• Increased self-confidence

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY CONSULTATION?

Calling to talk to our empathetic, kind, and experienced patient care coordinators is the first step toward scheduling a consultation, and an in-person consultation with Dr. Basu is the best way to determine if this procedure is right for you.

During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to have all your questions answered regarding the procedure, recovery, and results. You can feel free to discuss other procedures to be performed in conjunction with your tummy tuck, such as liposuction, breast reduction, or a breast lift.

He will be honest with you if this is not the right time to proceed with elective surgery. With extensive experience in tummy tuck surgery, body lift, cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, and other procedures, Dr. Basu places your safety and comfort as a top priority.

PLANNING FOR YOUR TUMMY TUCK

It is your body and your vision that is most important. When you work with Dr. Basu, you will feel supported, empowered, and understood.

If you decide to move forward with surgery, a customized health regimen will be created for you to follow prior to your surgery. A full medical evaluation, including reviewing your medications or supplements,, is critical to planning your surgery.

Plan for at least two weeks off to rest and recover.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE?

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you will not be awake or experience any pain during the procedure. Dr. Basu works closely with his ABA-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Mary Ellen Firat, MD, to create a safe anesthesia care plan.

During surgery, any hernias will be repaired, the underlying muscle structure tightened, and excess skin, fat, and tissue removed, after which the incisions will be carefully and delicately sutured to limit scarring. The incision length and location will vary based on your individual condition.

After surgery, you’ll wear a compression garment that will provide support and pressure to aid in healing and limit swelling.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?

Expect to stay home for two weeks. During recovery, your focus will be on resting, eating healthy foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding putting any stress on the surgical site. Gentle walks can help speed healing. You will have restricted motion and must not lift objects (including children and pets) that weigh more than five pounds.

You will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks and can begin exercise or activities after Dr. Basu gives you the go-ahead. In the early stages of recovery, you’ll need help from a friend or family member who can stay with you for the first few days after surgery.

Recognizing the complexity and risks associated with plus-sized tummy tucks, Dr. Basu specializes in advanced recovery protocols to optimize your healing potential and recovery. For instance, Dr. Basu and his team will focus on your protein intake and nutritional status to optimize your healing potential.

Additionally, Dr. Basu routinely utilizes long-acting numbing medicine with special nerve blocks to numb the incisions for several days so you can walk around right after your surgery (this can help prevent blood clots).

WHY CHOOSE DR. BASU?

The results of your surgery are the direct result of your plastic surgeon’s experience, skills, and artistry. Dr. Basu has performed over 16,000 cosmetic procedures and has unique expertise in body contouring for men and women of all body types. If you are considering undergoing a tummy tuck and have a BMI of 40 or below, you can be confident that your surgery will be performed by one of the most respected and accomplished plastic surgeons practicing in Houston.

Our practice has two locations for your convenience, in both Cypress and the Galleria and Uptown Houston area. Request your consultation using our online form, or call or text us today at (713) 799-2278 to schedule your consultation.

Areas served:

• Uptown Houston
• Cypress