Plus Size Tummy Tuck: Achieving Your Dream Contour

A plus-size tummy tuck, also known as high BMI abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that is performed on patients falling into the “overweight” or “obese” BMI categories. This procedure can be life changing for patients looking to improve their appearance and confidence.

Experienced surgeons consider the patient’s surgical goals, health, and anatomy and tailor the procedure to meet their individual needs rather than using a specific BMI number as a limit.

Key Takeaways of Plus Size Tummy Tuck

• Plus size tummy tucks are designed for individuals with a high BMI of 30 pounds or above their ideal weight range.
• This type of abdominoplasties involves removing excess skin and fat while tightening underlying muscles for better stability and posture.
• Benefits include improved body contour, increased self confidence, and health benefits such as better posture and properly placed internal organs.
• There are three main types of plus sized tummy tuck: high BMI tummy tuck, limited vertical incision abdominoplasty, and plus size circumferential abdominoplasty.

What is a Plus Size Tummy Tuck?

A plus size tummy tuck is a type of cosmetic surgery usually reserved for individuals with loose skin in the abdominal area who cannot see satisfying results with lifestyle changes. Is designed to help individuals with a high BMI of 30 pounds or more above their ideal weight range to improve the appearance and contour of their abdomen.

During this type of abdominoplasty, loose skin and fat will be surgically removed, while loose abdominal muscles will be tightened for increased stability and strength in the midsection.

The goal is to restore a firmer silhouette while providing better muscle support that could reduce physical pain from carrying additional weight in the belly area.

Benefits of a Plus Size Tummy Tuck Surgery

Improved Body Contour

A plus size tummy tuck surgery is an excellent way for women to achieve a flatter and more toned abdomen. By removing loose skin and fat, as well as tightening the underlying muscles of the abdomen, it improves body contour and creates a sleek shape with smoother curves in all of the right places.

The procedure can also help improve posture due to the tightened abdominal muscles providing better support to the spine. It is often combined with Brazilian butt lift procedures for even more dramatic body shaping results, helping individuals gain lost confidence in their physiques that may have been previously impacted by sagging skin or an undesirable silhouette caused by excess weight.

Increased Self Confidence

It can help an individual gain a more confident body image and outlook. The procedure can restore or enhance the body’s figure, eliminating extra skin and fat caused by rapid weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. A flatter stomach can improve clothing fit, helping women feel sexy and comfortable in their bodies. Experiencing greater self-esteem often boosts psychological wellbeing, as well as overall physical good health.

Many patients feel refreshed after undergoing a plus size tummy tuck to remove excess fat and skin around the abdominal area. This leads to improved posture due to having relaxed abdominal muscles, meaning less back pain from bad posture. Real patient experiences highlight just how much of a difference these procedures make in terms of increased self-esteem and even changes in lifestyle for those who’ve had successful results.

Weight Loss

A plus size tummy tuck surgery intended to reduce excess skin and fat, as well as improve body contour. Individuals can also expect to lose weight up to four pounds of composite tissue surgically removed during the procedure. Depending on individual pre surgery skin and the composition of their body fat to muscle ratio, final weight loss outcomes can vary significantly.

It’s important for individuals considering this surgery to understand that it will not guarantee significant reductions in BMI or lead them toward goal weights. Plus size tummy tucks are strictly intended to make improvements related directly to specific areas of concern like loose abdominal tissue or stubborn belly pockets.

Recovery and Results of a Plus Size Tummy Tuck Surgery

Procedure and Recovery Process

A plus size tummy tuck involves a two step surgical procedure, beginning with liposuction of the abdomen followed by an abdominoplasty. This differs from other types of tummy tucks as it also includes contouring other areas of the body that may be affected, such as the inner thighs and arms.

During recovery, patients are strongly advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities, which can hamper healing. Over the counter pain killers may be prescribed to manage postoperative discomfort, and antibiotics will likely be prescribed to prevent infection.

Some swelling should subside within ten days to two weeks following elective surgery, but full results may not be ready to appear until three or more months after your procedure. The healing process typically takes up to six weeks before you’ll feel like yourself again, so expect some downtime for your recovery that includes lots of rest. Wearing the compression garments that your surgeon provides can offer additional comfort and support during the recovery process.

Before and After Photos

Before and after photos are a valuable source of information for any potential plastic surgery patient, especially those considering a plus size tummy tuck. These pictures let patients know the results they can expect and if the procedure is proper for them.

It is recommended that patients review before and after images as part of their consultations with a qualified surgeon before making decisions about the surgery.

Cost and Financing Options for a Plus Size Tummy Tuck Surgery

Patients should know pricing considerations for a plus size tummy tuck and explore insurance coverage and financing options.

Pricing Considerations

When considering a plus size tummy tuck, it is important to understand the associated costs, as this type of procedure can be expensive. Prices vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the surgery, the qualifications and experience of your surgeon, and additional pre and post surgical care.

Prices start at around $14,000 for full abdominoplasty procedures, including all related expenses such as hospital fees. The cost will depend on which technique or techniques are used. If additional liposuction needs to be performed before a standard tummy tuck surgery, or if large tissue folds or flaps must be addressed separately in that situation, a higher price might apply than minor adjustments needed, even for patients with smaller sizes.

Insurance Coverage

Health insurance companies do not cover tummy tuck surgery or related complications generally. This applies to traditional plans and plans provided by the Affordable Care Act or ACA.

Medicaid and Medicare may provide coverage for abdominoplasty in rare cases where the procedure is medically necessary, such as if a major abdominal obstacle affects access to dialysis treatments.

Financing Options

Plus size tummy tuck procedures can be expensive, so many patients opt for patient financing plans to help cover the cost. While most health insurance companies do not cover the cost of these surgeries, there are plenty of options available to help pay for the procedure.

CareCredit is a popular financing partner that offers affordable monthly payments so even those with a tight budget can get their dream body without breaking the bank.

Choosing a Qualified Surgeon

Finding the right surgeon who has extensive experience in performing plus size tummy tuck surgeries is essential for obtaining optimal results, so be sure to do your research.

Importance of Board Certification

When choosing a surgeon for a plus size tummy tuck, it is important to choose a good candidate, one with the proper qualifications and experience. That’s why board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is so important. They have extensive training related explicitly to body contouring procedures, which include performing tummy tucks on larger or more complex bodies.

This translates into the highest quality results and patient safety, both crucial in any surgical procedure. Board certification means that you can be confident your doctor possesses knowledge and expertise in innovative surgery and the latest advancements in this field of medicine.

During preoperative consultations, patients can get important information about how the surgery will likely affect their health and overall well being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plus Size Tummy Tuck

1. What is a Tummy Tuck for Plus Sized Individuals?

A plus size tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure specifically designed for patients who are overweight or with a high BMI. This surgery aims to remove extra skin and fat from the abdominal area, tighten the abdomen muscles, and improve overall contouring across the midsection.

2. Am I Eligible for This Type of Procedure?

The best way to determine whether you are eligible for a tummy tuck as a plus size patient is to consult your doctor to discuss your medical history and existing health conditions. Inform them about any potential lifestyle changes you would like to make after the procedure, and most importantly, assess if it’s safe for you to undergo such surgery under anesthesia.

3. Is There Any Risk Involved in Having Tummy Tuck Surgery?

As with any major medical procedure effectively performed while being overweight or obese, there may be natural risks associated not only with recovery but also during administration under general anesthesia. Those considering these types of surgeries must understand their overall health and the implications before progressing with treatment.

Conclusion and Summary of Plus Size Tummy Tuck: Achieving Your Dream Contour

A plus size tummy tuck is an abdominoplasty procedure designed to address excess loose skin and surplus fat in overweight and obese individuals. Patients must meet specific body mass index requirements for this procedure, and the best option is to work with an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon.

The benefits of the surgery are many, including improved body contour, higher self confidence, and health advantages such as better posture and correctly aligned internal organs.

Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before making any changes to your treatments, please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the appropriateness and safety of such changes.

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About the Author

Dr. Brandon Richland, MD is a respected Board Certified Licensed Plastic Surgeon in Orange County / Southern California specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.

Driven by his passion for medicine, Dr. Richland obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the prestigious program at Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine in 2013. His exceptional skills were recognized when he received the McGraw Hill / Lange Medical Student Academic Achievement Award, and graduated top of his class with Honors. For his undergraduate degree, he attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with Honors in 2009.

To further enhance his surgical expertise, Dr. Richland completed his Residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from 2013 to 2019 earning the Academic Achievement Award twice during this period. A total of 14 years in dedicated schooling and medical residency.

Dr. Richland is actively involved with healthcare and medical societies, as a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Contact Dr. Richland today by visiting RichlandMD.com, scheduling a cosmetic consultation, or by calling 949-867-4496 directly.

Cover Image Credit: Stockbroker / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: Dr. Brandon Richland, MD.