Every tummy tuck patient asks this big question about their procedure: how much fat will I lose?
It’s a loaded question because the amount of fat that can be safely removed during an overweight plus-size tummy tuck varies on several factors — your overall health, body composition, surgical techniques, and your choice of plastic surgeon.
Is There a Limit to How Much Fat Can Be Removed?
If we base it on various plastic surgeons’ experiences, there is no strict limit to how much fat can be safely removed in an overweight plus-size tummy tuck.
There have been instances when as much as 70 pounds have been removed in one operation. This contrasts with liposuction, where 5,000 ml or 11 pounds is the general fat removal limit.
Dr. Nick Masri himself has removed tummy tuck fat from a patient with a BMI of 45 — way above the recommended BMI for tummy tuck patients. That’s because he does not use BMI as the only determining factor for an overweight plus-size tummy tuck. He also considers their overall bill of health to arrive at a decision that would help the patient achieve their body goals.
The important thing is to leave enough tissue to achieve optimal plus-size tummy tuck results. Removing too much can cause healing problems, while removing too little might make the patient unsatisfied with the outcome.
How Many Sizes Are You Expected to Drop Post-Tummy Tuck?
After your tummy tuck, you’ll actually witness a visible drop in your weight as your body takes on a sleeker, more streamlined appearance. You’ll likely notice that your clothes start fitting better too.
The extent of the size reduction hinges on where you began and how your body responds post-procedure. For most women, it’s common to see a drop of around two to three pant sizes after the tummy tuck.
But remember, it’s not set in stone — some patients even manage to shed more. For instance, if you had quite a bit of loose skin before the procedure, you might even experience a jaw-dropping reduction of up to four pant sizes.
A skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Nidal Masri will assess all factors that affect your high BMI tummy tuck during the consultation and tailor the procedure to ensure safety and optimal aesthetic outcomes.
Make sure to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon to determine the appropriate limits for fat removal in your specific case.