Table of Contents
ToggleTummy
Tuck for
Plus Size Women:
Know the Real Deal
on This Surgery
Is tummy tuck for plus-size women possible?
That’s the question many women are asking about this popular procedure.
For the longest time, individuals within the normal body mass index (BMI) range are considered to be ideal candidates for abdominoplasty.
But with the advancements in plastic surgery these days, this may not be the case anymore. In fact, the tummy tuck has become one of the most requested plastic surgeries for plus-size women!
Learn more about overweight plus-size tummy tuck by reading the rest of this article.
Traditional Tummy Tuck vs. Overweight Plus-Size Tummy Tuck
A traditional tummy tuck—medically referred to as abdominoplasty—is a cosmetic procedure that eradicates excess fat and skin from your midsection.
This procedure also tightens the abdominal wall to provide you with a firmer, smoother, and more contoured tummy.
An overweight plus-size tummy tuck, on the other hand, employs the same pre-surgery procedures, the same anesthesia administered, and the same post-surgery process as the traditional tummy tuck.
The only difference is that the procedure’s subject is an individual with a plus-size build.
Although plastic surgeons recommend having a BMI range of 18.5 to 29 for tummy tuck patients, Dr. Nick Masri can perform a tummy tuck on patients with a BMI as high as 50+ as long as they’re physically and mentally healthy.
After all, studies show that plus-sized patients and individuals with a normal BMI experience the same complications. Whether it’s a hematoma, dehiscence, or seromas, overweight and lean individuals experience the same post-procedure symptoms.
Nick Masri MD, one of Miami's top board-certified plastic surgeons.
With over 20 years of experience operating on post-bariatric and massive weight loss patients, Dr. Masri can offer cosmetic surgery to those who may have been turned down by other surgeons due to their BMI – giving them a chance to achieve their dream body.

The Pros and Cons of Getting an Obesity Plus-Size Tummy Tuck
The reason for excess skin and saggy midsection may vary widely, from pregnancy to cyclical weight gain and loss. Despite being physically active and eating nutritious foods, you may not quickly achieve a contoured, fit, and firm abdominal area.
This is where the magic of plus-size tummy tuck comes in. An overweight plus-size tummy tuck gives you a visibly leaner midsection, improving your overall aesthetics.
Aside from the cosmetic benefits, this procedure also provides invaluable health benefits like:
Ventral Hernia Correction
Ladies who had a C-section or appendectomy and individuals who drastically lost weight in a short period are significantly at risk for ventral hernia.
A ventral hernia occurs when a weak spot in the midsection allows an organ or tissue to protrude through a cavity muscle area. Often, it appears as a bulge in the belly area, which can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
Easier Weight Maintenance and Management
Now that you have lost belly fat and skin in your tummy tuck, it’s easier to maintain it afterward. After all, drastic weight loss or gain can counter the effects of the tummy tuck for plus-size individuals.
Better Posture and Improved Overall Aesthetic
Improved Quality of Life
There are risks associated with an overweight plus-size tummy tuck; however, the benefits outweigh post-procedure difficulties. Patients feel happier, more satisfied, and more confident with the results.
Other patients also acknowledged the effects of the procedure in jumpstarting their weight maintenance process and shifting to a healthier lifestyle.
While the benefits are already impressive, there are several downsides and risks you also need to know.
Here are the cons of the tummy tuck plus size procedure:
Visible Scar
Before the procedure, Dr. Masri levels your expectations regarding the amount of tissue to be removed as it will affect the length of your scar in the lower abdominal area.
However, you can rest assured that Dr. Masri will make your scar as inconspicuous as possible.
Non-Permanent Results
The results of an overweight plus-size tummy tuck are great for individuals who can maintain their weight and decide not to get pregnant.
If you have plans of having a child in the future, know that it might alter the effects of your tummy tuck.
Downtime or Recovery Period
Even though the tummy tuck procedure only addresses the abdominal area, it affects your whole body and overall movement capacity.
Like other surgeries, you need to take at least two weeks off to rest and recover. It will take longer to resume your normal activities, especially if they’re strenuous.
Can You Get a Plus-Size Tummy Tuck in Miami?
Yes! With a clean bill of health, overweight and obesity plus-size tummy tuck is possible!
For best results, you need to meet the following conditions to be considered a good candidate for the procedure:
- Physically and emotionally healthy
- Medically safe to undergo elective surgery
- Currently not pregnant and does not have any plans of getting pregnant
- Committed to maintaining current weight and living a healthy lifestyle
Some contraindications include the following:
- Smoking before and after the procedure
- Presence of a severe underlying medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and breathing difficulties
- Massive fluctuations in weight within the last six months
- Pregnancy within two years after the procedure
What Should You Expect in a Tummy Tuck for Plus-Size Women?
If you are considering obesity plus-size tummy tuck in Miami, you need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nick Masri. He is one of Miami’s top double board-certified surgeons, and he will assess your overall health status and discuss whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
Once you are cleared for the tummy tuck, Dr. Masri may prescribe a custom health regimen for you to follow. This is done to assure that you are in the best possible physical state before the surgery.
An anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia during the surgery so you’ll feel no pain or discomfort. Once the tummy tuck procedure commences, excess skin, fat, and tissues are removed. Moreover, hernias are repaired, and muscle structures are tightened.
After the surgery, you are advised to wear a compression garment to support and provide pressure to the abdominal area to limit swelling.
You cannot engage in strenuous physical activities during the first two weeks after the procedure. You need to stay at home, rest, hydrate, and eat nutritious foods.
After the initial two-week period, Dr. Masri will assess your recovery and, depending on the result, may advise additional time for you to heal from the procedure thoroughly. You should have someone who can stay, assist, and take care of you during your recovery period.


I do not use BMI as a sole criterion in determining one's candidacy for surgery.
As all patients have individualized goals and surgical nuances, a high BMI should not prevent one from achieving your plastic surgery goals.

Nick Masri MD
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Nick Masri looks forward to discussing tummy tuck for plus-size women with you!