At what age should you not have a tummy tuck?

Asked by: Dino Langosh DVM  |  Last update: June 10, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (51 votes)

While the average patient is usually in the late 30s or 40s, many can achieve a nice flat abdomen in their 50s-60s and even 70s. As long as the patient's underlying health is good and risk is acceptable, abdominoplasty is well tolerated middle-aged and older women.

Who is not a good candidate for tummy tuck?

If you are not finished having children and plan to get pregnant again, or are currently pregnant, you are not a suitable tummy tuck candidate. If you suffer from obesity, you are also not a good candidate for tummy tuck. Also, if you are a smoker who is not prepared to cease smoking, tummy tuck may not be for you.

When should you not get a tummy tuck?

You Are Not At An Ideal Weight

Every candidate for abdominoplasty is unique, but most surgeons would recommend that you are within 10 pounds of your goal weight or ideal weight and that you have maintained this weight for at least six months before opting for a tummy tuck.

Who shouldn't get a tummy tuck?

Obese or overweight. Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. Any previous clotting issues or surgical complications. Currently taking any medications, anticoagulants, or supplements that might interfere.

What is the ideal weight for a tummy tuck?

Most surgeons will recommend patients should be between 10-15 pounds from their goal weight. When you're in the range of your goal weight, you will feel confident without needing to go on a crash diet to maintain it. If you want to lose weight, do so before getting a tummy tuck so the excess skin left over is removed.

Am I Too Old for a Tummy Tuck?

37 related questions found

What does no one tell you about a tummy tuck?

One thing that patients often fail to consider is the recovery time. The recovery period following a tummy tuck procedure can last anywhere from one to two weeks (or longer). Patients should keep this in mind leading up to the procedure so that they don't schedule any social gatherings too soon following the treatment.

How many pounds does a tummy tuck take off?

There are several types of tummy tucks, the most common of which are a full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck. Depending on which type of tummy tuck you have, and your overall size, the total weight removed can vary greatly. On larger patients, sometimes up to five pounds or more can be removed.

What happens to a tummy tuck as you age?

Tummy tuck surgery results will vary depending on a person's age. For example, a younger patient can expect to see very smooth abdominal skin after abdominoplasty. However, an older patient's skin is typically less elastic than that of a younger person and won't automatically “snap back” to fit the body's new contours.

What disqualifies you from a tummy tuck?

It is often advised for patients to achieve a stable weight within a healthy range before considering a tummy tuck. Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30: A high BMI indicates obesity, which may impact the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Your surgeon will evaluate your BMI as part of the assessment process.

Will insurance cover a tummy tuck?

Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance? A tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure, which is not covered by insurance. Our financial counselors will work with you to determine your financial options.

Is there an alternative to tummy tuck?

Vaser Liposuction

This treatment is a minimally invasive tummy tuck alternative that allows for a decrease in fat, while smoothing and slimming the tummy area. Vaser Lipo is more gentle than traditional liposuction, because we begin by carefully dislodging the fat using ultrasound.

Can a tummy tuck cause problems years later?

Tummy tuck scars, although they tend to fade over time, may still present problems years later. Some common long-term issues include: Thick or Raised Scars: In some cases, scars can become thicker or develop into keloids, which are raised, hardened scar tissues that can appear years after surgery.

How to get rid of apron belly?

A panniculectomy is designed to treat an apron belly, while a plus size tummy tuck is designed to address the entire abdominal area. While every patient is unique, generally those who have a significant apron belly of hanging skin that covers the groin or lower, a panniculectomy is best.

What can ruin a tummy tuck?

What Can Damage My Tummy Tuck Results?
  • Weight Fluctuations. Weight fluctuation is the most common reason for the changes in your tummy tuck results. ...
  • Pregnancy. Pregnancy causes excessive stretching of the lower abdomen, which can cause stretch marks, loose skin, and the formation of an abdominal pooch. ...
  • Sun Exposure.

How to get a tummy tuck for free?

Here are some of the ways to potentially qualify for a free or subsidized tummy tuck: Medical Necessity: If excess abdominal skin causes medical problems like rashes, infections, or back pain, a tummy tuck may be deemed medically necessary. In such cases, your health insurance might cover the procedure.

Why cant you wear jeans after a tummy tuck?

However, you should give your incisions time to heal and allow the swelling to go down before dressing in fitted or tight clothing. The first few weeks after the procedure, you will need to wear compression garments that support your midsection and minimize swelling.

Does anyone regret having a tummy tuck?

Mini tummy tuck regrets are rare, but they can happen, just as regrets following full tummy tucks can occur — or regrets following any plastic surgery can happen.

Is a tummy tuck very risky?

A tummy tuck is generally a safe procedure, but as with any surgery, there are risks. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during your consultation so you can make an informed decision about your health. Complications of a tummy tuck may include: Scarring.

What happens if you always tuck in your stomach?

Sucking in the abdomen can place strain on the pelvic floor, which will affect the function of the bladder, uterus and rectum, potentially causing urine or faecal matter to leak, as well as uterine prolapse.

What is the cut-off age for a tummy tuck?

While the average patient is usually in the late 30s or 40s, many can achieve a nice flat abdomen in their 50s-60s and even 70s. As long as the patient's underlying health is good and risk is acceptable, abdominoplasty is well tolerated middle-aged and older women.

When are you too old for plastic surgery?

Patients over the age of 65 can undergo cosmetic surgery with the same complication rate as younger patients. Plastic surgery is a healthy and effective option for the right patient at any age.

Is tummy tuck safe for 65 year old woman?

Those 65 and older who had a tummy tuck developed more serious complications than did the younger patients. During this study, the researchers also discovered that the 65+ patients were in better health than the younger patients. They were less likely to smoke and more likely to be at a healthy weight.

Do they remove back fat during a tummy tuck?

Procedures to reduce back fat

360 tummy tuck: This technique, also called a circumferential tummy tuck, extends the traditional tummy tuck incision all the way around the waistline to remove excess skin and fat from the sides and back.

What does an apron belly look like?

In mild cases, an apron belly may simply hang below your belly button or fall over the waistband of your pants. In more extreme cases, the apron of skin and fat may hang in front of your thighs or reach down almost to the knees.

How much should I save for a tummy tuck?

Generally, the cost of a tummy tuck in the state can range from $8,000 to $20,000. This price includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility costs, the compression garment, and other related expenses. According to RealSelf, the average cost of a tummy tuck in the Golden State is $11,681.