Who is eligible for a tummy tuck?
Asked by: Arjun Beatty MD | Last update: March 13, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (16 votes)
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.
What are the requirements to get a tummy tuck?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are those who have loose skin, excess fat, or are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen. Whether genetics, pregnancy, weight loss, a previous surgery, or the aging process has caused loose or sagging skin in your abdomen, this procedure can resolve it.
Who cannot have 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 medical conditions qualify for a tummy tuck?
You might choose to have a tummy tuck if you have extra fat or skin around your midsection. Or you might get this surgery if your stomach bulges due to separated abdominal muscles. That condition is called rectus diastasis, and it may cause low back pain.
11 Things You Should NOT Do After a Tummy Tuck
What reasons will insurance cover a tummy tuck?
Insurance Coverage for Tummy Tucks
Functional Impairment – if excess skin or abdominal wall laxity causes significant functional limitations, such as difficulty walking, chronic skin irritation, or back pain, insurance may consider covering the procedure.
How to prove tummy tuck is medically necessary?
Medical Criteria for a Tummy Tuck
Muscle Weakness and Hernias: A tummy tuck might be medically necessary if you have weakness in the abdominal muscles or hernias. These conditions often present as a bulge in the abdomen or lower back pain.
Which is cheaper, lipo or tummy tuck?
Liposuction is a less intensive treatment and typically costs less than a tummy tuck. Liposuction costs between $4,000 and $8,000 with an average cost of $6,000, whereas a tummy tuck ranges between $6,000 and $10,000 with an average cost of $8,000.
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.
How to get a free tummy tuck surgery?
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.
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.
What is the average amount for a tummy tuck?
The average cost of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is $8,174, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
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.
What is the weight limit for a tummy tuck?
Many patients ask, “My BMI is 35; can I get a tummy tuck?” Most board-certified plastic surgeons agree that tummy tuck surgery is most safely performed on healthy patients with a BMI below 35. Ideally, you should be within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight before surgery.
Who is not a 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.
How painful is a tummy tuck?
Most people feel sore and tight for up to two weeks following the procedure. “It will feel like you've done about a million sit-ups after a tummy tuck, but the tradeoff is that you should look like you did a million sit-ups,” said Dr.
Does a tummy tuck get rid of a fupa?
The definitive way to be completely rid of a FUPA, if you are done having kids, is a Tummy Tuck. During a Tummy Tuck procedure, I cut out the extra skin and fat that makes up the FUPA and I re-suspend that tissue on your abdominal wall.
How much weight is removed after tummy tuck?
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.
Will a tummy tuck give me a flat stomach?
A tummy tuck can create a new, flat abdomen by removing extra fat. This can be a great, life-changing procedure if you've been carrying extra fat around your stomach area and can't get rid of it. However, it can only do so much in giving you a toned, contoured abdomen.
Does insurance cover liposuction and tummy tuck?
Typically, tummy tucks are considered cosmetic procedures by insurance providers, meaning they won't cover abdominoplasty. There are exceptions, however, especially when a tummy tuck surgery is deemed a medical necessity.
What is a 360 tummy tuck?
A traditional tummy tuck involves removing skin and excess fat from below the belly button and re-tightening abdominal muscles. The Tummy Tuck 360 does this and more. In addition to the standard abdominal tightening, this procedure also uses SAFElipo to remove excess fat from the entire trunk.
Is CoolSculpting cheaper than tummy tuck?
CoolSculpting typically costs less than liposuction or tummy tuck surgery. However, if you need more than two treatments (especially if they are on larger treatment areas), the price of CoolSculpting may end up being comparable to the surgeon's fee for one of the surgical procedures.
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 to get insurance to cover skin removal?
You'll need to prove that your surgery is medically necessary in order for your insurance company to pay for it, so you'll want to first speak with your doctor. Begin documenting all the steps you've taken to overcome your medical issues so that your doctor can understand that surgery is truly a last resort.
How much is a tummy tuck in Mexico?
Q: How Much Does Tummy Tuck in Tijuana Cost? A: Tummy Tuck cost in Tijuana will typically run between $2,500 and $4,500 depending on the scope of the procedure. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fuentes to receive a customized price quote.