You’ve been considering a tummy tuck for a while—maybe you’ve had a few pregnancies, experienced significant weight fluctuations over the years, or just can’t seem to tighten loose abdominal skin and stubborn belly fat. Looking for the best possible solution to your problems has led you to tummy tuck surgery (also known as abdominoplasty).
But what if your current Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 will prevent you from moving forward with the procedure? Why does BMI even matter, and what can you still do to reach your aesthetic goals?
The medical team at Sarasota Surgical Arts is well-versed in this concern. Led by board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alberico Sessa, our team aims to help you through the decision-making process so you can choose what’s best for your health.
Understanding The Role Of BMI In Cosmetic Surgery
Medical professionals sometimes use BMI as a starting point to assess overall health and potential surgical risk. Generally, a BMI under 30 is considered ideal for elective surgeries like tummy tucks.
Surgeons usually recommend you have a lower BMI to reduce the risk of complications, such as wound healing issues, infection, and anesthesia-related problems.
However, it’s not as simple as a single number. Some patients with a BMI of 35 have excellent cardiovascular health and manageable weight distribution, while others with lower BMIs may have underlying health conditions that complicate their eligibility for abdominoplasty.
A Personalized Approach At Sarasota Surgical Arts
Here’s where we come in. At Sarasota Surgical Arts, we don’t just look at your BMI and make a snap decision. Instead, Dr. Alberico Sessa takes the time to understand your complete health profile. He’ll discuss your overall wellness, lifestyle habits, previous surgeries, and desired outcomes.
From there, you’ll work together to come up with a plan that makes sense for you. In some cases, patients with a BMI of 35 may still be suitable candidates for a tummy tuck, while in other cases, Dr. Sessa might first recommend taking some steps to lose weight or improve certain health conditions.
Preparing Your Body For The Best Results
If you’re not an ideal candidate right now, don’t lose hope. Consider this a stepping stone on your journey. Dr. Sessa may recommend a combination of diet adjustments, regular exercise, and maybe even partnering with a nutritionist or personal trainer.
The goal isn’t to reach a specific “magic number” but to gain better control of your health so that you can safely enjoy the benefits of a tummy tuck. Your hard work will also pay off in the long run since maintaining a stable weight before and after your surgery can help you see longer-lasting results.
Looking at Alternatives
If Dr. Sessa doesn’t recommend a tummy tuck at your current BMI, there may be non-surgical or less invasive options to consider. For instance, liposuction or non-invasive body contouring treatments might help jump-start your transformation as you continue to work toward your health goals.
Moving Forward with Confidence
To learn more about whether a tummy tuck is right for you, contact Sarasota Surgical Arts to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sessa. We’re committed to helping you find a path that suits your body, your lifestyle, and your aesthetic goals.
To book your appointment, call us at (941) 313-7746 or schedule online. We’re here to provide honest guidance, compassionate care, and personalized solutions so that you can confidently take the next step in your cosmetic journey.
