Your BMI and a tummy tuck
A tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty or abdominal wall tightening) is a common plastic surgery procedure that removes excess abdominal fat and skin. After surgery, you will have a more beautiful figure and a tighter abdomen. In addition, it can also improve medical problems, such as preventing blemishes and reducing back pain. During a consultation, BMI is always looked at as well.
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure for determining the relationship between weight and height. It is often used as an indication of overweight or obesity. High BMI, or obesity, can lead to health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Why is BMI important?
Plastic surgeon Darren Booi explains: It is required by law that we must measure the BMI of every patient. This is mandatory. The level of BMI determines your ability to get a tummy tuck reimbursed by your health insurance company (meaning your BMI is less than 30), as well as your freedom of choice to be treated anywhere. With a BMI > 35, for example, you cannot be helped in a private clinic. Because of the risks, it is mandatory to have the surgery in the hospital for this indication. That’s because too high a BMI can be associated with a higher risk of complications.
With a too high BMI, will I not be helped?
The plastic surgeon ultimately decides whether a tummy tuck can be performed. It depends multiple factors, such as the patient’s overall health, their specific medical needs and the type of procedure that best suits their particular situation. For example, fat may be on the outside (subcutaneous tissue) which manifests in physical complaints by an overhang of the lower abdomen with complaints of blemishes. Fat that is “inside” the abdomen cannot be surgically removed. Here, weight loss (exercise and diet) or medical treatment (bariatric surgery) is required to lose weight. So whether you qualify depends on your personal situation.
Darren says: We don’t just look at BMI, we look at the belly more than anything else. If there is a lot of fat ín the belly, between the intestines, it is better to lose weight first. Fat between the intestines also goes away only by losing weight. We cannot remove that with a tummy tuck. If the fat is mainly on the surface, i.e. under the skin, then a tummy tuck often does make sense and with beautiful results.
BMI above 30
If you have a BMI over 30, you are no longer eligible for reimbursement through health insurance anyway. With a BMI over 30 and under 35, you must pay for the surgery yourself, but have the choice of being treated at a private clinic such as MOOI Clinic.
BMI above 35
Have a BMI of 35 or higher, then there are more risks associated with surgery. Because of this, abdominoplasty may not be performed in a private clinic. Treatment in the hospital, with a plastic surgeon from MOOI Clinic, is possible. It does depend on your personal situation and symptoms.
