How Much Weight Do I Need to Lose to Be Eligible for a Mommy Makeover? (photo)

Question

Hello, I am a 39 year old mom of three that is wanting a mommy makeover. I have been doing crossfit 3 times a week ( dead lift 100 pounds, hundreds of pushups, squats, etc etc..) and then started to pick up some krav maga and boxing on tues-thur. However, though I eat very clean ( organic, grass fed, no grains etc) I weigh A LOT. 170 pounds and 5"0 tall . I am about a size 10-12. How much weight do I need to lose to be eligible for a mommy makeover :( my BMI is ringing at morbidly obese.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

There’s no question that being close to your ideal body
weight improves the results from Mommy Makeover surgery. It also decreases the potential for
complications with this type of surgical procedure.For these reasons, we prefer that patients be
within 10% of their ideal body weight at the time of surgery.Unfortunately,
reaching an ideal weight is easier said than done.The vast majority of patients are
unsuccessful at losing this additional weight.It’s also important to realize that even when patients are overweight,
they can potentially benefit from abdominoplasty.We therefore, evaluate every patient on an
individual basis.We
encourage patients to lose weight before surgery and prefer that their weight
be stable for at least three months.We
realize that some patients will have difficulty losing weight.We therefore, encourage patients to be in a
supervised weight loss program.Even
with that help, some patients will be unsuccessful in their effort to lose
weight.Even without weight loss, many
of these patients will still potentially benefit from tummy tuck surgery.It’s
important to realize that weight loss following tummy tuck surgery can affect
the final result.This could even result
in the need for revisional surgery.For
these reasons, it’s important to thoroughly discuss this issue with your
plastic surgeon.

Steven H. Wiener, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  Ideally, the best time to undergo cosmetic surgery is when you are within 10% of your ideal body weight.  It is always difficult to determine your exact ideal body weight.  I recommend to patients, that when they are no longer realistically able to lose any more weight, then they become  eligible for surgery.  We do at times operate on patients above their ideal body weight, but would not operate electively on an obese person.  You appear to be fairly close to your target weight.  Good luck.

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you have been working very hard with your rigorous exercise and diet programs. Congratulations on all your hard work! I think that it is very common for moms to "hit a wall" at this point when you are already working so hard with your diet and exercise. I do not have any "specific" weight loss requirements in order to be "eligible" for a mommy makeover. In viewing your photo that you provided and based on your weight now, I would say you are ready now and do not "have" to lose any further weight. Some traditional plastic surgeons still "require" a certain amount of weight loss prior to surgery; however, I have found that it does not enhance the results. I have found the contrary actually, in that patients that are working hard need something to help them get over "the hump". A mommy makeover is something I specialize in and it helps rejuvenate the breast and tummy in particular which are the areas of the body that change the most with pregnancy. I have found that by "doing it now" with the mommy makeover, the motivation that patients experience after seeing the surgical changes only further drives them to "build" on their results with further diet and exercise.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I think losing another 25 lbs will make a big difference in your results. Of course the closer to goal the better. Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of mommy makeovers each year. Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

BMI is only one of the factors that is considered when determining if a patient is a candidate for a Mommy Makeover.  The recommendation is to have a BMI of 30 or under to keep risks from increasing from complications such as infection, seroma, poor wound healing, and sub optimal results.  Based on the information provided you would need to lose 15-20 pounds to reach this goal.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Your weight should be stable for at least 6 months before undergoing mommy makeover surgery. You would hate to have a tummy tuck and then lose 50 more pounds and need to repeat the tummy tuck again. Also, you need to be finished with child bearing before undergoing the tummy tuck procedure.

Manuel M. Peña, MD · Answer

After looking at your photo, I thought, "where is she hiding that weight?". It must be intra abdominally or wrapped around your organs. Easy way to check is to lay flat on your back and see the contour of your stomach. If it sink in you are probably ready, if it is even or protruding, then you should continue your aggressive exercise and calorie management program before considering this surgery. The large volume inside/ behind the muscles will prevent a good result of the muscle tightening.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Although being at your ideal weight before having the mommy-maker is ideal, not all can achieve that. Having a BMI at 30 or less is safest for the procedure, especially if it is done as an outpatient procedure. If you are dieting and still having difficulty loosing weight, try fruit and vegetable and protein diet only. Avoid all grains. Do be sure to eat enough protein, especially with your exercing schedule. The procedure can still be done at a higer BMI, but I would suggest having it done at a hospital with a possible overnight stay. The risk of complications increases with higher BMI's. I also suggest finding a board-certified plastic surgeon who is comfortable in doing combination procedures.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no magic number at which a mommy makeover would be appropriate. You would certainly get a better cosmetic result the closer you are to your ideal body weight.  Continue with your exercise routine and good luck with your surgery. All the best.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your healthy lifestyle;  I would suggest that you continue to do what you are doing until you have achieved a long-term stable weight. The specific weight you achieve is not of utmost importance;  most important is that you do not fluctuate significantly after surgery.

	 As you know, achieving your long-term stable weight prior to proceeding with body contouring surgery will help minimize risks associated with the surgery and help diminish chances that additional surgery will be necessary down the line.

	 When you have achieved long-term stable weight, regardless of the specific number, seek consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals clearly.

	Since you are contemplating major surgery, I have included some advice I typically provide to patients undergoing these procedures:

	1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven. 
	2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation. 
	3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful. 
	4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.

	5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers. 
	6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery. 
	7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies. 
	8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change). 
	9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience. 
	10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery. 
	11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.

	 Keep up the good work!

How Much Weight Do I Need to Lose to Be Eligible for a Mommy Makeover? (photo)

Answers (13)