Does expertise in mommy makeover translate to body lift after massive weight loss?

Question

When looking for a plastic surgeon to do a body life and other procedures specifically meant to address loose skin after massive weight loss, is a doctor experienced with/known for "mommy makeover" procedures likely to have skills that translate well into post weight loss procedures? It seems there are very few surgeons that specifically and overtly specialize in post-massive weight loss procedures. Thank you!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

I think it's fair to say that the exclusive specialization in cosmetic plastic surgery for massive weight loss  (MWL) patients is rare, and that those who do a lot of it are more expert than those that don't. However, principles gleaned from 'regular' skin removing surgeries like abdominoplasties, arm lifts and thigh lifts are the same for surgeries performed on massive weight loss patients. As an aside, I can think of a half dozen of my colleagues in town who do a better job on MWL patients than the one colleague who does it almost exclusively. Who you choose needs to show proficiency at the specific procedure of interest, for instance a lower body lift, but doesn't need to be only doing that one procedure.

Carlos Alberto Ríos García, MD · Answer

There is definitely some overlap between mommy makeover surgery and post-massive weight loss body contouring, because both involve:• skin laxity• tissue repositioning• abdominal contouring• breast reshaping• and body proportion restoration
However, massive weight loss surgery is often a very different category in terms of:• tissue quality• amount of excess skin• circumferential laxity• scar burden• nutritional considerations• and surgical complexity overall
A surgeon can be excellent at mommy makeovers and still have limited experience with:• lower body lifts• circumferential excisions• massive skin redundancy• post-bariatric anatomy• revision contouring• or the unique healing challenges after major weight loss
The reason many surgeons do not market themselves exclusively as “massive weight loss specialists” is because body contouring is often still grouped broadly under aesthetic plastic surgery. But when researching surgeons, it is very important to look beyond marketing labels and evaluate:• before-and-after results specifically in MWL patients• frequency of lower body lifts/body lifts in their practice• experience with circumferential procedures• scar quality in large skin excisions• and comfort managing complex contouring cases
A surgeon whose gallery mostly shows:• slimmer tummy tuck patients• straightforward mommy makeovers• and minimal skin excess
may not necessarily have the same level of expertise in post-bariatric reconstruction.
One of the biggest differences is that massive weight loss contouring often requires thinking in 360 degrees &mdash; not just improving the front abdomen, but balancing:• flanks• lower back• buttocks• thighs• breasts• and tissue descent globally
The encouraging part is that many highly skilled body contouring surgeons do perform both mommy makeovers and MWL surgery successfully. The key is making sure they truly have substantial experience with patients whose anatomy and tissue challenges resemble yours, rather than assuming the skill sets are automatically identical.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

A surgeon who has extensive experience with mommy makeovers, which can involve abdominoplasty and breast lifts, should be able to translate that knowledge of proper skin removal, skin tension and incision placement to the different weight loss procedures.  Some surgeons may have gained this knowledge during their residency and early practice focus and other surgeons can learn through the extensive continuing medical education courses at the numerous Plastic Surgery meetings throughout the year.  A well trained plastic surgeon, who takes interest in post weight loss surgery, can perform these procedures extremely well.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Persistent123642,

finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Make sure he/she is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. There is a number of different sites where you can check for reviews (Realself, yelp, google, etc.).
You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!   We would love to sit down with you in person and discuss your concerns and your options. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to assist you in reaching your goals.

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear Persistent while mommy makeovers and post-weight-loss body lifts share some similarities, they address different challenges. Mommy makeovers often focus on restoring the abdomen and breasts after pregnancy, while post-weight-loss procedures handle more extensive loose skin across multiple areas like the thighs, arms, and back. Skin after massive weight loss is typically thinner and more delicate, so these surgeries require specialized techniques.

A surgeon skilled in mommy makeovers might have some of the expertise you’re looking for, but it’s a good idea to find someone who regularly performs post-weight-loss procedures. Look for a surgeon who can show you before-and-after photos of patients with similar concerns—that’s a great way to see their experience and results. You deserve someone who truly understands your unique journey and can help you achieve the best outcome.

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

Fantastic question!  Congratulations on your weight loss!  There are definitely some nuances to aesthetic skin removal surgery versus a traditional mommy makeover which only removes a small to moderate amount of excess skin.  It is ideal so seek out a board certified plastic surgery that has specific training in post weight loss skin removal.  I specifically trained with an expert in the field while in my plastic surgery residency, and have continued to progress in the procedure, performing skin removal regularly in my 11 years of professional practice.  It sounds like you’re doing your due diligence to be an informed consumer and I highly recommend having a few consultations before choosing your surgeon.  Best of luck in your aesthetic journey!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello.  Thank you for your question regarding "does expertise in mommy makeover translate to body lift after massive weight loss?" The short answer is "no".  Plastic surgery expertise in one type of patient does not translate into expertise in another type of patient.  Skills sets are different.  Additionally, weight loss patient are different.  Weight loss patient skin, muscle, and fat are different from women who have had a child.  Typically, massive weight loss skin and rectus have been stretched much more and for longer than post-pregnancy skin and muscle.  Therefore, compared to post-pregnancy patients, massive weight loss patients require more skin to be removed and the rectus muscle to be tightened more.  Both the skin and rectus muscle have to reduced and tightened more than pregnancy patients.  Also, compared to post-pregnancy patients, massive weight loss patients who have undergone stomach altering surgeries have different metabolic needs.  Most weight loss patient are anemic or have low hemoglobin levels.  They may  also have B12 deficiencies.  These conditions can lead to poor wound healing.  Plastic surgeons who specialize in massive weight loss recognize these conditions and are ready to treat.  Plastic surgeons who specialize in mommy makeover may not recognize these conditions or know how to deal with poor healing and wounds.  In regards to plastic surgeons who specialize in weigh loss, there are plastic surgeons who specialize in massive weight loss  Please just dig deeper in you Google search: )).  I hope that I have answered your questions about "does expertise in mommy makeover translate to body lift after massive weight loss?" Good luck.  Sincerely, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Salvador Medina, MD · Answer

Hello Persistent123642.

As you mentioned, there are some surgeons that  specialize in massive weight loss surgery. It entails different techniques to address more extensive procedures and have the best outcome.

Let me know if you would like more information.

Dr. Medina

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

When researching surgeons you can look for those who have experience in patients after major weight loss.  Look for before/after photos and ask lots of questions.  I was proud to be featured on Skin Tight, a TLC program which featured helping patients to feel more confident in their new bodies after major weight loss. Visit my website to learn more.

Does expertise in mommy makeover translate to body lift after massive weight loss?

Answers (11)

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