I’m thinking of having a mommy makeover. Should you reach your goal weight before undergoing the surgery?

Based on your goals of a tummy tuck with liposuction and a breast lift with possible implants, you’re considering a Mommy Makeover that targets both your abdomen and breasts. Here’s what you might want to keep in mind, given your current weight and surgical goals.

Tummy Tuck with Liposuction:
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty):

A tummy tuck would address excess skin, muscle separation (diastasis recti), and fat around your abdomen. This procedure tightens the abdominal wall and removes excess skin to create a flatter, more toned appearance.
Given your weight, a full tummy tuck may be recommended, which includes the removal of skin from both above and below the belly button, as well as tightening the abdominal muscles.
Liposuction:

Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck to contour the flanks, waistline, and other areas where fat may accumulate. Liposuction will help enhance your overall body shape by removing stubborn fat deposits.
Breast Lift with Implants:
Breast Lift (Mastopexy):

A breast lift will reshape your breasts by raising them, repositioning the nipples, and tightening the surrounding tissue to improve sagging. This is common after pregnancy and weight changes.
Depending on how much sagging or volume loss you’ve experienced, a lift alone might give you the look you want. However, if you’d like to restore volume or achieve fuller breasts, adding implants might be a good option.
Implants (If Desired):

If you want to increase volume, implants can be placed during the lift. This can enhance both the shape and size of your breasts while maintaining a perky, youthful appearance.
BMI and Surgery Considerations:
With your current weight and a BMI of around 42.5, there are a few important considerations:

Safety First: Many surgeons prefer a BMI under 30 for elective cosmetic surgeries due to the increased risk of complications like infection, blood clots, and poor wound healing in patients with a higher BMI. That said, some surgeons will perform these surgeries on patients with a higher BMI, but you might need additional pre-op testing and careful post-op monitoring.

Weight Loss Before Surgery: Many surgeons may recommend weight loss before undergoing a tummy tuck or breast surgery to maximize results and minimize risks. Losing weight before surgery will not only make the procedure safer but also improve your final outcome, as excess weight can sometimes interfere with long-lasting results.

Skin Elasticity and Healing: Higher weight can affect skin elasticity and healing time. Surgeons often aim for your weight to be stable and at a lower BMI to ensure better healing and reduce the chance of post-surgical complications like wound breakdown or infections.

What You Might Consider:
Consultation with a Surgeon: A board-certified plastic surgeon will assess your unique situation, taking into account your health, weight, and goals. They may recommend a staged approach, where certain procedures (like the tummy tuck and liposuction) are performed first, and breast surgery is done later after weight loss if necessary.
Pre-Surgical Weight Loss: If your surgeon advises weight loss before surgery, even a reduction of 20-30 pounds could make a significant difference in safety and results. It would also help with tightening your skin post-surgery.
Next Steps:
Surgeon Consultation: Schedule consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons who have experience working with patients at higher BMIs. They can provide specific advice about your candidacy for the procedures and whether any weight loss is recommended.

Health Considerations: Make sure your overall health is in check, especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, as these may need to be managed before surgery.

Hello ShaundaSinclair82. Thank you for your question regarding whether you should reach your goal weight before undergoing a mommy makeover.

Yes, you would achieve the best results by losing weight before your surgery. Reaching your goal weight allows your plastic surgeon to better assess your true body contours and provide you with the most aesthetically pleasing results. When you are closer to your ideal weight, there is less excess fat to contend with, which means your tummy tuck and liposuction will be more effective in creating a flat, toned abdomen. Additionally, breast lift and implant surgery will yield better results on a body that has already reached its desired weight, ensuring a more balanced and proportionate figure.

Maintaining a stable weight post-surgery is also crucial to preserving your results over time. Rapid weight loss or gain after surgery can negatively impact the outcome. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to reach and maintain your goal weight for several months before undergoing a mommy makeover to ensure the best possible long-term results.

Good luck with your weight loss journey and upcoming surgery! I hope this helps answer your question regarding reaching your goal weight before a mommy makeover.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS