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

Question

I’m 41 female 5ft 3in weight 240 pounds. I have had 3 children. My stomach needs tummy tuck and lipo. My breast need a lift and possible implants.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

I recommend you reaching your ideal weight to get mommy makeover surgery for the best results. In general, we recommend our patients reach a healthy BMI of 30 or lower to be considered mommy makeover candidates. You will need to be close to your ideal weight, ideally within 10 to 20 pounds. Best of luck to you

Nashielli Torres Espinosa Chiu, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!
Yes, it is generally recommended to reach or be close to your goal weight before undergoing a Mommy Makeover. This ensures that the results of the procedure are optimized and long-lasting. While small fluctuations in weight are natural and won’t affect the outcome significantly, being at a stable weight helps the surgeon tailor the procedure to your body’s contours more precisely.
Additionally, maintaining your weight after surgery is important to preserve the results. If you’re still working towards your goal weight, keep researching on the best time to proceed with your Mommy Makeover.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

When contemplating having surgery for any kind of skin and fat removal, it is best to try to get down to a close range of how much weight you are trying to lose first. Sometimes it is not as easy for certain people with health issues to do this so easily.   We look at many factors involved when determining what a person's best outcome may be.   Generally,  if you are younger than 60-65 you have a better chance at your skin elasticity holding up pretty well if you were to lose more weight after surgery.  As long as you are losing the weight in a healthy and steady way with a routine of an active lifestyle.  Depending upon how much weight a person still wants to lose after surgery will determine whether or not they are at risk for loose skin, etc.... That being said, it is best to talk to an experienced professional in person to determine what the best plan for your specific needs may be.

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

It is always best to reach your goal weight prior to undergoing surgery. This prevents compromise of your results at a later time with recurrent drooping of skin after further weight loss. While losing 10-15lbs is unlikely to compromise your result, losing more than that is ill advised post surgery. Your current BMI is 42.5, To safely undergo those procedures you would need a BMI of about 35, meaning a weight of approximately 195lbs. As your weight would change significantly, I would recommend that you be at your goal weight prior to pursuing the aforementioned procedures.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question,

Achieving your goal weight ensures that the surgical results are proportionate and harmonious with your body. Surgeons can better sculpt and contour your body when you are at a stable weight.

Reaching your goal weight before a mommy makeover is recommended to achieve optimal results, minimizing surgical risks, and ensuring long-lasting outcomes. Always follow the advice of your healthcare providers to ensure you are in the best possible condition for surgery.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ShaundaSinclair82,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. For a mommy makeover, you would need to meet the BMI (Body Mass Index) requirements. The BMI is based on your height and weight. The BMI limit for mommy makeover surgery is 33. At 5'3 and 240 lbs, your BMI is 42.5, which is over the required BMI limit so you would need to lose weight. I recommend discussing weight loss treatments with your physician so that you can meet the BMI requirements for the surgery. Hope this helps. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Moises Salama MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Whether you should reach your goal weight before a mommy makeover largely depends on your individual circumstances and the recommendations of your plastic surgeon. Here are some factors to consider:

Overall Health: Your surgeon will likely assess your overall health before recommending surgery. Being at a stable weight can indicate that your body is in good condition for surgery and can help reduce potential complications.

Optimal Results: Achieving your goal weight before surgery can lead to more predictable and satisfactory results. It ensures that the surgeon can accurately assess your body shape and contour areas more effectively.

Maintaining Weight: If you undergo surgery before reaching your goal weight, there's a possibility that weight fluctuations afterward could affect the results. It's generally advised to be at a stable weight before surgery to minimize this risk.

Post-Surgery Recovery: Recovery from surgery is generally smoother when you're at a healthier weight. Your body may heal more efficiently, and you may experience fewer complications.

Timing: Consider your timeline and goals. If you're close to your goal weight and can realistically maintain it, waiting might be beneficial. However, if reaching your goal weight would significantly delay the surgery, you may discuss options with your surgeon.

Ultimately, it's essential to have an open and honest discussion with your plastic surgeon. They can provide personalized advice based on your health, goals, and the specific procedures involved in your mommy makeover.

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