Should I wait to get my MMO after my gastric sleeve surgery? (Photos)

Question

I had gastric sleeve surgery 9/2020 and I am already dying to get my MMO. My BMI is currently around 33. I have had a few consultations and mixed answers on if I should wait longer. I would love to have surgery around my one year mark and ideally a few pounds lighter but I’m not expecting to be at my goal weight by then. I feel like a huge portion of my weight is from my hanging abdomen though and i am ready for it to be gone! What are the pros and cons of getting a MMO at a higher BMI?

Babis Rammos, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss. Scheduling consultations with Drs is a good idea to start finding the surgeon that will best suit your needs. My recommendation to patients is to not have plastic surgery until you are near your goal weight. Continued weight loss will cause additional excess skin along with other shifts in your body. This will result in new problem areas that you will want to address.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
For the best possible results you should be within 10lbs of your goal weight. Many complications can occur with a high BMI so you need to have that at a healthy number. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI Elaena,

Congratulations on your fabulous efforts to get healthier and on getting your BMI down to 33. 
I would recommend that you wait and get your BMI down a bit more, closer to 30. You will definitely have more skin to excise and will look better. You will also decrease your operative risk at a lower weight.
Please consult with some Board certified plastic surgeons in your area who can see you in person and go over your specific risks and discuss the operative procedures that would suit you the best.

Good Luck!
Best,

Dr. Christine Rodgers

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

There are several components to a mommy makeover. Your BMI is still high at 33. It is possible to do the breast lift using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. After this has been completed, you can consider liposuction, tummy tuck and circumferential body lift.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. It is best to delay any surgery until your weight has reached a stable level which typically takes 6-12 months after a sleeve, only time will tell.  If you were to pursue surgery now, you would be at an increased complication risk and with continued weight loss afterwards you would develop loose hanging skin again.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You will need to be at a stable weight six months following gastric bypass before scheduling any plastic surgery procedures. You will likely need body lift surgery, not lipo, to remove the extra skin and restore contours. Having the MMO at the one year anniversary (9/2021) would give you time to reach your weight goal.

William L. Reno, III, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss.  It is always best to wait until you have reached your goal and your weight loss has stabilized.  It may take a little longer than you prefer, but it will be worth the wait.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Elaena88,
congrats on the weight loss! Generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a mommy makeover, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and frustrations, however according to your question, you only had your gastric sleeve surgery some four months ago! It is important to allow your body to continue to lose weight and try to achieve your goal weight prior to this type of surgery. 
Aside from the fact that you will obtain much better results, studies show much higher complication rate in patients having the surgery with a BMI over 30. Try to be patient And continue your weight loss and do not consider mommy makeover surgery until at least your one year anniversary after gastric sleeve. Best of luck!

Cem Payasli, MD · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your question. I'd recommend you to lose more weight before you get your Mommy Makeover surgery. If you get your BMI down to 30 you will get better results with a tummy tuck.

Please feel free to contact me for a consultation. 
instagram.com/drcempa

Best regards, 
DR. CEM PAYASLI 
MEMBER OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGEONS

Should I wait to get my MMO after my gastric sleeve surgery? (Photos)

Answers (16)

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