Mommy makeover - can I get my shape back?

Question

I have had four children I want to put somethings back together. I want a breast reduction and tummy tuck. After having my last two children my stomach and breast are not so appealing to the eyes but I keep getting told my BMI is to high. I have always been solid in weight, it’s not all in my stomach. I’m 5’5” and 223. I just want my shape back, I lost my curves plus the plumpness of my breast

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At 5'5 and 223 lbs, your BMI is 37 which puts you at a high risk for complications. I recommend you begin a low fat diet, core exercises such as sit-ups, planks, pilates and wear an abdominal binder. You can undergo liposuction. Liposuction can safely remove 10 lbs during one session and the sessions can be repeated if necessary. The weight you need to achieve to be a candidate for mommy makeover surgery is 195 lbs. Once you have reached this weight then I would begin with your breasts using The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. After this has been completed, you can consider a tummy tuck. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
Your BMI is around 37. 
In order to have the best result and lower the risk of healing issues you should have a BMI 0f 32.
Try getting to a weight of 190lbs. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Generous119228,

I'm Dr. Katzen. First off, I understand the desire to regain one's body confidence after childbirth, and I commend you for wanting to take this step towards self-improvement. It's essential to remember that while BMI can be an indicator of health, it isn't the only factor I consider when evaluating a patient for a mommy makeover.

Instead of focusing solely on BMI, I prioritize the overall health of my patients. Before any surgical procedure, it's crucial to ensure that the patient is in optimal health to reduce potential complications and promote a smoother recovery. To determine this, I conduct a series of health tests and evaluations.

If you're considering a breast reduction and tummy tuck, I would recommend a consultation to review your medical history, discuss your goals, and determine the best approach for your unique situation. The main objective is to achieve the results you desire while ensuring your safety throughout the process.

Your well-being is my utmost priority, and I'm here to guide and support you every step of the way. Let's work together to help you regain your shape and confidence.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

So, to start out, your BMI is a little high @ 37, you ideally would want it to be no higher than 30 to decrease your healing, anesthesia risk, etc. There are a lot of options to get you to an ideal weight so you can proceed to your dream body. Feel free out to reach out to my office and we can go over details. Smith Plastic Surgery 702-8383-2455

Luis Eduardo Guerrero, MD · Answer

Hello! Thanks for your interest in surgery after pregnancy.Plastic surgery post pregnancy, also known as a mommy makeover, is a combination of aesthetic procedures that address the physical changes associated with childbearing to restore your before-pregnancy appearance. The combination of procedures typically focuses on your breasts and abdomen and might include a tummy tuck, a breast procedure such as a lift, augmentation or reduction, and liposuction of the leg, arms, hips, or waist.Pregnancy and childbearing can leave you with stretched skin, weak muscles, or extra fat that does not improve with diet or exercise. If you are unhappy with how your body changed following childbirth, a combination of post-pregnancy procedures may be right for you.A “mommy makeover” is a great option if you have the below concerns:Your pregnancy has negatively affected your breasts’ size and shape, including sagging breasts, uneven breasts, decreased breast volume, drooping nipples, and stretched areolas (the dark skin surrounding the nipple).Your breasts have become so much larger after childbirth that they are no longer in proportion with the rest of your body and cause back pain.You have a sagging tummy, loose skin, and stretch marks.You had a C-section, and now you have areas of fat hanging over your surgical scar.You have pockets of fat on your waist, abdomen, arms, hips, or thighs that do not improve with diet and exercise.Below are some of the benefits of plastic surgery post-pregnancy are:
Flatten your tummyRestore a more youthful bustRemove excess fat or skinTighten loose and sagging skinReturn to a slimmer, pre-baby appearanceLook better in clothes and swimwearImprove your self-image and self-confidence
I hope this information be useful.Regards.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. For the mommy makeover procedure, you would need to meet the Body Mass Index (BMI) requirement and be cleared for surgery by your doctor. The BMI is based on your height and weight. At my practice, the max BMI limit for this combo procedure is 33. Based on the information you provided, your BMI is 37.1 and do not meet our BMI requirement, which means you do not qualify for surgery at this time. Since you are over the BMI limit, I would recommend consulting with your primary care physician on a proper diet for you to bring down your BMI in order to be able to undergo the procedure. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take Care, Moises Salama MD, board certified plastic surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Your BMI is over 37; most board certified plastic surgeons use a BMI of 35 as the cutoff. The reason: results will not be maximized, and there is an increased probability that you will encounter complications during and after surgery. Lose 20 pounds through dietary changes in combination with an exercise program and then you will benefit from a MM.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

With BMI of 37.5 you are not a good candidate for any body contouring procedure. In order to get yourself in the best shape for surgery, you should loose at least 20 lbs. plus, to consider first stage of surgery, liposuction of torso 360, BBL or TT. With current weight you expose yourself to multiple possible complication which can be significantly decreased if your weight is lower (BMI 33 or less). Good luck.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

In person exam is essential in order to determine your candidacy for surgery. In our Practice we specialize in the more challenging cases including BMIs up to 45 -in the outpatient Hospital setting. I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS for in person consultation

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Generous119228,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery