How long after arm lift and lipo do i need to wait to get a mommy makeover?

After an arm lift and liposuction, I usually recommend waiting at least 3 to 6 months before moving forward with a mommy makeover. This healing window gives your body time to recover, swelling to settle, and scars to begin maturing so we can approach your next surgery safely.
If your healing is smooth and your energy is fully back, we can often move toward the shorter end of that range. If there are any signs of delayed healing or complications, I’ll advise closer to six months or longer. My goal is always to stage your procedures in a way that’s safest for you while still moving efficiently toward your final results.
Think of it this way, giving your body the right recovery time ensures that your mommy makeover outcome is not only beautiful but also long-lasting.

It depends on what area the liposuction targets, your recovery rate, and what is performed during your mommy makeover. If liposuction is performed in your mid-section and you’re getting a tummy tuck as part of your mommy makeover, then you may need to wait about 6 months with normal recovery. If there are any complications, you may need to wait longer.

Please talk to your surgeon because ultimately, it relies on their opinion.

Hi Exuberant! Although I commonly perform surgeries compromised of multiple surgeries at the same time, having a mommy makeover (typically with a tummy tuck, lipo and breast surgery) plus an arm lift/lipo would be a lot to have at one time, so I agree with splitting these procedures into two separate surgeries. I would typically recommend to my patients to wait 6 weeks of more between surgeries. This time frame gives you plenty of time to resume some amount of physical activity and return to a normal energy level before another surgery. I highly recommend that you concentrate on healthy nutrition (especially protein) before and after the procedures, which will help augment your recovery. It is also important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in surgery of the breast and body and performs these procedures frequently to help you reach your aesthetic goals. Best of luck in your recoveries!

Thank you for your question regarding how long to wait between your arm lift with liposuction and undergoing a mommy makeover. It’s wonderful that you’re thinking strategically about your surgical timeline. Giving your body proper time to heal in between major surgeries is critical not only for safety but also to ensure the best final results.

Generally, I recommend waiting at least 3 to 6 months after your arm lift and liposuction before proceeding with a mommy makeover. The exact timing depends on a few key factors, including how smoothly your healing goes, whether you had any complications (such as fluid buildup or scar widening), and how much skin tightening and internal repair will be required during the mommy makeover itself.

By the 3-month mark, most of the initial swelling and inflammation from your first surgery should have resolved. Your incisions should be strong and well-healed. If everything looks good at that point and your energy is back, you may be ready to move forward. However, if you had any issues healing or still feel tightness or discomfort, waiting closer to 6 months may be best.

Mommy makeover procedures usually involve a tummy tuck, breast lift or augmentation, and sometimes liposuction of other areas. These are bigger procedures, so it’s important to give your body time to fully recover from the first surgery before diving into the next. Staging surgeries also reduces the risk of complications and gives each area the best possible chance to heal optimally.

I hope this helps guide your next steps! Please make sure to follow up with your plastic surgeon and discuss your healing progress before scheduling your next procedure. If you have any questions regarding arm lift, arm reduction, mommy makeover, or tummy tuck, please reach out to a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in staged body contouring after weight loss.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
(President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

It’s generally recommended to wait about 3 to 6 months after an arm lift with liposuction before undergoing a mommy makeover. This allows the body to fully heal, swelling to subside, and results to stabilize before performing additional procedures. The exact timing may vary depending on the extent of the first surgery, your overall health, and how well you recover. A thorough evaluation will help determine the safest and most effective timeline.
Erman AK, Dr. MD, Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon

If the liposuction you mentioned is on your arms, and occurs at the same time as your arm lift, I would wait approximately two months to allow your arms to fully heal, and for you to recover prior to pursuing a mommy makeover.

Thanks so much for your question,

Some surgeons might approve you as early as 6 weeks, especially if you're healing beautifully, your labs are good, and you're not dealing with any wound issues. Others prefer a more conservative 3-month gap.

Make sure you're eating enough protein and nutrients to support healing — especially after multiple procedures.

Sincerely,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

This really depends on what your mommy makeover consists of. Are you having breast surgery? Is it a reduction or augmentation. Are you going to the same surgeon. If so, I would just ask your surgeeon for what they are comfortable with.

Dear Exuberant121838,

you should wait until you are fully healed prior to another elective procedure. 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

This is an interesting question because it highlights the variability and lack of evidence that there still exists in many aspects of surgery. There is no steadfast time in which one must wait between procedures so you will find that many surgeons have different requirements. I recommend waiting 6-8 weeks between one surgery and the next. I prefer that the majority of the inflammation from the first operation be minimal, hemoglobin be back to normal and ensure that the first surgery is not having any complications before moving on to the next one.