Should I wait until after weight loss to get this procedure done or can I do it sooner?

Question:
Should I wait until after weight loss before having cosmetic surgery?
Answer from Dr. Sean Hill, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at Lone Star Plastic Surgery – Frisco, TX:
This is a great and very common question. In general, yes, it’s best to be close to your goal weight before undergoing most types of body contouring surgery, such as a tummy tuck, mommy makeover, liposuction, or body lift. But let’s walk through why that is, and when exceptions may apply.
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✅ Why It’s Best to Wait Until After Weight Loss
1. More Precise Results
If you’re still losing weight, your body is still changing, which makes it harder to accurately plan and optimize your result. Being at a stable weight helps me: • Identify exactly how much excess skin or fat remains • Assess muscle separation (diastasis recti) more precisely • Tailor the procedure to your long-term shape
2. Better Skin Retraction
When you’re closer to your ideal weight, your skin’s ability to retract and tighten post-surgery is easier to assess. If we operate while you’re heavier, additional weight loss after surgery may lead to new skin laxity that wasn’t addressed, potentially requiring revision later.
3. Reduced Surgical Risk
Lower weight often means: • Shorter anesthesia time • Lower risk of infection or wound healing issues • Better recovery and fewer complications
4. Longer-Lasting Results
Your results are more likely to hold up well over time if your weight stays consistent. Major weight changes after surgery can distort results, especially for breast and abdominal procedures.
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Thank you for your inquiry! We, at Mays Plastic Surgery, would love to meet with you to discuss your concerns. Typically, waiting until after you have reached within 10-15 pounds of your goal weight is the best time for surgery. Losing weight can alter the end result. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mays, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, to help you reach your goals.

Timing is crucial when planning elective surgery.

While there are no absolute rules, I recommend reaching a healthy stable weight with a recommended BMI as close to normal (BMI less than 30) as possible before considering elective cosmetic surgery.

With regards to your specific question, I would allow weight to stabilize before surgical planning.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

You will want to lose weight and try to maintain that weight ideally for 3 to 6 months while you get more nutritionally repleted before having surgery (rebuild protein and vitamin/mineral stores for healing). Once your breasts and surrounding tissue are stable you and your surgeon can see what breast size will be appropriate for your new, smaller body. Your surgeon may suggest implants, a lift (mastopexy), fat transfer from any stubborn areas of residual fat, or auto-augmentation with excess chest wall skin and tissue to get you the desired cosmetic result.

Thanks for your question!
It would be best to have the surgery after you reach your goal weight. This will give you the best result. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Hello,
I would recommend waiting until you reach your goal weight. Weight loss can cause breasts to change and if you get surgery prior to your goal, you may not like the look after the weight loss. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss your goals.


-Dr. Joe

Dear Hansenbriz,
it is better to wait until you lose weight because it can affect your results. 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

Losing 10-15 pounds can significantly impact the size and shape of your breasts. It's best to complete your weight loss before undergoing breast surgery. This way, you'll have a clearer idea of what type of breast surgery, and implants, will best suit your needs.

Dr. B.

Dear Hanserbriz, after read your post there is a lack of information. If you are looking for a Mommy Makeover will be good good to know your weight and height to measurement and BMI parameters. For almost all the procedures is need it to see pictures and evaluate your BMI parameters. Please submit more infromation as weight and pictures is need it. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

I recommend patients to have any cosmetic procedure only after their weight is where they can maintain it with good nutrition and regular exercise. Typically weight loss of over 10 pounds will affect your breast and side breast area by making it less full. This then can change your choice for implant size and projection. Spend the time to have a few consultations to decide who you want to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Good luck!