Most plastic surgeons will encourage you to be at or near your ideal weight (usually within 20 pounds of your goal) before having a Mommy Makeover. In this blog post, I will explain why surgeons recommend that patients be at their “ideal weight” before undergoing surgery, why weight stability and body mass index tend to matter more than the number on the scale, and what happens if you can’t shed as many pounds as you’d like.
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Why Does Weight Matter for Surgery?
Being at a healthy weight before Mommy Makeover surgery is important for safety reasons. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 are often at an increased risk of complications during elective surgery (especially when undergoing multiple procedures at the same time, such as during a Mommy Makeover).
It’s also important from an aesthetic perspective. Your surgical plan is based on your current body composition and measurements, so the closer you are to your target, the more closely your results will align with your vision.
Understanding the Role of BMI
Patients sometimes have an unrealistic “ideal weight” or a target number that may not be attainable with diet and exercise alone. In this case, a BMI chart can help you distinguish between a “healthy weight” and an “ideal weight” based on your current height and weight.
BMI isn’t the be-all and end-all measurement, and it should be considered along with your activity level and general health. If you already have a healthy BMI, you may not need to lose weight to qualify for surgery.
What happens if you fall into the “overweight” category? Your plastic surgeon should discuss the potential risks of surgery with you and how they may mitigate them. They should also give you a realistic but compassionate view of whether you are a good candidate at this time and what may need to change before you can book your procedure.
Weight Stability Before and After Surgery
If you’re only partway through your weight loss journey, it might be tempting to get surgery before crossing the finish line. However, losing a significant amount of weight after body contouring can actually compromise your results.
Skin elasticity plays a major part in procedures like a tummy tuck. If your weight fluctuates dramatically after your makeover, your midsection might develop new folds of saggy skin.
The same goes for pre-surgery. You may want to book your consultation as soon as you are approaching your target weight. While this is certainly a moment worth celebrating, I advise you to wait 3 months before surgery to ensure that you can maintain a consistent, stable weight.
This is, again, to reduce surgical risk and minimize complications with anesthesia and wound healing. It also makes your Mommy Makeover results more predictable and easier to maintain in the long run.
Planning Your Procedure
Weight is only one aspect to consider when timing your Mommy Makeover. When it comes to surgery and family planning, there are many factors to keep in mind, from how soon after birth you can have surgery to age-related considerations.
Ultimately, the decision of when to get a Mommy Makeover is between you and your surgeon. Patients who are overweight before surgery may want to have their procedures performed at different times. By splitting up time-intensive surgeries, such as a tummy tuck or a breast lift, you can avoid the risks of a longer operation.
Alternatively, you may qualify for liposuction as a standalone procedure; while not intended for weight loss, it does remove excess, stubborn body fat. It may be just the boost you need to safely undergo more extensive procedures in the future. Discuss these options with your doctor to see which solution is safest for you.
Explore Your Mommy Makeover Options
The best way to know whether you need to lose weight before your procedure is to come in for a personal consultation. To discuss your options in a respectful, welcoming environment, please request a consultation or call Stoker Plastic Surgery at (310) 300-1779 to get started.
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