When Should I Get a Mommy Makeover?

The best time for you to get a Mommy Makeover depends on several factors, including whether you plan on having more children, if you have time to rest and recuperate, physical considerations such as age, weight, and general health, and whether it makes financial sense.

As Dr. David Stoker can tell you based on thousands of consultations, this decision is about more than finding an open date on the calendar. To help you determine when you should get a Mommy Makeover, read more about important considerations below.

Family Planning

If you plan to have more children, Dr. Stoker suggests waiting until your family is complete before pursuing surgery. Future pregnancies can significantly alter the results of your Mommy Makeover, potentially causing you to need additional procedures down the line.

Post-Partum Recovery

So, you’ve finished growing your family. Now what? You’ll need to wait at least 6 months after giving birth to allow your body to heal naturally. This waiting period lets your hormone levels and weight return to pre-pregnancy levels or establish a new, relatively stable baseline.

If you are breastfeeding, Dr. Stoker advises starting the 3-month clock after you’ve stopped nursing. Your breast tissue will then have time to settle into its new shape and size, providing a more predictable surgical outcome for your breast enhancement procedure.

The postpartum period is a precious time for bonding. Enjoy this time with your little one, and give your body enough time to recover.

Weight Loss Journey

Whether you have children or not, achieving a stable weight you feel comfortable at can enhance your Mommy Makeover results and ensure a smoother recovery. The rule of thumb is that patients should maintain their weight for 3 months prior to surgery, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the cosmetic and functional outcomes of the procedure.

Your procedure is tailored to your measurements and body composition at the time of surgery. Being at or near your target weight (or having a BMI in the healthy range) makes it easier to predict and maintain your results. Weight fluctuations post-surgery can also undo some of the gains from surgery by stretching the skin and putting undue strain on your healing breasts and stomach.

Recovery Time

Depending on your chosen procedures, your Mommy Makeover recovery can take several weeks before you are fully back in action. Most patients need at least 1 to 2 weeks of downtime, but activity restrictions can last up to 2 months.

You will need to plan your procedure for a time when you can commit to resting and recovery and make sure that you have a support system in place to help with household tasks and child care, especially if your children are young.

Life Events

If you are planning your procedure around a milestone, trip, or other life event, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to heal. Although the initial recovery period is around 2 weeks, your final results will gradually develop over several months as the tissues settle, your scars mature, and residual swelling subsides.

Giving yourself enough buffer means that you can put your best foot forward at your most important events. Dr. Stoker specializes in rapid recovery procedures, but it’s still good to remember that individual healing rates vary.

Your Age

While there is no perfect age for a Mommy Makeover, younger skin typically has a better healing capacity and is more elastic and resilient. These factors can contribute to a smoother, easier recovery.

However, a Mommy Makeover can be performed safely on healthy adult patients of any age. Dr. Stoker will work with you to achieve beautiful, natural-looking outcomes and set realistic expectations about your results and recovery.

Other Considerations

Your Health: If you have any existing medical conditions that could affect your surgery or recovery, you will need a clean bill of health before you can proceed with surgery. You should consult your primary care physician to discuss your candidacy for a Mommy Makeover and to book any bloodwork or other necessary tests.

Emotional Well-Being: Beyond the physical toll on your body, Dr. Stoker encourages you to consider your emotional and mental readiness for surgery and recovery. Having a solid support system in place, understanding your surgical options, and setting realistic expectations are invaluable during this time.

Financial Planning: Surgery is a significant investment, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Numerous financing options are available to help you pay in more affordable installments. Getting your finances in order can give you peace of mind when booking your surgery and ensure you aren’t surprised by the bill later.

Seasonal Timing: Some patients prefer scheduling their surgeries during cooler months when it’s easier to stay indoors and heal comfortably. The additional clothing layers can also conceal postoperative swelling and compression garments.

Still Have Questions?

Dive deeper into this topic by reading our related blog posts:

What Age Is Best for a Mommy Makeover? – Consider surgical implications at different phases of life and learn why age is often just a number.

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Do I Need To Lose Weight Before a Mommy Makeover? – Understand the importance of BMI and weight stability when planning for surgery.

Dr. Stoker has guided thousands of patients through this exciting process. If you have any questions or would like to meet with him to discuss your options, please request a consultation or call Stoker Plastic Surgery at (310) 300-1779 to get started.