Plus Size Mommy Makeover: BMI, Risks & Realistic Results

A plus size mommy makeover uses the same procedures as any mommy makeover — a tummy tuck, liposuction and a breast lift, reduction or augmentation — adapted for a larger body. The focus is on removing hanging skin and stubborn fat and improving proportions. It is not designed to produce dramatic weight loss, and surgeons often recommend splitting the work into stages to reduce time under anaesthesia.

There is no single BMI cut-off for a mommy makeover, but most plastic surgeons prefer a BMI under 30 for the best safety and results. Some accept patients with a BMI of 35 or up to 40 if they are otherwise healthy and any medical conditions are well controlled. Above that, most surgeons advise losing weight first. To work out your BMI, see the ideal body weight chart and BMI.

The risk of a high BMI mommy makeover rises steadily with weight. A study of 127,961 aesthetic surgery patients:

"Overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30) are both independent risk factors for post-operative infection and VTE in aesthetic surgery." — Gupta V et al., Aesthet Surg J 2016;36(6):718–729

Obesity raised the risk of infection by 2.73 times and of blood clots (VTE) by 2.56 times. In a separate study of 25,478 tummy tuck patients, a BMI of 30 or more was one of the independent risk factors for major complications (Winocour et al., 2015). For the wider safety picture, see mommy makeover death rate and risks.

There is no single ideal weight for a mommy makeover, but surgeons generally want you to be within 10 to 20 pounds of your stable goal weight and to have held that weight for 6 to 12 months. A stable weight matters because losing or gaining a lot afterwards can stretch the skin and change the result. The ASPS lists "You are at your ideal body weight" among its candidate criteria.

For a plus size mommy makeover, many surgeons split the work into two operations — for example the abdomen first and the breasts months later. Each operation is shorter, which matters because multiple procedures were an independent risk factor in the 25,478-patient study (relative risk 1.5). The trade-off is two recoveries and, often, two trips if you travel for surgery.

A mommy makeover after significant weight loss — through diet, weight-loss medication or bariatric surgery — tightens loose skin, repairs the abdominal muscles and removes leftover fat. After massive weight loss, the plan may add an arm lift, thigh lift or lower body lift. Wait until your weight has been stable before planning surgery. Related reading: skin removal surgery cost, how to tighten loose skin after weight loss and weight-loss injections vs gastric sleeve.

1. Hold a stable weight for 6 to 12 months.
2. Control medical conditions such as diabetes and blood pressure with your doctor.
3. Stop smoking and vaping well before and after surgery.
4. Agree a blood-clot prevention plan — compression, early walking and medication where advised.
5. Discuss staging if your plan is long.
6. Set realistic goals: shape and proportion, not a number on the scale.

A plus size mommy makeover before and after usually shows a flatter lower abdomen without the overhanging skin, a more defined waist and lifted breasts. On the scale, the scale usually moves only about 5 to 15 pounds, but many drop 1 to 3 clothing sizes. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. See mommy makeover before and after: what photos show for how to judge results honestly.

Whether a plus size mommy makeover is safe for you depends on your BMI, your health and the size of the plan. Livist Medical arranges mommy makeover packages, including 360° tummy tuck options, at contracted healthcare institutions holding a Health Tourism Authorization Certificate. Send your height, weight and photos for a free assessment.