Should You Keep A Stable Weight Before A Mommy Makeover?

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Dr. Eric Barker

January 14, 2021

Dr. Barker earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. He then completed his combined training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Rush University Medical Center and John H. Stroger, Jr. (Cook County) Hospital in Chicago, IL. Dr. Barker was able to train under distinguished breast reconstructive surgeon Dr. Anuja Antony, and prestigious cosmetic surgeon Dr. John Q. Cook.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Barker is pleased to offer mommy makeovers to Denver, CO women who want to restore their pre-pregnancy physique. A mommy makeover at Peak Plastic Surgery Center is a cosmetic surgery that incorporates a series of procedures to sculpt the body and breasts that include a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) as well as a breast augmentation with or without a breast lift. The goal of mommy makeover surgery is to restore the breasts to a more youthful shape and position while also removing excess skin on the abdomen, and tighten the remaining tissues/abdominal musculature to achieve a slimmer silhouette. A mommy makeover often includes liposuction as well to target specific problem areas on the body. Dr. Barker has been performing mommy makeover surgeries for many years and has helped countless women in Denver, CO achieve their aesthetic goals. To discover more on how to prep for a mommy makeover, continue reading.

How is a mommy makeover performed?

A mommy makeover is a highly customized procedure that uses general anesthesia in a licensed Surgical Center. During your preoperative visit, Dr. Barker will discuss in depth all of your concerns and develop a customized surgical plan to address them. This body contouring procedure is designed to restore the pre-pregnancy lift and shape of the breasts, re-tighten abdominal muscles, remove loose/stretched abdominal skin as well as stubborn pockets of fat from designated areas on the body after pregnancy. Dr. Barker will use his expertise to place all incisions discreetly, ensuring scars are hidden. This is done so women will be comfortable wearing clothes and bathing suits without becoming self-conscious about their post-operative scars.

What is included in a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is uniquely tailored to the needs of each patient but it often includes:

Preparing for mommy makeover surgery

Cosmetic surgery is not a weight loss solution. If you are considering a mommy makeover, you should be at or near your goal weight. We understand that this can be challenging, but being as close as possible to your ideal weight will help yield optimal outcomes. During your initial consultation at Peak Plastic Surgery Center in Denver, CO, Dr. Barker will assess your current concerns and will work with you to develop a customized surgical plan to address each of them. If you feel as though you are not at your ideal post-pregnancy weight, Dr. Barker will be happy to give recommendations on how to lose those last few troublesome pounds. Each patient should feel comfortable with Dr. Barker, his staff, and the overall surgical plan to ensure the process is as stress-free as possible from beginning to end.

When is the best time to get a mommy makeover?

The best time to undergo a mommy makeover is when:

  • Your body has had ample time to recover after pregnancy (typically recommend a minimum of 6 months)
  • You have achieved your post-pregnancy goal weight
  • You do not wish to have further pregnancies

It’s very important to understand that any future pregnancies and extreme weight gain will alter your mommy makeover results. Dr. Barker does not recommend mommy makeovers to women who still plan on having future pregnancies given the natural change in your abdominal contour that comes with pregnancy. If this is a concern, Dr. Barker may recommend other minimally invasive options for your abdomen that can help you achieve your aesthetic goals until you are ready to undergo a full mommy makeover.

Questions to ask before having a mommy makeover

Some great questions to ask Dr. Barker during your initial mommy makeover consult include:

 

  • Which procedures should I include?
  • Where will my incisions be placed?
  • How long will my incisions be?
  • Will my incisions be visible after surgery?
  • What will my recovery be like?
  • How long will it take for scars to heal?
  • When will I see my mommy makeover results?

Mommy makeover Denver, CO

Considering a mommy makeover? Please call Peak Plastic Surgery Center in Denver, CO today. Plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Barker will be happy to discuss your aesthetic goals and how a mommy makeover may be right for you.

A common question we receive at Peak Plastic Surgery is: Who is a candidate for a mini tummy tuck? This is a frequent inquiry because there is often confusion about the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

When we talk about a mini tummy tuck, it specifically addresses excess abdominal skin below the belly button. Essentially, the goal is to flatten the area below the belly button by removing any excess abdominal skin. This procedure often targets damaged skin below the belly button, which is commonly caused by stretch marks. In many cases, this damage results from pregnancy in women or significant weight gain in men.

When patients call our office and speak with my coordinator prior to their consultation, we ask a few key questions to determine their concerns. If excess abdominal skin is mentioned, we follow up by asking:

  • Where is the excess skin located?
  • Is it all over the abdomen or just in the lower part?

If a patient indicates the issue is primarily in the lower abdomen, especially following a C-section, they are often ideal candidates for a mini abdominoplasty. C-section scars frequently tether to the abdominal wall, creating contour irregularities or an “overflow” of skin above the scar.

A mini tummy tuck is effective in removing this lower abdominal skin, and it can be combined with laser liposuction (performed while awake in my clinic) to achieve a smooth, flat appearance. However, candidacy also depends on other factors, including:

  • Weight status: Are you at or near your goal weight?
  • Pregnancy history: Have you had a recent pregnancy?
  • Recovery timeline: Has enough time passed (typically 6–8 months) for your skin and subcutaneous tissues to heal and retract after pregnancy?

If you’re a mother, we need to evaluate where your muscles have settled after pregnancy. The abdominal muscles (rectus musculature) often separate in the middle (a condition called rectus diastasis), and while they may return to their normal position, they sometimes require surgical repair.

If muscle repair is necessary, the procedure will require general anesthesia. If not, the procedure can be done while you’re awake. All of these factors are assessed during your consultation to determine the most appropriate approach for your mini abdominoplasty.

For many of my patients, the decision comes down to whether the excess skin is located only below the belly button. If there’s no excess skin above the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be the ideal solution. In cases where there are additional skin or muscle concerns, we might discuss options like adding laser liposuction or performing muscle repair.

For mothers specifically, we recommend waiting at least 6–8 months after giving birth to allow the skin to heal and the abdominal muscles to settle. This ensures we have a clear picture of your body’s post-pregnancy recovery before proceeding with surgery.

It’s also worth noting that a mini abdominoplasty does not preclude future procedures. For instance, patients may later opt for a full tummy tuck due to changes in weight, skin elasticity, or personal goals. While I prefer to achieve optimal results in one surgery whenever possible, patient goals and circumstances often evolve over time.

Ultimately, deciding on a mini tummy tuck depends on your individual goals and timeline. During your preoperative phone consultation with my coordinator, and later in your in-person consultation with me, we’ll discuss your concerns and expectations to determine the best surgical approach for you.

For those wondering if a mini tummy tuck is right for them: the ideal candidate is someone who is close to their goal weight and wants to address excess skin below the belly button. Whether it’s due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or other factors, this procedure can help patients achieve a flatter, more defined lower abdomen.

Even if you decide on a mini abdominoplasty now, you remain a candidate for a full tummy tuck in the future if needed. Our goal is to guide you through this process and ensure your surgical outcomes align with your long-term goals.

Learn more and schedule your consultation!