Why Winter is the Best Time for a Mommy Makeover

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Dr. Eric Barker

December 28, 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.

Many women feel self-conscious about their appearance after giving birth. These changes can seem dramatic, especially when it comes to small fat pockets and excess skin around the middle. Fortunately, winter is the perfect time to restore your pre-pregnancy body and regain your confidence.

A mommy makeover typically includes breast augmentation, tummy tuck surgery, and liposuction to create a more beautiful and balanced figure. Plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Barker can review the details of a mommy makeover and why winter is the best time for this procedure in Denver, CO. Call Peak Plastic Surgery Center for a quick consultation and start your journey to a better you.

What does a mommy makeover achieve?

Pregnancy often leads to problems like excess fat and loose skin around the middle, and it usually remains after birth. Breastfeeding also causes the breasts to sag and stretch out. A mommy makeover is designed to remove small fat pockets and loose or hanging skin around the midsection. Dr. Barker can create a smoother and flatter abdomen, lift sagging breasts, and improve your overall contours with one simple and straightforward surgery.

What should I expect during recovery?

Mommy makeovers at Peak Plastic Surgery Center are completely personalized based on the needs of each patient, so recovery may look different for everyone. However, you should expect to spend several weeks in recovery due to swelling and bruising. Most women return to normal activities after a few weeks if they follow our detailed post-operative instructions. It may take six months for a full recovery to occur.

Why is winter the best time for surgery?

Women are encouraged to plan their mommy makeover procedures around vacations and big events. So, if you’re eager to look good during the summer months, winter may be the best time for surgery. You’ll have plenty of time to recover without missing out on any fun. Here’s why breast augmentation, tummy tuck surgery, and liposuction are especially popular during winter in Denver:

 

  • Get more rest: Winter weather allows mommy makeover patients to stay inside and rest more comfortably
  • Limited sun exposure: Sun exposure can delay healing and cause complications, like skin inflammation and scarring in the treatment areas
  • Feel more comfortable: The cooler temperatures can help relieve the discomfort that comes with swelling and bruising

How else can I prepare for a mommy makeover?

In addition to planning your surgery for winter, there are a few things you can do to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Dr. Barker suggests staying hydrated by drinking water, eating meals packed with vitamins and nutrients, and starting or stopping medications as directed by our team. Peak Plastic Surgery Center works hard to make sure every patient is prepared for a safe and effective procedure with results they can enjoy for years to come.

Plan out your mommy makeover

Breast augmentation, tummy tuck surgery, and liposuction are popular procedures that make you look and feel great in your body again. If you’re having trouble planning your mommy makeover and want guidance from a trained professional, call to meet with Dr. Eric Barker at Peak Plastic Surgery Center in Denver, CO. We’re happy to get you started on the right path.

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!