For plus size women, pregnancy can change their body in countless ways and sometimes even with diet and exercise your body may struggle to bounce back after dealing with stretching skin, shifting fat deposits, and changes in breast shape. A plus size mommy makeover can help you get back to pre pregnancy shape especially for women with a higher bmi.

Unlike traditional mommy makeovers that often exclude plus size patients, Dr. Nick Masri is one of the few surgeons in the U.S. specializing in high BMI patients. His approach is tailored to the unique needs of women with more curves and fuller figures.

In this guide, we’ll explain how a plus size mommy makeover works, what makes it different, and what you can expect if you’re considering this life-changing surgery.

You’re a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover if…

• You’re finished having children (or accept that future pregnancy can change results).
• Your weight has been stable for at least 6 months.
• Any conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea) are well-controlled.
• You can arrange help at home for the first 1–2 weeks.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Key Takeaways

• A plus size mommy makeover is tailored for women with a higher BMI, addressing skin laxity, stubborn fat, and post-pregnancy body changes.
• Procedures may include an extended tummy tuck, breast lift or reduction, bra-roll excision, thigh lift, buttock lift, and liposuction (usually combined with skin excision).
• Risks of bleeding, seromas, wound infection,delayed wound healing, and blood clots are some complications that can be decreased with the appropriate patient selection and preop planning
• Long-term results depend on weight stability, overall health, and lifestyle choices, not on achieving a “slim ideal.”
• Dr. Nick Masri is double board-certified and one of the few U.S. surgeons who routinely performs mommy makeovers for plus size patients.

Why a Mommy Makeover Is Different for High-BMI / Plus Size Patients

When a surgeon considers a plus size patient as a mommy makeover candidate they chose those with an ideal BMI with minor skin laxity and fat distribution.

Plus size patients often enjoy their plus size however they seek to enhance their shape and contour by removing tissue from some areas and repositioning in others.

However, plus-size patients face a different picture of the world and a one-size-fits-all plan won’t cut it for them. Here’s why:

• Greater thickness of their fat layers and looseness of their skin which means that incisions have to be placed differently and dictate how much fat can be safely removed.
• Weight gain post pregnancy can also leave behind weight in problem areas like the midsection, hips, back and thighs that can be more difficult to target with diet or exercise, so these areas may need a combination of surgical excision and liposuction to get the smoother look.
• Health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea may be more prevalent in higher bmi patients so this requires more pre-operative planning and post-operative monitoring is required to prevent complications.
• A single procedure may not be an ideal option for heavier patients. However, surgeons with strong experience with high bmi patients, like Dr. Nick Masri, will often tailor the procedure to meet specific needs safely. Sometimes, It’s often better to stage the surgery into smaller, more manageable operations to avoid the strain on the body.
• Finally, the experience and expertise of the surgeon is something that also matters a lot when it comes to surgeries for plus-size patients, not all plastic surgeons are confident operating on plus size individuals..

Key Procedures in a Plus Size Mommy Makeover

Extended Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty

• Goal:remove excess skin and stubborn fat from the abdomen and tighten the abdominal wall muscles to further narrow and enhance the waistline
• For higher BMI patients: An extended Tummy Tuck may be necessary to remove skin and fat beyond the hips to the lower back to highlight natural curves hidden underneath the excess tissue
• Benefits: improves comfort, posture, and clothing fit.
• Risks: one of the most common risks after abdominoplasty is a buildup of fluid under the skin (also known as seroma). A large review of 1,008 patients found the overall seroma rate to be 15.4%, and in cases where liposuction was added (lipoabdominoplasty), the rate rose to as high as 31.2% in some groups (Vidal et al., 2017, PMC5621815).

Breast Lift or Reduction

• Dr. Nick Masri doesn’t do fat transfer to breasts and recommends implants as a second stage should they require more projection following a reduction/lift.
• Restores shape, reduces sagging, eliminates distress from overly large breasts.
• Larger-breasted patients usually require lift with reduction instead of implants.

Bra-Roll Excision / Back Contouring

• Purpose: remove stubborn fat and skin rolls on upper and mid-back.
• Dr. Nick Masri doesn’t do liposuction and skin excision in the same area. He generally does liposuction in another area at the same time as excision for heavier patients.
• These areas don’t respond well to diet and exercise.
• Outcome: smoother silhouette under bras and clothing.

Thigh Lift / Outer Thigh Reshaping

• Firms and reshapes inner or outer thighs after pregnancy or weight loss.
• Requires longer incisions; surgeons must be cautious of blood supply.
• May combine liposuction with skin excision for best results.
• Benefits: reduces chafing, improves mobility, enhances contour of lower body.

Buttock Lift and Shaping

• Creates a more youthful tighter appearance of the buttock, smooths sagging skin, and balances curves of midsection with rear.
• Options: traditional butt lift, restricted fat transfer, flap techniques.
• For higher BMI patients: this may require high volume fat transfer vs. skin excision to achieve their desired goals

Liposuction (as Supplement)

• Removes unwanted fat from flanks, arms, thighs, etc.
• For higher BMI patients: skin doesn’t tighten well, so liposuction alone is insufficient.
• Usually performed during a second stage at a later date
• Surgeons may limit fat removal to achieve better results in order to better predict how well overlying skin contracts

 

Candidacy & Safety Considerations for High-BMI Patients

Not every plus size patient will be an immediate candidate for a mommy makeover. The decision depends less on a specific BMI number and more on your overall health, lifestyle, and surgical goals.

Key Factors Surgeons Evaluate

Health and Lifestyle Factors

• Assessing a mommy makeover, the weight of a patient is not the deciding factor, rather it’s their general health, lifestyle, and what they’re hoping to achieve from surgery.

Medical History Considerations

• Surgeons consider medical history, but a history of diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea doesn’t necessarily mean that a patient is ruled out, they do however need to be tightly controlled.

Stable Weight Requirement

• Most surgeons who work with plus-size patients require patients to have been at a stable weight for around six months, the continuous changes can affect results and healing.
• Timing plays a strong role in safe outcomes. Experts recommend patients maintain a stable weight for 12–24 months before body contouring to improve healing and durability of results (Boswell, 2010, PMC6188338).”

Risk Factors

• Smokers, vapers and people who take certain medications have higher surgery risks, these must be addressed before surgery can be considered.

Support System

• As plus-size patients often require more help at home, a reliable support system is also taken into account, and will be necessary to help them through the recovery process.

Limitations of Surgery

• Surgery can help reshape, restore the body, but does not serve as a cure for major weight loss, or obesity-related conditions. Again, it is not a weight loss procedure.

BMI Limits vs. Specialized Care

• Different practices seem to use completely rigid BMI limits, whose BMI is above thirty or thirty-five, but specialists in plus size surgery like Dr. Nick Masri will look beyond numbers, considering each individual’s overall health, aims, and requirements, and many high-BMI patients who are otherwise in good health, are fantastic candidates.
• If they have smaller-scale goals, these can be achieved through a multi-stage procedure.

Surgical Setting

• Hospital-based settings are, in many cases, the safest place to have these larger procedures because it gives access to specialized anesthesia teams who can sort out tricky airways and other health issues, and lets doctors monitor patients through the night, as an additional safety measure in the unlikely risk of an emergency.

 

Preoperative Planning & Patient Preparation

Preparation is just as important as the surgery itself. For plus size patients, extra planning helps reduce risks and makes recovery smoother. Here’s what to expect before your plus size mommy makeover.

Setting Realistic Goals

• A plus size mommy makeover reshapes and restores, but it’s not designed to create a “size 2” body.
• Focus on comfort, clothing fit, and proportion rather than chasing an unrealistic ideal.
• Bring reference photos or examples to your consultation to clarify your expectations.

Medical Optimization

• Health screening: Lab work, imaging, and specialist clearances may be required depending on your medical history.
• Weight stability: Maintain a steady weight for at least 6 months before surgery.
• Medication adjustments: Blood thinners, certain supplements, and hormone therapies may need to be stopped or modified.
• Smoking and vaping: Must be discontinued at least 6 weeks prior — nicotine slows healing and increases complication risk.

Preparing at Home

• Support system: Arrange for help with childcare, meals, and daily tasks. You won’t be able to lift or bend for the first couple of weeks.
• Comfort zone: Set up a recovery area at home with pillows, recliner or adjustable bed, and easy access to bathroom and water.
• Supplies: Stock up on compression garments, loose clothing, healthy snacks, and any prescribed medications.

Pre-Op Surgical Planning

• Photography and measurements: Surgeons document “before” images and mark incision lines on the day of surgery.
• Incision placement: For high-BMI patients, incisions may extend further to remove more tissue — this will be discussed in detail beforehand.
• Procedure staging: Depending on the extent of surgery, some steps may be performed in stages for maximum safety.

Mental Preparation

• Understand that recovery is gradual. Swelling, bruising, and drains are part of the process.
• Patience is key — final results may take months to fully appear.
• Many plus size patients report emotional relief and renewed confidence once healing is complete.

What to Expect During the Surgery & Immediately After

Knowing what the day of surgery looks like and the first 24–48 hours afterward helps reduce anxiety and sets realistic expectations. A plus size mommy makeover is a major operation, and preparation for the immediate recovery phase is critical.

It should also be noted that surgeries like plus size mommy makeovers by Dr. Nick Masri performed at memorial hospitals – please see this page to get a better understanding on process and price.

Preparation and Arrival

• Understanding what the day of the operation and the first 24–48 hours will look like is a huge help in calming nerves and being realistic about the recovery process, when preparing for a plus size mommy makeover surgery.
• Coming into the hospital or surgical center a few hours before the operation, the nurses will get you all settled, insert IV lines, give you some medication and run through the consent forms.

Anaesthesia, Surgery, and Incisions

• General anaesthesia is pretty much standard for this type of surgery, but for people who are heavier, anesthesiologists take extra precautions to make sure that the airway stays open and their blood pressure stays stable.
• Surgery times can vary depending on the number of procedures, but could last anything from four to eight hours and if the surgeon decides to split the surgery into multiple stages, they’ll tell you what order they’ll do it in.
• The incisions might be a bit longer than average because of the extra skin and fat that needs to be removed, and sometimes drains are placed to stop fluids building up.
• Well-known to be quite uncomfortable, the tummy tuck part of the operation can be the most difficult part of the recovery.

Recovery and Pain Management

• In the recovery room you’ll be monitored for a few hours, then sent to an overnight hospital room or sent home, depending on the plan.
• Painkillers will be prescribed, lots of people say that the pain is manageable but can be a challenge.
• Mobility is really important after surgery, and you’ll be encouraged to walk around the house as soon as possible to cut the risk of blood clots, and high-BMI patients might need a bit more help, but getting moving is non-negotiable.

Dressings, Swelling, and Drain Care

• The dressings and pressure garments that are applied will be left in place to support the healing process.
• Swelling and bruising is probably at its worst in the first two days, but will gradually go down.
• If a drain is left in, you’ll be shown how to empty and measure the fluid, and will be closely monitored by the nurses or your support team.

Recovery Timeline & Milestones

The healing process takes time, and understanding what to expect is a major part of the journey, when recovering from a plus size mommy makeover. It’s good to gauge expectations and understand that the body heals in a non-linear way.

Weeks 1 to 2

After surgery weeks 1 to 2, patients are advised to do short walks to prevent blood clots and move about the house in a slightly bent position if they have had a tummy tuck, as pain and swelling will be the worst. Pain management, compression garments and medication are employed. If drainage tubes are used, patients are going to need to monitor and empty them daily until they’re taken out by their surgeon.

There are no lifting, driving or physically demanding tasks allowed.

Weeks 3 to 6

Coming weeks three to six, lots of patients start to feel more like themselves and are able to go back to light activities and desk work. They may also be allowed to drive if they’re off the painkillers. Swelling is still likely present.

Stitches that weren’t absorbed will be taken out and their incisions will begin the initial stages of healing, while energy levels start to rise, though they’re not yet back to full strength.

Months 3 to 6

Months three to six sees the body starting to show off its brand-new shape as the swelling reduces, and the incisions from their surgery flatten, lighten in color and may still be visible, but become less obtrusive.

Around the same time, patients usually get back to regular exercise with the okay of their surgeon and lots of them report that their clothes fit much better, and going shopping has become a lot more pleasant.

6 Months to 1 Year

Six months to one year is the stage of long-term healing. Final results are seen, and the swelling is gone and the scars are mature, providing people with reduced chafing, better posture and greater mobility, and lots of them claim this is life changing, basically the best they’ve ever felt.

Risks & How They Differ in High-BMI Cases 

General Risk Awareness

It’s a good idea to know that all surgeries carry some risks. However, for plus-size patients, these concerns and the strategies to manage them differ and are best addressed by a surgeon who has experience in high-BMI cases.

Common and Additional Risks for High BMI Patients

Infection, bleeding or hematoma, seroma, wound complications, asymmetry and contour irregularities, and blood clots are risks that affect all mommy makeovers.

High-BMI patients, however, may face slower wound healing, larger tissue spaces that make fluid buildup, such as seroma, more likely, a different profile concerning anesthesia problems and have more instances of pre-existing health conditions.

Strategies to Manage Risks

Experienced and high-BMI specialists such as Dr. Nick Masri worked out some of these risks by putting patients through an intense checkup before surgery.

Other strategies usually implemented are breaking up operations into smaller, manageable chunks, inserting drains and compression garments to stop fluid from building up, and using medications, compression devices, and getting patients moving quickly to prevent blood clots.

Post surgery follow ups are also key to manage recovery and potential post surgery risks.

 

Mommy Makeover: Results, Longevity & Maintenance

Results, Longevity & Maintenance

A plus size mommy makeover is about lasting improvement — not quick fixes. The results can be dramatic, but how long they last depends on your lifestyle, health, and future plans.

What Results to Expect

• Improved contour and proportion: Smoother abdomen, lifted breasts, reduced back rolls, and better waist-to-hip balance.
• Comfort in daily life: Less chafing, easier mobility, and clothing that fits without constant adjustments.
• Boosted confidence: Many patients report a significant emotional lift, saying they finally feel like themselves again after pregnancy and weight changes.

How Long Do Results Last?

• Stable weight is key: Fluctuations in weight can stretch skin and tissues again. Maintaining a steady weight helps preserve results.
• Pregnancy will alter results: It’s best to wait until you’re finished having children before pursuing a mommy makeover.
• Aging is natural: Skin elasticity changes over time, but results can still last many years with proper care.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

• Healthy lifestyle: Balanced nutrition and regular exercise support long-term results.
• Skin care: Scar treatments, moisturizing, and sun protection help incisions heal well.
• Follow-up visits: Regular check-ins with your surgeon ensure healing stays on track and potential issues are addressed early.
• Patience with scars: Scars will fade over 12–18 months. Using scar therapies and avoiding sun exposure can make them less noticeable.

Why Choose Dr. Nick Masri for Your Plus Size Mommy Makeover

When it comes to plastic surgery, not all surgeons are equally experienced with plus size patients. Many practices turn away women with a higher BMI, citing risks or limited experience. That’s where Dr. Nick Masri stands out.

A Surgeon Who Specializes in High-BMI Patients

• Double board-certified: Dr. Masri is board-certified in both Plastic Surgery and General Surgery.
• Decades of experience: He has performed thousands of body contouring surgeries, with a focus on patients who have higher BMIs.
• Safety-first approach: Procedures are performed in a fully accredited hospital setting, with expert anesthesia care and overnight monitoring when needed.
• Customized surgical plans: Instead of rejecting patients based on BMI alone, Dr. Masri evaluates overall health, goals, and realistic outcomes.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Nick Masri

• Expertise in plus size body contouring: Few surgeons in the U.S. work as extensively with higher BMI patients.
• Comprehensive care: From pre-op planning to long-term follow-up, patients receive attentive care every step of the way.
• Proven results: Patients report better comfort, mobility, and confidence after surgery.
• Realistic guidance: Dr. Masri emphasizes achievable results — focusing on proportion and function, not an unrealistic “slim” ideal.

Dr. Masri and his team believe BMI should not automatically disqualify you from feeling good in your own body.

About the Author

---

References

1. Vidal, P., et al. “Managing Complications in Abdominoplasty: A Literature Review.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery / Global Open, 2017. PMC5621815.
   • This paper reports that among 1,008 abdominoplasties, the seroma rate was 15.4%, and that combining liposuction (lipoabdominoplasty) in some series was associated with higher rates (e.g. 31.2%) in certain groups.PMC
2. Boswell, C. B. “Body Contouring Following Massive Weight Loss.” MO Med, 2010 May-June;107(3):189-94. PMC6188338.
   • This article (PMCID PMC6188338) is often cited in body contouring literature, and outlines recommendations such as waiting until weight loss stabilizes (12–24 months) before contouring surgery.PMC