Mommy Makeover

Introduction

A mommy makeover refers to a combination of plastic surgery procedures that are chosen by you and your surgeon in order to address the changes to your post-pregnancy body. The most commonly performed procedures during a mommy makeover include breast augmentation, breast lift with or without implants, breast reduction, full or mini tummy tuck, and liposuction. However, there are many additional treatments, such as thigh lift or cosmetic injections, that can be performed during a mommy makeover, depending on your specific concerns.

Surgery Preparation

During an initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss your post-pregnancy body goals and procedure options. When discussing the areas of your body that you would like to improve, it is important for you to be as specific as possible so that your surgeon can advise you on the most suitable procedures for your needs. The number and variety of treatments you choose, as well as your general health, will determine whether your mommy makeover will be completed as one combined procedure or as a series of surgeries performed over a greater period of time. If combined into one stage, the mommy makeover typically lasts from three to five hours, but the actual length of the surgery depends upon the number and type of procedures being performed. Prior to surgery, your surgeon will draw incision guidelines on your breasts, abdomen, and outer thighs. You will be placed under anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will most likely administer general anesthesia, which causes you to sleep during the procedure.

Breast Enhancement

Following pregnancy, breast appearance can be dissatisfying for many women as the physical demands of childbirth and nursing can change breast shape and volume dramatically. Some women find that their breasts sag and lose significant volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Depending upon the amount of remaining breast tissue, breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a breast lift with implants is necessary in order to return breasts to their pre-pregnancy state. Alternatively, some women find that their breasts are excessively large and disproportionate to their body size post-pregnancy. In these cases, breast reduction is required in order to alleviate discomfort and achieve more balanced and shapely breasts.

Tummy Tucks

Pregnancy can affect the abdominal area dramatically. Abdominal muscles often pull apart and can be separated permanently, requiring surgical closure and tightening to restore the abdomen to its pre-pregnancy state. Additionally, abdominal skin undergoes significant stretching during pregnancy, often resulting in stretch marks and loose, sagging skin. These conditions may persist despite proper diet and exercise and can make the abdomen appear disproportionate to the rest of the body. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can restore the appearance of a firmer, flatter abdomen. A full tummy tuck removes excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks, as well as tightens the muscles in the abdominal wall. Alternatively, a mini tummy tuck concentrates on removing excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks below the navel.

Liposuction

Often the weight gain that accompanies pregnancy can be difficult to lose afterward. Post-pregnancy, it is common for women to have excess fat accumulation on the hips, thighs, and love handles, but almost any part of the body can be affected. Most body fat is located on top of muscle tissue, just beneath the skin. Blood vessels supply the area with blood, and nerve endings provide sensation to the skin. The amount of fat that accumulates under the skin varies depending upon inherited traits, body type, and lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet. Liposuction works by removing the excess fat surgically, resulting in improved contours in the desired areas. There are a variety of liposuction techniques available, including the use of ultrasonic waves or laser light to aid fat removal.

Recovery

Depending upon the number and type of procedures you undergo, your surgeon’s preference, and your general health, it is possible that you will spend the night in the hospital or aftercare facility, returning home the day after your surgery. You will likely need to wear compression garments on your breasts, abdomen, and thighs, which help to reduce swelling by preventing fluid buildup while providing comfort and support during your recovery. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal, and you may be prescribed medication to manage your pain as you heal. Bandages will likely be removed within the first week following surgery, while any non-dissolvable sutures are removed after one to two weeks. If present, surgical drains can remain for up to three weeks before removal. You may be instructed to wear the compression garments and to avoid excessive exertion or heavy lifting for a month or more, but is important to discuss your recovery plan with your surgeon as your healing process will depend upon your specific procedures.

Risks and Results

The risks associated with the mommy makeover are similar to those of most major operations, which include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and fluid formation. However, as each mommy makeover is different,  be sure to consult with your surgeon about potential complications. It is important to understand that future pregnancies and significant weight changes may affect the results of your surgery. Immediately following your surgery, you will notice a dramatic difference in the size and shape of your breasts and abdomen, as well as in the contours of your body. You will continue to see changes as your swelling decreases, and it may take up to one year before the final results from your procedure are apparent. Although you will have scarring from your surgery, your scars should fade considerably over time. Patients typically experience high satisfaction with the results of a mommy makeover, and with proper diet and exercise, you can enjoy those results for many years.