Mommy Makeover

Mommy Makeover:

Overview:

The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore the shape and appearance of a woman’s body after childbearing. Many women notice changes in their bodies post-pregnancy. There are many areas of the body that can be addressed, most commonly the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia and buttocks. A mommy makeover is typically performed as a single stage procedure. There are many techniques used to perform a mommy makeover, and many factors should be taken into consideration when choosing which techniques are best:

  • Desired amount of restoration
  • Placement of the incisions
  • Type of implant used

Each patient has her own personal goals with her mommy makeover, which often include one or more of the following:

  • Correct sagging and restore volume to breasts
  • Improve breast symmetry
  • Repair stretched or large nipple/areola
  • Remove excess, sagging skin from the abdomen
  • Repair stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
  • Reduce pockets of diet- and exercise-resistant fat
  • Improve the way clothing and swimsuits fit

 

Who is a good candidate for Mommy Makeover?

Mommy makeover surgery is a highly individualized procedure. This procedure is ideal for the moms who want to get back to before pregnancy shape.

Determining the right time for a mommy makeover is largely a personal decision between you and your cosmetic surgeon; however, there are certain factors to consider when timing a mommy makeover and choosing the procedures you will have.

  • You must be fully recovered from childbirth before undergoing surgery.
  • If you are considering breast surgery, you should wait until several months after you are finished breastfeeding to allow the breasts to return to a stable size and shape.
  • Certain non-surgical treatments, such as injectable, may not be recommended while you are still breastfeeding.
  • Typically, it is best to wait until you are finished having children before undergoing surgical “lifting” procedures, such as tummy tuck, breast lift, or lower body lift surgery; if you plan to become pregnant again in the future, non-surgical body contouring and skin treatments can be cost-effective options for interim treatments.
  • If you are having a surgical mommy makeover, you will not be allowed to lift anything over 5-10 lbs. for the first few weeks after surgery; you will need help with childcare during this time, especially if you have younger children.

Procedures:

As you may choose one or more procedures for Mommy Makeover, the total procedures will comprise the procedures of the following operations:

  • Breast augmentation
  • Breast lift
  • Buttock augmentation
  • Liposuction
  • Tummy tuck
  • Vaginal rejuvenation

 

Preparation and Recovery:

Preparation:

You may be asked to:

  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Recovery:

Following your mommy makeover surgery, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts. A compression garment may also be used to control swelling in the abdomen, waist and buttocks.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery
  • Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
  • Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
  • When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

 

Further information:

Increasingly, women are including non-surgical treatments in their mommy makeover plans. Such treatments can be a good option for those planning to have more children as well as those who are not willing or able to take several weeks off to recover from surgery. Non-surgical treatments generally provide less dramatic results than surgery, but can still achieve significant improvements for the right patients.

  • Non-surgical fat reduction
  • Skin tightening treatments
  • Cellulite reduction
  • Non-surgical feminine rejuvenation
  • Injectable: Botox & fillers
  • Skin resurfacing treatments

Risks and Complications:

Every surgical procedure has risks. The possible risks of mommy makeover surgery include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions, hematoma, seroma, loss of nipple sensation, inability to breast feed, implant leak, capsular contracture, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, unfavourable scarring, recurrent looseness of skin, fat necrosis, deep venous thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, asymmetry, persistent pain, contour deformity, fat embolization and anesthesia risks.

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your operation. It is important that you address all your questions directly with us.

Cost

FAQ

How will be my life after Mommy Makeover?

Since mommy makeovers are personalized to a patient’s needs and goals, surgery protocols and recovery times vary. A good rule of thumb is to expect a recovery similar to that required of the most extensive procedure you are having (in most cases, this is a tummy tuck).

Many patients have their procedures while their children are very young. Doing so allows them to get back to their desired appearance earlier, but requires careful planning with regards to childcare during recovery. Most surgical procedures restrict lifting for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery; you will need to have someone else perform tasks that require a child to be picked up or carried while you heal.

How soon your results will be final also depends on the procedures you have. Typically, patients feel comfortable and confident wearing a swimsuit within 3 months after surgery.

How can a mommy makeover benefit me?

Pregnancy can leave lasting—and often unwanted—effects on your appearance, such as sagging breasts, stretched abdominal muscles, and loose, excess skin. Many women are discouraged when their breasts and body do not return to their pre-pregnancy shape, even with a healthy diet and exercise. By addressing unwanted changes of pregnancy and restoring the appearance you desire, a mommy makeover can help you feel more like yourself, improving your comfort and self-confidence.

Each patient has her own personal goals with her mommy makeover, which often include one or more of the following:

  • Correct sagging and restore volume to breasts
  • Improve breast symmetry
  • Repair stretched or large nipple/areola
  • Remove excess, sagging skin from the abdomen
  • Repair stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
  • Reduce pockets of diet- and exercise-resistant fat
  • Improve the way clothing and swimsuits fit