Mommy makeover

Giving birth can change a woman’s body in unexpected ways, affecting her self-confidence.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Giving birth can change a woman’s body in unexpected ways, affecting her self-confidence. A Mommy Makeover refers to a combination of plastic surgery procedures that can correct and restore pregnancy-related changes to the abdomen and breast areas.

The biggest post-partum changes that occur are to the abdomen area. It’s common to develop loose skin, stretch marks, unwanted fat, separated muscles and loss of muscle tone. To address these concerns a major part of the Mommy Makeover involves a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) often in combination with liposuction. The surgical procedure helps to contour and rejuvenate the midsection by repairing muscle, removing excess skin and fat tissue.

Furthermore, after a woman has finished breast-feeding she may feel her breasts are not as full or shapely as before. A plastic surgeon may also recommend a breast enhancement procedure to reposition and revitalize the breasts for a more pleasing shape and appearance. He or she may choose to perform a breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction (mammoplasty) or breast augmentation using implants or a woman’s own fat.

FAQ’s

What’s included with the Mommy Makeover?
Surgical body contouring procedures such as tummy tuck and liposuction 360 (tummy, love handles and back) are combined with breast augmentation to create a more youthful overall shape and appearance.

What are the risks with a Mommy Makeover?
In the hands of a qualified and experienced surgeon, serious complications are rare. Even still, all surgery carries risk of infection, bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, uneven results and poorly healed scars. Choose your surgeon wisely to minimize these and other side-effects.

Can I have more children after a Mommy Makeover?
There is nothing medically stopping you from conceiving and delivering more children after your Mommy Makeover. Keep in mind that any future pregnancies can undo the benefits of surgery, so it’s recommended to finish having your family first.

How long do the results of the Mommy Makeover last?
A well-balanced diet and lifestyle, while maintaining a healthy weight, will prolong the results. Keep in mind that the aging process continues and can affect your appearance in the future.

Are all the procedures of a Mommy Makeover done at the same time?
For the most part, all the procedures are done at the same time. In some cases, however, your surgeon may perform them over two surgeries. Furthermore, touch ups or additional procedures may be required in the future.

What if I don’t stop smoking at least six weeks in advance?
Smoking, and all nicotine products, should be discontinued at least six weeks in advance of surgery. Failing to do so can increase your risks of bleeding and other serious complications. Some surgeons will not perform surgery on smokers.

We invite you to book a consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons to find out if a Mommy Makeover is right for you

Mommy Makeover Quick Facts:

Cost of Mommy Makeover	TBD
Duration of Surgery	4-6 hours
Hospital Stay Required?	Overnight, up to 24 hours
Stitches Removed	5-7 days
Days of Social Downtime	2-6 weeks

After Surgery:

Downtime and Recovery: Every person experiences the recovery period differently. Your unique healing journey will be based on the procedures you had, and how quickly your body recuperates after surgery. Below are some general guidelines for what you can expect:

1-2 Weeks Post-Op: You will experience the most discomfort (pain, swelling and bruising) during this phase, requiring round-the-clock assistance with basic tasks. You’ll be prescribed powerful pain medications and may be advised to wear compression garments. Daily walking will be encouraged to minimize the risk of blood clots.

2-4 Weeks Post-Op: Pain and swelling will gradually start to subside and you’ll be able to perform light activities. You may no longer need assistance with getting dressed, preparing meals and other household chores. To make sure your scars are healing nicely, avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.

4-6 Weeks Post-Op: Swelling will continue to decrease, and you’ll be able to see improvements in body contours from your surgery. You’ll be able to return to your usual activities such as work, shopping and light exercise. It’s always best to consult with your surgeon about which activities are safe during this time.

What to Expect Before Surgery:

Follow Preoperative Instructions: This includes avoiding certain medications that promote bleeding, making sure you have all the medications you’ll need post-operatively and when to stop eating and drinking the night before.

Arrange for Help: You will need someone to pick you up from the hospital and take you home. You may also need help getting to your first post-operative appointment in 5-7 days. The first week may be especially difficult in terms of pain, inflammation and swelling. Choose a family member, friend or hired help to assist with bathing, using the bathroom, dressing, preparing meals, taking your medications on time and any other tasks.

How to Prepare for Mommy Makeover Surgery

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Do Your Research:

A consultation and medical evaluation with a qualified Plastic Surgeon is the first step in preparing for a Mommy Makeover. During your initial meeting you can learn more about the procedure, discuss your concerns, treatment objectives and whether you’re a good candidate for the surgery. Additionally, during this time you’ll be able to ask the surgeon specific questions relating to your case to determine if a Mommy Makeover is right for you. If you decide to proceed with the surgery, the following recommendations will help you get through surgery with minimal complications and ensure the best outcome possible:

Quit Smoking

If you’re a smoker it’s best to quit smoking at least six weeks in advance. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco can constrict blood vessels and impair your body’s ability to heal adequately post surgery.

Lose Excess Weight

It’s normal to gain weight during pregnancy or for fat tissue to be redistributed. Although you don’t have to be back to your pre-baby weight, you should be as close as possible to your ideal body mass index.

ELEGIBILITY The Ideal Candidate for a Mommy Makeover

If a woman has experienced significant changes to her body following a pregnancy – that don’t respond to diet or exercise – she may be a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover. Here are some other factors to consider.

Good Overall Health: A woman should be in excellent health and be a non-smoker. This includes a having healthy body weight with no serious physical conditions that could affect the outcome or be a contraindication to the surgery and general anesthesia.

Finished Having Children: An ideal candidate is someone who has completed childbearing. Subsequent pregnancies and breast-feeding following surgery can potentially reverse previous surgical improvements.

Have Realistic Expectations: A Mommy Makeover can dramatically improve a woman’s body shape following pregnancy. It’s not always possible, however, to undo the changes completely. A positive attitude and knowing what to expect ahead of time can ensure she is happy with the results.

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