Mommy Makeover
This is a great set of procedures that many moms go for to look and feel their best. Read our Mommy Makeover FAQs and learn all you need to know!
- What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is not a specific procedure, but a combination of procedures designed to improve areas of the body that have been compromised by pregnancy. Typically, this involves improvements to the breasts and abdomen, all done in the same setting.
- What are the most common procedures performed on a Mommy Makeover?
The most common procedure for improvement of the breast is breast augmentation, with or without breast lift. This gives volume, upper pole fullness, and improved shape. For the abdomen, abdominoplasty (better known as a tummy tuck) with varying degrees of liposuction is the most common procedure. This reshapes the abdominal wall, gets rid of stretch marks, and removes excess skin that may have developed during pregnancy.
- Can a mini tummy tuck, a breast augmentation and a liposuction be performed in one surgery?
In a healthy individual, it is very possible to perform the breast and abdominal procedures at the same time. It is recommended that surgical time be kept to a five to six hour time frame for safety.
- What is the minimum recovery time for a Mommy Makeover?
Breast procedures are fairly easy to recover from. Most patients return to work or everyday activities after a long weekend. For abdominal procedures, most people are able to return to light office duties in two weeks, although we recommend that patients start with half days at first. Patients who are able to do work from home are encouraged to do so after the first week.
- What are the most common complications seen with mommy makeover?
Complications are very rare after mommy makeover procedures. The most common difficulty is slow wound healing. Obviously, with more incision lines, there is a greater possibility of wound breakdown. This is usually very minor and easily treated with basic wound care. Infections and post-operative bleeding are very rarely encountered.
- What is the best way to prepare for a Mommy Makeover?
Adequate nutrition in the pre and post-operative period is essential, but a special diet is not required. Aside from that, it is very helpful to optimize the home environment to create a stress free, relaxing setting in which to recover. Child care arrangements, food preparation, and extra help with household duties is desirable.
- If I’m planning to have more kids should I wait to have a Mommy Makeover?
Breast procedures often look better and more natural after having more children, so it is not necessary to have all the children you desire before having breast surgery. For an abdominoplasty, on the other hand, it is highly desirable to be done with childbearing before undergoing the surgery.
- How severe is the pain after a Mommy Makeover?
Breast procedures are fairly tolerable. Many compare the discomfort after breast surgery as being similar to the engorgement that is associated with breastfeeding. Mastopexy or breast lift discomfort is similarly tolerable, as is liposuction. Recovery from an abdominoplasty is variable, and the first couple of days after the procedure may require bedrest. Activity gradually increases after this. Measures such as pain pumps and long lasting local anesthetic injections in the abdominal wall are available and very helpful.
- How long before I can see results?
Results are apparent almost immediately, and patients often say they have the nicest breasts/tummys they have ever known soon after surgery. Of course, final results do not occur for several months.
- What type of scarring should be expected after a Mommy Makeover?
Scarring results are extremely variable and are often determined by our own individual genetics. The goal is a pale white line, which is commonly achieved. In any case, the incisions are designed so they are largely hidden.
- How much time should I plan on taking off for a Mommy Makeover?
Patients who undergo breast procedures can return to work after two or three days, but to be safe, we tell patients to schedule a week off. Liposuction patients should plan on taking a week off of work as well. Although we say people can return to office type work after a couple of weeks, we recommend scheduling three weeks off before return to full duties.