-min.jpeg)
A mommy makeover is a combination of surgeries to restore breast volume and shape and contour the abdomen after childbirth. Often, it includes a breast lift with or without breast augmentation using fat transfer or breast implants and a tummy tuck. It is often also paired with liposuction of other areas of the body such as the waist and flanks, upper back, arms and thighs and may also include fat transfer to the buttocks, hands or face. Each mommy is different which is why a mommy makeover is customized to your unique body type and goals. For many women, who feel that their breasts and body have changed significantly from pregnancy and breast feeding, a mommy makeover can restore confidence and help you feel like yourself again.
You'll likely benefit from a mommy makeover if you:
And are overall in good health, do not use nicotine products or willing to quit and have realistic expectations about your results.
Prior to your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Aimé at a consultation appointment where your medical history will be reviewed, a physical exam will be performed and your areas of concerns and aesthetic goals will be discussed. Dr. Aimé will present treatment options tailored to your goals. Prior to your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Aimé again at a preoperative appointment to review the surgical plan and answer any questions you have. Depending on your medical history, you may need to have labs done or see your primary care physician prior to surgery. If you are 40 years old or greater, a mammogram will be required prior to breast surgery. Some medications or supplements may be adjusted in the weeks leading up to surgery to decrease the risk of bleeding. Smoking should be stopped 4 weeks prior to and following surgery as it can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
Mommy makeover surgery is highly customizable to your goals and typically includes surgery on the breast and body.
A breast lift is a common component of a mommy makeover as breast feeding often leaves breasts flat, droopy and asymmetric. A breast lift provides the opportunity to reshape the breasts and raise the nipple and areola. During this procedure, an incision is made around the areola, vertically down from the areola and and along lower breast crease. Loose skin is removed and the underlying breast tissue is reshaped. The nipple and areola are also repositioned higher and along the centerline of the breast and if the areola is overly large, excess areola skin is removed to make it smaller. If an implant or fat transfer is desired, this is performed prior to closing the incisions. Incisions are closed with dissolving sutures and staples.
During the abdominoplasty, an incision is made along the lower abdomen and around the belly button. Loose skin and fat is removed and the muscles are tightened (called plication). It is very common for the abdominal muscles to get stretched and separate and plication helps restore their natural position and strength. The skin of the upper abdomen is then pulled downward and inset with quilting sutures (i.e. sutures that tack the abdominal skin flap to the underlying muscles). The incisions are then closed with sutures and staples that dissolve over time.
Many women also elect to have liposuction of their waist and flanks, back, arms or thighs and may even choose to transfer the harvested fat cells to another area. For this, small incisions are made in discrete locations and the fat is removed with a straw like device called a cannula that vibrates. If the fat is going to be transferred to the breast, buttocks or elsewhere, it is washed and antibiotics are added to it prior to injecting it into it's new location.
Every person is unique and may have some similarities as well as differences to others in terms of their individual recovery experience. A mommy makeover is a combination of multiple procedures so it is common to have more downtime and required healing than if these procedures were performed individually. Many patients are able to go home the same day as their procedure so long as they have someone to help care for them at home. For more extensive procedures that last more than 6 hours, patients may be required to stay overnight in the surgery center to help monitor vital signs and provide pain medications. Pain and discomfort associated with a mommy makeover is managed with a long acting numbing medication (called Exparel) placed during the procedure as well as with prescription medications. Swelling and bruising are normal and expected.
A surgical bra will be provided to allow the breast incisions to heal and the breast tissue to be adequately supported during recovery. An abdominal binder will initially be placed over the abdomen and then transitioned to a compression garment in 1 to 2 weeks. Any areas that are liposuctioned will also be covered with a compression garment. Compression garments are recommended to be worn for 4 weeks. Patients are typically able to shower 2-3 days after surgery with assistance. It is also very important to walk around, wear compression socks and pump your ankles in order to prevent blood clots from forming. Patients are encouraged to resume a regular diet as long as they are able to tolerate it. It takes a significant amount of energy for your body to heal from surgery and it will be important to eat sufficient calories and protein to help with this. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks and may resume moderate exercise 4-6 weeks after surgery. It is recommended to take a minimum of 2 weeks off of work, but 4 weeks is ideal.
The following are reputable organizations that provide information specifically for plastic surgery patients on this and other procedures.
American Society of Plastic Surgery
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/mommy-makeover
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
https://www.theaestheticsociety.org/procedures/body/mommy-makeover
Enhance your lifestyle and gain greater self–confidence from a cosmetic procedure at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ. We invite you to schedule a consultation today by calling our office or filling out an online contact form.
Whether you are looking for a subtle improvement or a big change, we will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan fit for your lifestyle! If you would like to get started on your journey to a new and improved you, please fill out the form below, or give us a call at (480) 550-9493.
