Inevitably, pregnancy and childbirth affect a woman’s body no matter how “good” her genes are. The breasts change in appearance as they enlarge during pregnancy and decrease in size after breastfeeding. The abdomen will have some degree of loose skin and muscle separation, and stretch marks will likely appear.
The Mommy Makeover combines two or more cosmetic procedures that enhance and rejuvenate these troublesome areas to restore beauty and youthfulness to a mother’s post-pregnancy body.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is a combination of cosmetic surgery procedures designed to restore a more youthful shape. While the procedure is called a Mommy Makeover because it typically includes cosmetic procedures that women often undergo after having children, you don’t have to be a mother to have a Mommy Makeover. All you need is a desire to contour and slim your figure.
What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover?
- Improved self-esteem
- Restored confidence
- Enhanced femininity
What Does Mommy Makeover Surgery Consist of?
Depending on the patient’s desires, she can choose any combination of the following procedures: breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction. All procedures use general anesthesia and can take one to three hours to complete. Recovery time varies depending on the procedures chosen.
“…The appointments are always on time, quick, and friendly! They always make me feel comfortable and happy with my results! “
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What’s Included in a Mommy Makeover?
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Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery will increase the size of the breasts and improve their shape. Breast augmentation is a popular procedure because it adds youthful volume to the breasts with the option of a full and round look or a more natural look.
- Silicone or saline breast implants are inserted through either an incision around the areola (periareolar) or along the breast crease (inframammary). Incisions are closed with sutures, and any scars are well-hidden.
- This procedure is an especially good option for mothers who have lost breast volume but do not have much sagging skin in the area.
- Breast augmentation should be combined with a breast lift in patients who have significant sagging or whose nipples point downward, as breast implants alone may not fill the excess skin.
Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery will raise the breasts to a more youthful position. Sagging skin is removed, and the shape of the breasts is also improved.
- An incision is made that forms an anchor shape: along the natural breast crease, from the middle of the crease up to the bottom of the areola and around the areola. This allows the surgeon to move the nipple higher up and remove any excess skin for an overall lifted appearance.
- If desired, the size of the areola (which often becomes enlarged during pregnancy) can be decreased during this procedure.
- A breast lift will not increase the size of the breasts.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy tuck surgery addresses skin and muscle laxity in the abdomen that often develops from pregnancy. This procedure results in improved abdominal contours.
- Full tummy tuck surgery requires one incision across the lower pelvis and another incision around the navel to address the upper and lower abdomen. The abdominal muscles are tightened, the skin is draped over the firmer structure, and excess skin is removed.
- A mini tummy tuck can be performed if the patient only needs improvement in the lower abdomen. This only requires an incision across the lower pelvis.
- Stretch marks will be removed if they are located on the skin that is removed during the procedure.
- While the tummy tuck can eliminate excess skin in the abdomen, the procedure alone cannot remove excess fat. In cases where excess skin and fat need to be removed, this procedure is combined with liposuction.
Liposuction
Liposuction surgery is excellent for removing localized fat deposits from virtually anywhere on the body. Many mothers find it difficult to lose fat in certain areas of the body after having children. The metabolism slows, and fat is just not distributed the way it was before.
- Liposuction removes fat with vacuum suction through a few very small incisions. Your surgeon will strategically remove fat to create more aesthetically pleasing body contours.
- Liposuction should not be considered a weight-loss procedure or a treatment for cellulite. Patients who also need to remove excess skin may consider combining this procedure with a tummy tuck or other body lifting procedure, as liposuction will not remove sagging skin.
Our philosophy is to create the most natural results and never do more than is necessary.
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Am I a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
The best candidates for the Mommy Makeover are finished having children, as subsequent pregnancies may have a negative effect on your results. Patients who experience the best results are those near their ideal weight and who have maintained that weight steadily for at least three months. Additionally, ideal candidates for a Mommy Makeover have realistic expectations of their results, are in generally good health, and do not smoke.
What Should I Expect From My Mommy Makeover Consultation?
Your plastic surgeon may perform a physical examination during your consultation to determine which procedures are right for you. You may use this time to discuss any questions or concerns you have regarding your procedure with your surgeon. At this time, you will receive detailed financial information based on which procedures will be performed as part of your Mommy Makeover.
What Is Recovery Like After a Mommy Makeover?
Although the Mommy Makeover combines two or more procedures, the length of recovery is similar to the recovery time after just one procedure. The two weeks immediately after surgery will involve plenty of rest and no exercise or heavy lifting. Patients typically return to work about two weeks after their Mommy Makeover, but this will depend on how physically demanding your job is and which procedures you underwent, as they may have distinct restrictions.
After your Mommy Makeover, you will experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling, but these are easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medications. Swelling will persist for several weeks after your surgery, and you will likely be required to wear compression garments during this time. Compression garments not only help minimize swelling but also help shape and support the treatment areas.
While you should be able to return to your normal activities about two weeks after your Mommy Makeover, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and activities for up to six weeks or until cleared by Dr. Hess. He will give you detailed post-operative instructions, and following them can help speed up your recovery and ensure stunning results.
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Where Will My Mommy Makeover Scars Be Located?
Breast augmentation and breast lift scars are hidden in the folds of the breast tissue or along the line of pigmentation around the areola, and they will fade significantly with time. Tummy tuck surgery will result in a scar that spans the front of the pelvis from hip bone to hip bone. Typically, this scar can be hidden beneath most styles of swimwear and underwear. The scar around the navel is not usually noticeable and fades with time. Liposuction scars are usually about an inch in length in the targeted area and will also fade over time.
Is a Mommy Makeover Painful?
Your Mommy Makeover will be performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Since you will be asleep throughout the procedure, you will not feel any pain. As with any surgical procedure, there will be some discomfort during recovery from the Mommy Makeover. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication that can be taken as needed to make you more comfortable. Compression garments will help to accelerate the healing process, reduce swelling, and ease pain.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
The cost of Mommy Makeover surgery varies significantly depending on the number of procedures combined and the extent of those procedures. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the 2019 national average surgeon fee for each procedure was as follows: breast augmentation: $3,947; breast lift: $4,693; tummy tuck: $6,092; and liposuction: $3,548. These prices do not include facility costs, anesthesia fees, and other costs related to your procedures. The benefit of combining procedures into one Mommy Makeover surgery is that you only have to pay for those related costs once.
Plastic surgery financing options are available, which will make the Mommy Makeover procedure an achievable investment.
Why Choose Premiere Center For Cosmetic Surgery For Your Mommy Makeover?
As a CRNA, Valerie McAllister spent several years providing high-quality anesthesia services to plastic surgeons in and around Miami. She saw a need for affordable and safe plastic surgery, inspiring her to found Premiere Center for Cosmetic Surgery.
Valerie has teamed with award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hess, who specializes in Mommy Makeovers and other body contouring procedures. Dr. Hess has decades of experience performing complex cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, ensuring you’re in good hands when choosing Premiere Center for your Mommy Makeover.
FAQ About Mommy Makeovers
The beauty of a Mommy Makeover is that it is personalized to fit your cosmetic needs. A consultation with Dr. Hess can help you determine which procedures you may benefit from based on your specific goals.
You can choose from any of the procedures we offer for your Mommy Makeover. Many mothers decide to combine labiaplasty surgery with their Mommy Makeover to rejuvenate the appearance of their vulva after childbirth.
A Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, can be included as part of your Mommy Makeover. However, recovery from a BBL requires keeping pressure off of your buttocks, while recovery from a tummy tuck and breast procedures requires keeping pressure off of your torso, which is impossible to do simultaneously. In that case, you may undergo your BBL at a time different from the other Mommy Makeover procedures.
Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures such as those in the Mommy Makeover. You will need to contact your insurance company to learn more about your specific coverage policy.
As with any surgical procedure, a Mommy Makeover does have risks, but they are minimal. Combining multiple surgeries offers both cost savings and reduced recovery time, but it is also vital that your health and safety are factored into the equation. At Premiere Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we prioritize patient safety so that you can rest easy knowing that you are in skilled, capable hands.
To prepare for your Mommy Makeover surgery, you should stop smoking and avoid taking blood-thinning medications, as they can increase your risk of complications during and after surgery. After your Mommy Makeover, you will need to spend a significant amount of time resting and recovering. It is best to take adequate time off of work and other obligations.
Since Mommy Makeover is a personalized procedure, the length of surgery will vary drastically between patients. The length of your surgery will depend on how many and which procedures are included in your Mommy Makeover. Additionally, you may need to spend time recovering at our facility before going home.
Most women can breastfeed after undergoing breast surgery. If breastfeeding after your Mommy Makeover is important to you, it is recommended that you discuss it with your surgeon. The incision and techniques used can be adjusted to preserve the connections between the milk ducts and the nipples. Your surgeon can explain these techniques and the effects implants may have on your ability to breastfeed.
The results of your Mommy Makeover are intended to last long. However, factors such as weight fluctuations and future pregnancies can reverse your results. It will be important to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle to keep your results looking their best for as long as possible.
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, Mommy Makeover is a generally safe procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are risks to consider. These risks include:
- Bleeding
- Anesthesia complications
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Seroma (fluid accumulation)
- Poor wound healing
- Asymmetry
- Scarring
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Changes in skin sensation
- Capsular contracture
To help ensure a safe and healthy recovery, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions to the letter. Contact our office immediately if you have concerns about side effects or healing after surgery.