Mommy Makeover

WHAT IS A MOMMY MAKEOVER?

A mommy makeover is a combination of various cosmetic surgeries that target physical changes that occur from pregnancy and breastfeeding. Depending on what you and your surgeon discuss and on what your goals are, your mommy makeover may include some of the following procedures:

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) — a surgical procedure that will reduce the size of your abdominal area.
• Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) — which is a surgical procedure that reduces your breast size.
• Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) — A procedure that will increase your breast size through surgery.
• Breast lift (mastopexy) — A procedure that restores your breasts through surgery to a more youthful position.
• Liposuction — A surgical procedure that removes fat to slim and reshape your body.

BEST CANDIDATES FOR A MOMMY MAKEOVER

You might be a good candidate for a mommy makeover:

• If you are at your goal weight and plan to maintain it.
• If you have the proper support for your recovery period.
• If you are physically healthy and have fully recovered from childbirth.
• If you have realistic expectations about your surgical results.
• If you would like to improve your appearance for the following reasons:
  • your abdominal muscles are separated or stretched (diastasis recti);
  • if your lower abdomen is not in proportion with the rest of your body or if, despite diet and exercise, it still sticks out and lacks tone or strength;
  • when your breasts are sagging or have too little or too much volume;
  • your skin has stretch marks, is sagging, or is loose; and/or
  • you have excess fat in your lower back, hips, or thighs.

When Mommy Makeover May Not Be Best

You may be cautioned against a mommy makeover if you:

• have been breastfeeding in the past several months,
• might consider future pregnancy,
• plan to lose a significant amount of weight,
• have a severe chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes.
• have significant scar tissue from previous abdominal surgeries,
• smoke,
• have difficulty healing,
• are prone to hernias, blood clots, or have a bleeding disorder.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR MOMMY MAKEOVER SURGERY

As we meet with you, we will give you specific instructions so you can prepare for surgery. They may include the following:

• Reaching your goal weight before we schedule your surgery.
• If you smoke, stop smoking for at least four weeks before and after surgery.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight prior to your surgery.
• Avoid any aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, certain supplements, and recreational drugs for a period of time before surgery.
• Make sure that you have a good support system in place and optimize your mental health.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home post-surgery and help you at home during your recovery.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR CONSULTATION

An appointment will typically last from 30 minutes to an hour. We will thoroughly assess you and your needs and answer your questions at this time. 

• During your first appointment, your plastic surgeon will likely examine and measure the areas of your body that you would like to improve, like your abdomen, breasts, thighs, back, and hips, as well as take photographs, and weigh you.

We will also talk with you about:

• your medical history,
• likely outcomes and potential complications,
• your surgical goals and options,
• how to prepare for your surgery.
• any possible outcomes and potential complications,
• the extent of recovery and how well you are prepared for it, and
• a cost estimate

MOMMY MAKEOVER PROCEDURE

How Long Does Surgery Take?

A mommy makeover is typically performed as an outpatient surgery, meaning you can go home the same day. The length of the surgery depends on what procedures you have with your mommy makeover. 

Should the makeover need more than six hours total, it might be advised, for your safety, to split the mommy makeover into two separate surgeries. You can have the second surgery three months after the first.

Time in Surgery

• Tummy Tuck: 1.5 to two hours for a mini tummy tuck, or two to three hours for a full tummy tuck
• Breast Augmentation: One to two hours
• Breast Lift: One to three hours
• Breast Reduction: Three to four hours
• Liposuction: 30 minutes, depending on which areas are treated

Before Surgery Begins

As we prepare you for surgery:

• incision guidelines will be drawn on your skin for the surgical techniques we plan to use;
• we will place noninvasive monitors for your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation;
• an IV will be inserted to deliver general anesthesia, fluids, a sedative, and pain medication to your body.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

During the procedure, your surgeon will give your abdomen a flatter, firmer appearance by tightening the muscles of your abdominal wall and removing excess fat and skin from your middle and lower abdomen. 

Breast Augmentation Procedure

The surgeon will place breast implants behind your breast tissue or muscle during breast augmentation. The incisions will be hidden either along the areolas or under your breasts.

Breast Lift Procedure

During a breast lift, any excess skin from your breasts will be removed, and the surrounding breast tissue will be reshaped. They will also reposition your areolae and nipples and close the incision to tighten the remaining skin and lift your breasts. They might also reduce the size of your areolae.

Breast Reduction Procedure

During a breast reduction procedure, any excess fat, tissue, and skin from your breasts will be removed. At the same time, the size of your areolae may be reduced, and your surgeon may lift your breasts and make them more even in size.

Liposuction Procedure

A thin hollow tube (cannula) will be inserted through several small incisions during your liposuction. This will loosen and suction the fat from your body.

After Your Surgery

After your procedure, you will rest in a recovery room for around two hours. At that time, you should be ready to go home and will need someone to drive you. Before you leave, we will show you how to care for your drains if you have them. Depending on your procedures, we will also fit you with light bandages, compression garments, and a surgical bra. And if you didn’t already receive them, we will prescribe medications for you to help manage your pain and other symptoms.

MOMMY MAKEOVER RECOVERY

Throughout your recovery, your surgeon will schedule regular follow-up visits to support you. It is most important that you remember to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions closely. Don’t hesitate to call us at 801-581-7719 if you ever have questions or concerns. 

What to Expect After Mommy Makeover

Some normal symptoms after a mommy makeover include swelling, bruising, discomfort, and limited mobility. Your surgeon will go over the following aftercare instructions with you that are specific to your surgeries to help your body heal.

• For any procedure, have someone help you at home for at least a couple of days, but if you have a tummy tuck, then ideally much longer.
• Keep drainage tubes in place for up to two weeks to stop fluid from building up near your incisions (cuts).
• Take medication for pain and other symptoms.
• Wearing a surgical bra and compression garment over your surgical areas will help with swelling and provide support.
• Avoid lifting anything 10 pounds or more for up to six weeks, and
• Limit certain physical activities for weeks to months after the procedure.

How Much Time Does it Take to Recover from a Mommy Makeover?

The recovery time for a mommy makeover will vary depending on the following factors:

• which procedures you have,
• your health and age, and
• following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions.

You can expect the recovery to take as long as the most extensive procedure you are having. Tummy tucks, with at least three months, will typically have the longest recovery time.

SCHEDULE A MOMMY MAKEOVER CONSULTATION

If you are interested in learning more about having a mommy makeover, call our office at 801-250-7077. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in the procedures that interest you.