Mommy Makeover is a popular term applied to surgery designed for women whose body was affected and changed by one or more pregnancies. It involves an Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck) and breast augmentation or lift, or both. They are usually done at the same time and was developed for women who are frustrated by their stretched postpartum breasts and tummies.
Diet and exercise offers only partial improvement because weight loss and muscle toning after giving birth do not usually correct sagging breasts and redundant abdominal skin. I have been performing Mommy Makeover Surgery in NYC for over 20 years, and offer experience and expertise to help Moms regain, and even improve upon their pre-pregnancy figures.
MOMMY MAKEOVER CONSULTATION
The consultation process (plan to spend at least one hour), includes an in-depth discussion about your desires with regard to your abdomen and size, shape and dimensions of your breasts after Mommy Makeover Surgery. It is the surgeon’s task to explain all aspects of the operation, the pros and cons, and most importantly, the concept of realistic expectations with regard to your postoperative result. As some patients desire a breast augmentation also, I ask each patient to bring photographs demonstrating the size and shape of the breasts that she desires, so I can understand exactly what she is looking for. I prefer to meet a second time with each patient prior to surgery to assure complete understanding of her desires from her Mommy Makeover Surgery.
CANDIDATES FOR MOMMY MAKEOVER SURGERY
If you have concerns about the changes occurring in your tummy and breasts after pregnancy, you may be a candidate for Mommy Makeover Surgery. This type of surgery can enhance your youthful appearance and improve your overall self-confidence and self-esteem. The best candidates for Mommy Makeover Surgery are healthy women who are realistic about what the surgery can afford after a complete consultation. Mommy Makeover Surgery can be performed for all body types. The best results are usually achieved in patients who are as close to their ideal body weight as possible.
Although future pregnancies are not a specific contraindication to having Mommy Makeover Surgery, you may consider postponing your surgery until childbearing is completed. Pregnancy, may stretch the tummy and breasts again after surgery, offsetting the results of the procedure. Scars on the breasts and abdomen are an inevitable consequence of this type of surgery, but I close the skin with great care and offer advice and support regarding scar care after surgery. Sometimes a reasonable breast lift can be accomplished with just an implant, decreasing the amount of scarring.
42 year old female before and 3 months after Bilateral Breast Lift/Reduction and Tummy Tuck with Flank Liposuction.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
56 year old female before and four months after Mommy Makeover; bilateral breast reduction and tummy tuck. (Over 350 grams removed each breast)
THE MOMMY MAKEOVER PROCEDURE AND TECHNIQUES
There are various techniques employed for Breast Lift Surgery, and I am adept at all of them. I try to choose the best procedure to match your particular needs, anatomy and skin type. The most common procedures are those involving anchor shaped scars or lollipop shaped scars.
Sometimes a less dramatic lift can be achieved with smaller scars, or placement of an implant.
If your breasts have lost volume, Breast Lift is sometimes coupled with placement of an implant to restore breast volume. This operation, called Augmentation Mastopexy, is more complicated than breast lift alone and requires deft expertise and careful surgical planning.
A full Tummy tuck involves an incision on the very lower portion of the abdomen above the pubic region which is well-hidden by bathing suits and clothing. The skin and fat layer is dissected away from the abdominal musculature layer and an incision is made around the umbilicus, or belly button. Redundant skin and fat is removed and the abdominal wall and muscles are tightened creating an “internal girdle” providing support. Sometimes a small amount of liposuction is also included in the procedure when necessary. This procedure is extremely useful in patients who have had one or more pregnancies which caused the abdominal wall musculature to become significantly weaker, even when a great amount of exercise is done. Once the musculature is tightened surgically, a firm taut tummy can then be obtained. A significant change in body contour can be successfully achieved with a full tummy tuck.
A Mini-Tummy tuck is a procedure in which a smaller incision, (approximately 8 inches long) is made in the lower abdomen. It is located in the same region where a C-section scar is found. The advantage of the Mini-Tummy tuck is that the scar is smaller, the procedure is not as drastic, and the down time is less. Not all patients are candidates for this operation and discussion should be made when deciding which of these two operations should be performed.
After the operation, you may have surgical drains which usually remain in place for approximately 5-7days, sometimes drains are not needed. Your abdomen will be wrapped in an abdominal binder. The dressings are usually changed a few days following the procedure and stitches are ready to begin being removed approximately one week later. The healing process may be affected by smoking and concurrent medical problems such as diabetes. Occasionally, small areas of open skin at the corners of the incisions may occur. These are typically treated with antibiotic ointments and heal without great concern. After 1 or 2 weeks, the abdominal binder is replaced by Spanks for another 2 weeks. Your breasts will be in a surgical bra for approximately 2 weeks, and no underwire bras for 6 months.
The Mommy Makeover Surgery is performed in my state of the art, fully certified operative suite in my office located on the Upper East Side in NYC. Depending on the procedure, I utilize either general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation, administered by one of our experienced, board certified anesthesiologists. Recovery after surgery takes 1-2 hours, with my RN at your side at all times. For your safety, I require that a friend, family member or private duty nurse accompany you home and spend at least one night with you. You will be given a follow-up appointment with me in 1-3 days.
MOMMY MAKEOVER RECOVERY
Most of my patients return to work within 7-10 days postoperatively, and pain after surgery is well controlled with pain medication. My staff and I will counsel you regarding all aspects of scar care to achieve the best possible, least noticeable scars.
I have a great deal of experience with all aspects of Mommy Makeover Surgery, and comfortably possess the required expertise to allow me to achieve the best possible results for you.
If you have had one or more pregnancies, breast fed, or cannot lose that pouchy tummy with diet and exercise, and you would like your pre-mommy figure back, you may be a candidate for Mommy Makeover Surgery. Give me a call!
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH SCARRING ASSOCIATED WITH MOMMY MAKEOVER SURGERY?
Mommy Makeover Surgery does involve scarring. Breasts sag because of loss of volume with skin redundancy or loss of skin elasticity. In order to lift the breasts, the excess skin must be removed, or cut away, to allow adjustment of the breast mounds upward. Think of it like tailoring a suit that is too big after weight loss, the same principles apply. Similarly, in order to remove redundant skin and tighten up the tummy, longer incisions are required to do the job right. Scars are easily hidden by bikinis and clothing.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS FROM MOMMY MAKEOVER SURGERY LAST?
Various factors can affect the longevity of your result from Mommy Makeover Surgery, including skin elasticity, extreme weight gain or loss, and pregnancy. In general, with reasonable skin quality, stable weight, and no pregnancy, the result can be permanent or certainly long lasting.
HOW SOON CAN I HAVE SEX AFTER MY MOMMY MAKEOVER SURGERY?
I usually counsel my patients to refrain from vigorous physical activity, including sex, for at least 2-3 weeks after Mommy Makeover Surgery, to allow your body to heal. After that time frame, and clearance from your surgeon, light physical activity can commence with caution, listening to your body as you accelerate the process.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CARE FOR MY SCARS AFTER MOMMY MAKEOVER SURGERY?
My staff and I will give you detailed instructions regarding postoperative scar care. That includes massage of scars with a moisturizer, over-the-counter scar creams and protecting new scars from strong sun.
HOW SOON AFTER MY FINAL PREGNANCY CAN I HAVE MOMMY MAKEOVER SURGERY?
I usually recommend waiting at least 6-12 months after pregnancy before undergoing Mommy Makeover Surgery. That time allows your body to heal and recuperate after delivery. It also permits you to diet and exercise to get to an ideal weight to maximize your final result.