What is a mommy makeover?
The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore the shape and appearance of a woman's body after childbearing. Many women notice changes in their bodies post-pregnancy. There are many areas of the body that can be addressed, most commonly the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia and buttocks.
A mommy makeover is typically performed as a single-stage procedure. There are many techniques used to perform a mommy makeover, and many factors should be taken into consideration when choosing which techniques are best:
Desired amount of restoration
Placement of the incisions
Type of implant used
Possible procedures in a mommy makeover
Breast augmentation
Breast lift
Buttock augmentation
Labiaplasty
Liposuction
Tummy tuck
Who is a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
Mommy makeover surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
You may be a candidate for mommy makeover surgery if:
You are in good medical health
You are at your ideal body weight
You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations
You are finished with childbearing
What are the risks of a mommy makeover?
The decision to have mommy makeover surgery is extremely personal. You'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.
Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedures you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.
The possible risks of mommy makeover surgery include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions, hematoma, seroma, loss of nipple sensation, inability to breast feed, implant leak, capsular contracture, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, unfavorable scarring, recurrent looseness of skin, fat necrosis, deep venous thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, asymmetry, persistent pain, contour deformity, fat embolization and anesthesia risks.
Further information regarding risks for mommy makeover surgery can be found on the pages related to the individual procedures:
Breast augmentation
Breast lift
Buttock augmentation
Liposuction
Tummy tuck
Vaginal rejuvenation
How should I prepare for a mommy makeover?
In preparing for mommy makeover surgery, you may be asked to:
Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
Stop smoking
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Mommy makeover surgery is typically performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery setting, and will likely use general anesthesia. Some follow-up procedures may be performed on an outpatient basis, and local anesthesia with sedation may be used. These decisions will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and in consideration of your preferences and your doctor's best judgment.
What should I expect during my mommy makeover recovery?
Following your mommy makeover surgery, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts. A compression garment may also be used to control swelling in the abdomen, waist and buttocks.
You will be given specific instructions that may include:
How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery
Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:
Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
Will there be drains? For how long?
When can I bathe or shower?
When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
When do I return for follow-up care?
Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases and the shape of the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia and buttocks improves. Continue to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
What results should I expect after a mommy makeover?
The final results of mommy makeover surgery may not be apparent for several months after surgery.
Over time, the implants will settle and the scar lines will improve, although they'll never disappear completely. There are trade-offs, but most women feel these are small compared to the large improvement in their self-confidence after surgery.
When you go home, if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
Following your physician's instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.
How much does a mommy makeover cost?
A surgeon's cost for mommy makeover surgery will vary based on the chosen procedures to be performed as part of the mommy makeover as well as the surgeon's experience and geographic location. Please consult with your plastic surgeon's office to determine your final fee.
Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans for mommy makeover surgery, so be sure to ask.
Mommy makeover costs may include:
Surgeon's fee
Hospital or surgical facility costs
Anesthesia fees
Prescriptions for medication
Implants
Post-surgery garments
Medical tests and x-rays
When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for mommy makeover surgery, remember that the surgeon's experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.
GOKHAN OZERDEM, MD
PLASTIC COSMETIC SURGEON
ANTALYA TURKEY
This article was taken from AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS web page:
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/mommy-makeover