The changes that occur to the body during and after pregnancy can include changes to facial skin, the abdomen, the genital region, and the breasts. A Mommy Makeover is an operation that may consist of several different procedures intended to restore the body to a pre-pregnancy appearance.
Candidates for Mommy Makeover
Women who are dissatisfied with the changes that pregnancy has caused to their body and would like help restoring their breast, abdomen, or genital tissues are excellent candidates for a Mommy Makeover. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have no major health problems
- Have realistic expectations
- Do not smoke
- Have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area
- Wish to remedy other aesthetic changes caused by pregnancy
Mommy Makeover Options
A Mommy Makeover is performed using general anesthesia. The incisions will be discussed in detail with you before starting the procedure. Once the anesthesia has been administered, incisions will be made, excess skin, fat, and tissues will be removed, and the incisions will be closed. The combination of surgeries performed will vary depending on the needs and desires of the patient. A Mommy Makeover can take between four and six hours to complete.
Breast Augmentation
Following pregnancy and nursing, a woman’s breasts may lose volume or begin to sag. Breast augmentation can enhance the size and shape of the breasts using saline or silicone implants. If the breasts have significant tissue laxity, a breast lift can be combined with your breast augmentation.
Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is designed to lift and tighten breast tissues and remove excess skin. The incision used will depend on the extent of sagging. An incision around the perimeter of the areola may be used for patients with a mild degree of laxity. For those with more skin laxity, a “lollipop” incision may be used, which is made around the nipple and then vertically down the underside of the breast. The “Wise-pattern” incision adds a horizontal incision along the inframammary crease and is reserved for those with a great deal of laxity. Dr. D’Souza will discuss all incisions with you and tailor your procedure to your specific needs.
Liposuction
Residual fatty tissue may be left after pregnancy. Liposuction utilizes a thin suctioning tube to remove fat deposits. This procedure is best for patients who have stubborn excess fat and good skin elasticity. Liposuction can be performed on almost any area of the body.
Tummy Tuck
If a patient has more excess skin and fat, an abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) can be performed. Pregnancy can also cause the separation of abdominal muscles. Tummy tuck surgery shapes and tones your abdomen by repairing separated muscles and removing excess skin and fat.
Labiaplasty
For patients who experience changes in their genital tissues after childbirth, labiaplasty may be an option. This procedure can decrease redundancy in the labial tissues to restore the appearance of the vulva. Many women mistake labiaplasty for vaginoplasty. While vaginoplasty focuses on tightening the vagina, labiaplasty only focuses on the labia majora and labia minora.
Recovery and Results
The recovery time required after your Mommy Makeover will depend on the procedures chosen. Patients will stay with an aftercare nurse at an outpatient facility following their surgery. We will discuss exercise and lifting restrictions during your consultation and review them during your pre-operative visit. Walking is highly encouraged after the procedure to keep blood circulating for a safe recovery. Patients are typically able to drive about 10 days after their Mommy Makeover. Surgical drains may be left in the breasts and abdomen for about seven days, and compression garments for the breasts and abdomen should be worn for about two weeks.
You will see some results immediately. However, the final results of your tummy tuck can take up to one year to fully develop, as residual swelling needs time to subside. Some visible scars may remain, but most are easily hidden by undergarments or bathing suits. The overall results of your Mommy Makeover will be long lasting, provided that you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Out-of-Town Patients
At Iconic Plastic Surgery, we want to make sure our patients coming in from out-of-town feel welcomed and at ease. Our surgical center is conveniently located near San Diego International Airport and John Wayne Airport, as well as a variety of five-star hotels. Our practice managers can help you with your travel plans and make arrangements with an aftercare provider for 24-hour assistance following your procedure.
Mommy Makeover Cost
The cost of a Mommy Makeover is dependent on various factors, such as surgical and anesthesia fees, as well as the procedures chosen for your unique needs. The total cost of your surgery will be calculated for you during the initial consultation appointment.
To schedule your Mommy Makeover consultation with Dr. D’Souza, please contact Iconic Plastic Surgery by calling 760-637-5288 today!
