What is a Mommy Makeover?
After child bearing, many women are dissatisfied with the appearance of their body. Pregnancy and breasting feeding can have profound negative impact on the breasts and abdomen. Many mothers find that the breast have lost volume and are sagging. Abdominal skin may have stretch marks and bee loose. A “mommy” makeover” is the plastic surgeons effort to return a women to her prepregancy form.
What can a Mommy Makeover Offer?
Commonly this procedure involves improving the volume of the breast with an implant as well as adjusting the position the position of the nipple with a “breast lift. The abdomen is improved by performing a procedure commonly referred to as a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck addresses the loose skin, excess fat, and tightens the abdominal muscles. Liposuction may be used to address excessively fatty area.. If you have achieved a stable weight after pregnancy, do not smoke, do not plan any further pregnancies, are otherwise in good health you may be a candidate for this procedure. The benefits are evident almost immediately. Most people generally look and feel better after this operation. Their clothing fits well again, is more comfortable and, of course, looks better. Although the procedure will not completely resolve your stretch marks, many of the lower abdominal (below the belly button) stretch marks are removed with this operation. Most often the scars can be hidden under clothing, even when wearing more revealing outfits like shorts, bathing suits, and bikinis.
What will a Mommy Makeover NOT Do?
A mommy makeover is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results are lasting, the results will be greatly diminished with significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or considering future pregnancies would be advised to post-pone a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck also does not eliminate stretch marks. Many stretch marks are removed with the skin excision and often improved, but some can still be present. The tradeoff is that this procedure does leave new scars, although they hidden in area that typically do show, even in underwear.
During your Consult
At the time of your consultation we will review your goals. Dr. Brown will evaluate your medical conditions, drug allergies, current medications/herbal supplements and prior surgical history. He will ask about your general health and stability of your weight.
He will examine your abdomen and breast, exam for hernias, take measurements, and finally take photographs. If there is significant volume loss to the breasts Dr. Brown will discuss the utility of breast implants. From that information Dr. Brown will recommend a course of treatment, likely outcomes, and discuss potential complications as well as the type of anesthesia.
Prior to Surgery
To get ready for surgery there are a number important steps. We will obtain recent blood work and sometimes obtain medical clearance from your primary doctor.
You must stop smoking. In most cases Dr. Brown will not perform an Mommy makeover on anyone who is actively smoking. You must avoid taking Aspirin, anti-inflammatories and herbal supplements for 3 weeks prior to surgery as this increase the risk of bleeding. Certain hormones must also be stop as these increase the risk of Deep vein thrombosis.
The Procedure
Medications are administered for your comfort and most cases these surgeries are performed with deep sedation or general anesthesia.
The surgery on the breasts involves an incision that can be placed around the areola, and either at the breast crease or a lower vertical scar is necessary to completely tighten the breasts and possible place an implant. Through these incisions the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped, The nipple and areola is repositioned, and excess skin is removed.
The surgery on the abdomen involves a horizontally oriented scar between the pubis and the hairline and the belly button. The abdominal skin is then lifted and the belly button is released. The weakened or separated muscles are then repaired. A second incision is made near the naval area and excess skin is removed. The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade and a new opening is made for the belly button. The abdominal skin is then closed in layers with absorbable sutures.
Recovery
After surgery you will be in a soft dressing that will support your abdomen. Additional a supportive bra is used for the breasts There are typically 2 drains used in the abdomen (small round tubes) to help remove fluid that are in 7 to 10 days. After 1 week you will be fitted into a lower body compression dressing to help further reduce swelling and support the abdomen. Strenuous exercise is avoided for the first 3 weeks. Most people feel ready to return to work by 2 to 3 weeks.
Risks
- Anesthesia Risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid Accumulation (seroma)
- Poor Wound Healing
- Skin Loss
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Skin discoloration
- Unfavorable scarring
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Fatty tissue
- Deep Vein thrombosis
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Asymmetry
- Suboptimal Aesthetic result
- Possibility of revision surgery
- Persistent pain