Reclaim your pre-baby figure with Mommy Makeover surgery! This combination procedure addresses problem areas that are commonly affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding, including the abdomen, breasts, and stubborn body fat. If motherhood or weight fluctuations have taken a toll on your body, you can restore your contours and your confidence with this completely customizable combination procedure.
Any healthy adult who is not currently pregnant or breastfeeding may be a candidate for a Mommy Makeover. Candidates hope to correct multiple body contour issues, such as loose abdominal skin, weakened stomach muscles, persistent body fat, and saggy, deflated, and/or asymmetrical breasts. Candidates should also be at a stable body weight and should not be actively trying to lose weight.
Mommy Makeover surgery is a combination of several procedures, which are customized to meet the patient’s needs. The most commonly included techniques are abdominoplasty (which surgically removes excess abdominal skin and repairs the stomach muscle wall), liposuction (which suctions out excess fat through a thin, hollow needle), breast augmentation (which surgically inserts breast implants to enhance breast size and shape), and breast lift surgery (which surgically tightens, reshapes, and repositions the breasts so that they appear more rounded and youthful).
You should be in good health and at a stable body weight prior to undergoing this surgery. If you are receiving treatment for any chronic health conditions, you will need to request clearance from your primary care physician. You may also need to get an EKG and basic blood work to evaluate your health in anticipation of a successful procedure and healthy recovery. You will also need to plan for adequate time off work and arrange for assistance during your recovery, especially for activities such as driving, household responsibilities, and childcare.
Most patients can expect approximately 10 to 14 days of downtime after a Mommy Makeover. This timeline may vary depending on the number and type of procedures included. Surgical drains may be placed for up to 2 weeks. Discomfort, which is common after surgery, can be managed with pain medications. Compression garments may need to be worn for up to 6 weeks, and underwire bras may need to be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Physical exercise and other strenuous activities will need to be modified and/or avoided for up to 10 weeks after surgery. To accommodate these restrictions, you may need to limit your work responsibilities and seek assistance for basic household responsibilities and childcare during recovery.
A Mommy Makeover is designed to be customizable, which means it can include whatever procedures are best for your needs. Most commonly, Mommy Makeover surgery includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast enhancement surgery (such as breast augmentation and/or breast lift surgery).
The length and location of scars will depend on the techniques included in your Mommy Makeover. For example, a tummy tuck will leave a horizontal scar in the lower abdomen between the hips (near the pubic line). A breast lift scar may encircle the areola, extend vertically downward to the breast crease, and extend horizontally along the crease (depending on how much correction was needed and whether or not implants were inserted). All incisions are strategically placed to minimize their appearance. The appearance of your scars will also depend on your body’s natural healing process. Most Mommy Makeover scars fade significantly over time.
Women may be ready to get a Mommy Makeover as early six months after childbirth, provided they are feeling well and healthy, at a stable body weight, and no longer breastfeeding. Due to physical restrictions during Mommy Makeover recovery, we recommend you make alternate childcare arrangements for the first few weeks following your procedure.
Getting a Mommy Makeover will not affect your ability to get pregnant. However, future pregnancies will most likely reverse the results of your procedure, so it is strongly recommended that you wait to undergo Mommy Makeover surgery until after you have finished having children.
If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, stable body weight, and do not become pregnant afterward, your Mommy Makeover results could last for many years. Bear in mind that some tissue sagginess (such as breast sagging) may eventually occur due to natural aging and diminishing skin quality.
Stephenie Poris, MD sees patients at both the Orlando and Winter Park offices.
