There are numerous women who are unhappy with the appearance and shape of their bodies after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Noticing changes in the body after having a child is very common. Nearly all of these changes can be addressed with a mommy makeover. This is a customized surgical procedure most often including the abdomen and breasts. In most cases, all of these issues are handled during the same procedure. The appearance of each woman is improved in the areas of her choice such as a flatter and more toned abdomen, perkier breasts, and the removal of excess skin. There are a lot of factors each woman should consider prior to deciding which procedures and techniques are best for her specific goals. This includes:
• How much restoration is desired
• The best suited type of breast implants (if desired)
• Where the incisions will be placed
The majority of mommy makeovers performed include one or a combination of the following procedures.
• Tummy tuck
• Breast lift
• Breast augmentation
• Liposuction
This surgery is extremely personal and individualized. You should not have this treatment to try to please someone else or fit into any of the modern stereotypes. The only good reason for having this procedure is because this is what you want. You will choose the cosmetic procedure you feel will best address the impact of having your child or children. Recommendations best suited for your individual needs will be made by the surgeon. You may be a good candidate for this procedure if:
• You are in good overall health
• You do not intend to have another child
• You are maintaining your correct body weight
• You have realistic expectations
The process starts with a consultation with a plastic surgeon. This is when you will have the opportunity to ask questions. In most cases, you will be discussing your specific goals for the surgery, your complete medical history including any current medical conditions, past surgeries and allergies. Understanding the importance of being honest about your current medications such as prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and drug, alcohol and tobacco use is critical for your safety. The surgeon will evaluate your health including any pre-existing conditions. You will receive an examination of your abdomen and breasts to determine the measurements, shape, size and thickness and quality of your skin. Photographs will be taken for comparison after surgery. Your options will be explained and recommendations made for the best procedures.
Asking questions is important to make certain you understand the procedure you will be having for your mommy makeover in addition to the expected results. There is a good chance you will feel some anxiety at your consultation. You need to remember the surgeon is experienced in all of these procedures. The surgeon has also most likely already heard every question you intend to ask. There are steps you will need to perform prior to your surgery. This may include:
• Having a medical evaluation and lab testing
• Adjust or stop taking certain medications for a specific period of time
• Quit smoking for at least four weeks prior to and after your surgery
• Discontinue herbal supplements, anti-inflammatory medication and aspirin
Your surgery will probably take place in a hospital under general anesthesia. The decisions regarding the specifics of your surgery will be determined by the surgeon based on your preferences, goals and the experience of the surgeon.
The Steps for the Most Commonly Included Procedures of a Mommy Makeover
A breast augmentation begins when the surgeon makes incisions in the most inconspicuous area possible. This will help hide any visible scarring. You will discuss the options with the surgeon prior to your surgery. The best options for your incision include the axillary incision placed in your armpit, the inframammary fold placed beneath your breast and the periareolar incision placed around the edge of your areola. Once the surgeon makes the incision, a pocket is created for the insertion of the breast implants. The submuscular placement is beneath your pectoral muscle. The subglandular or submammary placement is made over your pectoral muscle, behind the tissue of your breast.
The technique chosen for the insertion and placement of your breast implants is dependent on several factors. This includes the type of implant you have chosen, your body type, the amount of enlargement and the recommendations of the surgeon. Layered sutures are generally used for the closure of your incisions in the tissue of your breasts. Your skin is closed using surgical tape or skin adhesive. As time passes, the lines from the incisions will begin to fade. Most of the incisions are hidden by the surgeon to ensure most of your scarring will not be visible. You will see the results as soon as your procedure has been completed.
One of the most popular procedures for a mommy makeover is a breast lift. This option has several different technique and pattern options. The right technique for your procedure is based on your breasts size and shape, how much sagging resulted from you pregnancy, areolas positioning and size, how much excess skin you have and your skin’s quality. You will receive medication to ensure your comfort during surgery. The surgeon usually recommends general anesthesia. There are different basic patterns used for incisions. The most common include around your areola to your breast crease in a vertical line and around your areola to your breast crease in a horizontal line.
Your underlying breast tissue is reshaped and lifted for an improvement in the firmness and contour of your breasts. The height of your areolas and nipples are repositioned to provide a more youthful and natural appearance. The size of your areola can be decreased by removing skin at the base. Excess skin is often removed in the breasts due to loss in elasticity. Your skin will be tightened when the surgeon closes your incisions. The natural contours of your breasts will be used to conceal as many incisions as possible. Any visible scarring will fade and improve as time passes. The surgeon will base the incisions on your anatomy, always providing the smallest possible scars.
Your sutures will be placed in layers beneath the breast tissues. This supports the new shape and contour of your breasts. Your skin will generally be closed with surgical tape or skin adhesive. You will be able to see your results as soon as your surgery has concluded.
Liposuction is performed to remove any pockets of stubborn fat resulting from your pregnancy. You will receive medication to make certain you remain comfortable during your procedure. The surgeon will recommend the best option for your needs. This is usually general anesthesia, intravenous sedation or local anesthesia. The incisions required for liposuction are both small and very inconspicuous. This procedure is performed using a thin, hollow tube referred to as a cannula. The incisions are used to insert the device. A backwards and forwards motion is used for the loosening of the excess fat. A special syringe or surgical vacuum can then be used to suction out the fat that was dislodged.
The most frequently included procedure for a mommy makeover is a tummy tuck. Medication will be administered to make certain you remain comfortable during your surgery. The best choice will be determined by the surgeon. A horizontal incision between your belly button and pubic hairline is required for a tummy tuck. The amount of excess skin will determine both the length and shape of your incision. Your abdominal skin will be lifted to enable the surgeon to repair weak abdominal muscles. If you have extra skin in the upper portion of your abdomen, an incision around your belly button may be necessary. The skin of your upper abdomen will be pulled down in a similar fashion as a window shade. The surgeon will remove the excess skin prior to suturing the remaining skin back together.
Your incisions will be closed with either sutures, clips, tapes or skin adhesives or a combination. The results are a firmer and flatter contour to your abdomen in more proportion to both your weight and body type.
It is important to note both losing or gaining weight can alter your results. This is because the fat transferred has the same ability to shrink or grow as any of the other fat in the body. Once you have completed your surgery, you should be much happier with the appearance of your body. You should postpone this procedure if you intend to have more children.
Contact Us
Here at Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery, we are dedicated to helping each of our patients achieve their goals. If you are interested in restoring your body back to the way it was before you had children, a mommy makeover may be the perfect choice for you. Most patients require one to two weeks to recover enough to perform functions around the house, so make sure you have someone who can help you during this time. Having meals prepared ahead of time or finding someone who can cook for you is a good idea.
We also recommend avoiding strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least six weeks after your mommy makeover. You want to avoid anything that could cause complications after your surgeries, especially if that involves an activity that could cause your sutures to open up. We can prescribe pain medication to help you deal with any pain or discomfort you may feel as you are recovering. It will take about two weeks before you will be cleared to go back to work, as long as your job does not involve heavy lift.
If you would like to learn more, the team at Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery in Wellington, FL would be more than happy to answer any of your questions. Contact us today to schedule your mommy makeover consultation!
