Mommy Makeover

Pregnancy may result in changes in the shape of breasts and abdominal area. These changes typically result in loss of breast volume, and sagging of breast tissue. The same may occur in the abdominal region, resulting in loose skin, stretch marks, and a "beer-belly" appearance due to weakness of the abdominal muscles.

Most patients undergo breast augmentation with or without a lift and tummy tuck. This results in a balanced, youthful look to the body. In most cases, both procedures can be performed at the same time, thus reducing recovery time and cost.

"Mommy makeover" is a catch phrase, which has become very popular in plastic surgery, & addresses the changes which occur in the breast and abdomen after pregnancy. However, it is important to realize the same changes occur in patients who have had major weight loss.

After pregnancy, the breast will lose volume and may become deflated. The skin and the nipple may also become loose and drop (nipple ptosis). If the patient’s nipple position is adequate and there is no loose skin, then a breast augmentation alone will restore the lost volume. If, however, there is ptosis, then a breast lift (mastopexy) will also be required. There are three types of mastopexy: donut (peri-areolar), vertical (lolli-pop) and full (anchor). The type of breast lift required will be determined at the time of consultation.

The abdominal skin after surgery will stretch. In some patients, the amount of stretch is minimal. However, in most patients stretch marks occur and the skin loses its elasticity, resulting in hanging skin. The fascia (thick white layer) between the abdominal muscles also stretches, in order to accommodate the fetus. After delivery, this weakness remains. The medical term for this condition is rectus diastasis. The abdominal contents then push against the weakened fascia, resulting in a “beer belly” appearance. In our practice, we perform three types of abdominoplasty: mini, standard, and extended. The type of tummy tuck required will be determined at the time of consultation. Usually, the patient will have excess fat around the flanks (love handles). Liposuction of the flanks will be performed at the time of surgery.

The ideal candidate for a mommy makeover surgery is healthy and should be at or within 20 pounds of their ideal weight. However, if the abdominal skin fat is very thick, and the skin cannot be moved easily, then the patient must lose more weight.

The recovery for mommy makeover is similar to a C-section. The patient must refrain from exercise or heavy activity for at least 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, gradual exercise can be resumed as tolerated. No abdominal sit-ups or exercise is recommended for six months. Since the rectus diastasis is corrected, it is essential to allow the repair to become as strong as possible.

The recommendation by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is to limit outpatient surgery anesthesia time to 6 hours. In majority of patients, the mommy makeover surgery can be performed in this time limit. However, if the anticipated anesthesia time is longer, then the surgeries must be broken into two or more stages.

Please visit our mommy makeover photo gallery for before and after photos.

Élan Institute for Plastic Surgery
2010 East First Street, Suite 270
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone: 714. 834. 0101

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