Mommy makeover
Cosmetic Plastic surgery of breast and abdomen after childbirth or massive weight loss is often called a Mommy makeover. Recently a patient asked me if in fact it was not a ‘Mummy makeover” since patients are often bandaged up like mummies after this cosmetic surgery duo!
Changes to body after pregnancy or weight loss
Several distinct but common changes occur to the body after pregnancy or weight gain and loss.
- Fat Deposits – occur in the flanks, love handles, back and abdomen
- Loose skin – as a result of stretching of the skin leads to loss of elasticity of skin and its hanging down
- Breasts become smaller and may also become droopy due to loss of volume and elasticity- in women and men!
- Arm skin becomes droopy but fat accumulation in the arms may increase
- Facial and neck skin may droop giving an older look
Surgery of the abdomen and breasts
Mommy makeovers typically include
- Tummy tucks- abdominoplasty – https://www.tavmd.com/surgery-info/tummy-tuck/
- Breast lifts with or without augmentation –https://www.tavmd.com/surgery-info/breast-surgery/
Other procedures may include
- Arm lifts or liposuction – https://www.tavmd.com/surgery-info/arm-lift/
- Liposuction of thighs or back – https://www.tavmd.com/surgery-info/liposuction/
- Face lift surgery – https://www.tavmd.com/surgery-info/face-lift-surgery/
- Buttock enlargement – https://www.tavmd.com/buttock-enlargement-lift/
Mommy makeovers will take between 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on the type of surgery that needs to be performed. Though some surgeons like to continue to operate on other body areas at the same time, I find that 8 hour cosmetic surgeries are just too much for me. They are also way too much for the patient! I prefer to divide up the surgeries into more reasonable segments, sometimes just by a few days, to allow easier healing for patients.
Recovery from Mommy makeover
After a mommy makeover the recovery will depend on the number and type of procedures performed as well as all the usual reasons for differences in individual healing. Although patients are up and walking the same day as surgery, typically it will take about 10-14 days before patients are back at work. I have had patients return as soon as 3 days after surgery and as long as 14 days.
Here is a link to a patient returning to the office after only 12 hours following mommy surgery; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCqqri8Yt5M&list=UUGHAP0wTkrkJuRo1yN1CFjg
Full healing though will take about 4 months though their healing is gradual and progressive.
Mommy makeover surgery gives women a new look . A new look for their bodies and a new look on life.