Mommy Makeover

Mommy makeovers are becoming a very common procedure performed by plastic surgeons. -These are done to correct many of the issues that develop with pregnancy. During this time many physiologic changes occur in a mother’s body that leads to the development of excess skin in the breast and abdominal areas. Breast size can also be reduced related to postpartum atrophy. Pregnancy hormones can promote the formation of fatty deposition in areas that can be resistant to.dietary methods. Because of these changes many women seek consultation for improvement in their appearance after having a baby. The most common procedures offered for postpartum breast improvement are breast lifts and breast augmentation. Abdominal improvement procedures include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction. Liposuction alone is utilized for areas of unwanted fatty deposition that produces contour issues.

Breast

After childbirth it is not unusual for mothers to experience deflation of the breast with drooping and loss of volume. Breast lifts are procedures that replace the nipple areolar complex to normal position and removes the excess skin. Breast augmentation utilizes an implant to replace the loss volume. Both procedures are done under general anesthesia with overnight stay. Patients can usually return to a light duty job in 3 days after a lift alone and 6 days after augmentation.

Abdomen:

When patients present for abdominal improvement, the issues are primarily related to excess abdominal wall skin and displacement of the abdominal musculature. An abdominoplasty addresses both issues by excision of the excess skin and realignment of the underlying muscles. In this procedure, before the surgery is done, the area to be excised is marked to enable the patient to see the length of the scar and what will and will not be improved. It is very common to also include liposuction of the hips. This surgery takes about 2.5 hours and includes an overnight stay. Patients can usually return to a light duty job in 10 to 14 days. However, it does take 6-8 weeks before returning to activities that stress the abdominal area.

Liposuction

Liposuction is utilized when there is only a small amount of excess skin and areas of fatty deposition that produce contour issues. The outcome is best when there is a little associated skin excess and the area to be treated is well defined. It is usually done under local or general anesthesia as an outpatient. It is common to combine liposuction with other procedures

Good candidates for surgery

Patients that are a good candidate for surgery are in good health with well controlled medical issues such as diabetes and hypertension. If there are any questions, we always recommend reevaluation from the primary care provider. Surgery is postponed for 4-6 months after childbirth and breast feeding. Patients are encouraged to try to obtain their normal weight prior to proceeding with surgery.

Menard Plastic Surgery

At Menard Plastic Surgery we prioritize the patient’s safety. There is always an MD anesthesiologist in charge of anesthesia. Patients usually spend the night in the outpatient center. The overnight stay is included with the surgery for all our patients. If you are interested in getting more information regarding mommy makeover, please call our office for an appointment. During your consultation we will explain the procedure and discuss options and associated risks.