Mommy Makeover
Many mothers discover that their bodies do not return to their pre-baby form after having one or more children. Pregnancy causes a woman’s body to store fat and forces the skin and muscles to stretch in preparation for the stress of childbirth and breastfeeding.
While some of these changes will reverse on their own, others are impossible to improve without surgical assistance. Mommy Makeover surgery utilizes a combination of plastic surgery procedures that help you achieve a tighter, firmer body with attractive, confidence-enhancing contours.
Mommy Makeover surgery is customized to you, but it usually involves some combination of breast enhancement and body contouring techniques.
What Can a Mommy Makeover Improve?
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Sagging, Deflated Breasts
Pregnancy and breastfeeding weaken the strength and elasticity of the breast tissues. This causes deflation and sagging (ptosis) of the bustline. Breast enhancement surgery reshapes, raises, and restores volume to the breasts to return a youthful, perky, and attractive chest contour.
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Loose Abdominal Muscles
Your expanding uterus places significant strain on your abdominal muscles during pregnancy. This stress can cause the muscles to loosen or separate—creating a condition known as diastasis recti. Tummy tuck surgery can repair abdominal muscles while trimming away excess skin and fatty tissue.
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Undefined Contours
Excess, unwanted pockets of fat can develop on the body after childbirth, and they are often resistant to any amount of diet and exercise. Liposuction removes stubborn post-pregnancy fat deposits so that you can show off your newly defined and toned physical contour.
“Just a note to say that your professionalism and expertise are truly amazing. Thanks for your kindness throughout the whole process. You’re simply the absolute best!”
“Thank you for taking such good care of me. I really felt confident that you sincerely care about your patients and their comfort.”
“Just wanted to thank you all for everything. You guys are wonderful and I will share it with everyone. Thanks again. You guys are the best.”
Concerns
Recovery
Your Mommy Makeover recovery period will vary depending on which procedures are best for you.
Mommy Makeover surgery is an outpatient procedure, and you can return home shortly after the operation. You will need to have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first one to two days and have help with all household chores and childcare, for at least one week.
You can expect to take up to two weeks off of work and all of your regular activities. Heavy lifting—children, weights, laundry, groceries—and strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least four to six weeks to ensure that you are healing in the best way.
Dr. Alexander will give you a detailed explanation about what you can expect and how to best manage your life during your recovery period.
Scars
Scarring is an inevitable result of any surgical procedure; however, Dr. Alexander does his best to make the incisions as small, hidden, and meticulously placed as possible.
The location and extent of your scars will depend on the surgical techniques performed. Dr. Alexander will inform you about all of your surgical incisions during your consultation so that you will know what to expect for your scarring.
All surgical scars usually fade with time and, in select patients, may be lessened with scar creams and silicone strips.
Cost
The total cost of your plastic surgery procedure is a reflection of your plastic surgeon. Dr. Alexander has been board certified in plastic surgery for over two decades, during which time he has been honored and recognized with multiple awards and accolades. With his extensive expertise, knowledge, and skill, Dr. Alexander customizes your Mommy Makeover to your needs and ensures that only the safest and most advanced techniques are used.
The final cost of your Mommy Makeover depends on the specific combination of procedures, the extent of correction, and the techniques used. Additional cost factors include anesthesia fees, facility fees, pre-surgical tests, and post-surgical dressings.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the estimated cost of surgeon’s fees range between $9,000 and $20,000, but this will vary significantly depending on the specifics of your operation. Dr. Alexander and his team will provide you with an accurate cost estimate during your consultation.
Since plastic surgery is cosmetic and elective, insurance will not cover the cost of these procedures. Dr. Alexander offers financing options through CareCredit®.
Comfort
Dr. Alexander performs Mommy Makeover surgery under general anesthesia with the assistance of a board-certified anesthesiologist who will monitor your vitals and health throughout the process.
You can expect some bruising and swelling in all treated areas. Compression garments/dressings will be wrapped around the treated areas to reduce swelling and promote blood circulation. World-class results are our goal. The majority of post-operative discomfort is experienced during the first 48 to 72 hours. Pain medication will be prescribed for you to alleviate any discomfort, and most patients switch to over-the-counter pain medication after a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Mommy Makeover surgery is performed to restore pre-baby contours. These procedures can benefit women who experience:
- Loose abdominal skin
- Localized fat deposits
- Sagging breasts
- Decreased breast volume
- Undefined body contours
Candidates for this procedure are in good overall health, do not smoke, and are realistic about their expectations. Women must wait until after they are finished breastfeeding before undergoing this procedure. Candidates who are interested in this procedure should attempt to lose weight and tone muscle naturally and be committed to maintaining their results afterward with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
For more information about how to prepare for your Mommy Makeover, visit our blog.
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All of the different aspects of a Mommy Makeover can be performed as standalone procedures with significant, desirable results. While it is not required to combine procedures, it is beneficial for women with multiple cosmetic concerns. Healthy women can experience a reduced total recovery time, (since your procedures are completed in one surgical day), and less financial cost by combining their plastic surgeries.
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While the different aspects of this combination procedure are safe, and routinely performed, the Mommy Makeover is an invasive surgical process. Healthy patients, following our recommendations for pre and post op care overall do great in our hands. Risks and complications, although rare, are possible. These include:
- Harmful interactions with the anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Infection
- Prolonged wound healing
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
- Hematoma
- Seroma
- Unfavorable scarring
- Capsular contracture—if implants are used
- Implant rupture—if implants are used
You can reduce your risk of these complications by following all of Dr. Alexander’s recommendations and advice before and after your surgery.
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While none of the procedures performed in a Mommy Makeover will prevent you from conceiving or complicate a pregnancy, additional pregnancies will affect or reverse the quality and appearance of your results. We suggest that you wait until you are finished having children before undergoing any of the surgical procedures associated with a Mommy Makeover for the best long-term results.