Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover is not a name for a procedure in and of itself. It is simply a term used to signify a combination of a breast and body contouring surgery which are performed in the same operation. The idea is that these procedures will address the after effects of childbearing; such as, loose abdominal skin, stretch marks, and sagging, deflated breasts. Generally, a Mommy Makeover procedure involves a combination of breast surgery and abdominal surgery. The surgeries can range from Breast Reduction to Breast Augmentation to a Breast Lift, and usually combined with an Abdominoplasty and/or Liposuction.
We recommend that this procedure be performed after all planned childbearing has occurred. Sometimes patients who have lost significant weight will elect to have the procedure even if they anticipate having children in the future, but they should expect this to occur at least 2 years later.
The Procedure
Most Mommy Makeover surgeries are performed here at our AAAHC accredited surgical facility under the care of our Board Certified anesthesiologist. On some occasions, the procedure may be performed at Rex Hospital if an overnight stay is recommended or of certain underlying medical problems precludes performance at our facility. The procedure can take up to 4-6 hours depending on what combination of operations is necessary for the patient’s desired results. Patients usually stay in our facility for 1 to 1.5 hours post-operation but can be discharged to go home with the care of a responsible adult.
The Recovery
Mommy Makeover surgeries can take several weeks to recover from. Usually, if an Abdominoplasty is performed, this procedure will take the longest to recover from. Pain medicine is prescribed but the use of long-lasting local anesthetics such as Exparel; which, in combination with oral pain medicines, makes the recovery much easier. We recommend that mothers with young children have plenty of support at home since lifting of small children is best avoided for a few weeks after the operation. Generally, patients can return to normal activities in 2 weeks and restrictions are typically lifted at the 4-6 week point.
For more tips on how to create a post-op recovery space at home visit our blog!
FAQ
Q: I may decide to have more children in a few years but I need something to do about my body now! Should I have a Mommy Makeover?
A: Although it is ideal to have a Mommy Makeover after there are no further planned pregnancies, this procedure does not inhibit childbearing afterwards. There is generally no interference with normal pregnancy. Breastfeeding may be limited depending on the procedure performed on the breasts. Additional procedures may be necessary after another pregnancy if more sagging and stretching occurs. But, generally, the entire procedure does not require repeating.
