Childbirth is one of the most exciting times for many women, but pregnancy can also lead to lasting, unwanted changes in a mother’s body after birth. The mommy makeover includes a customized combination of surgical procedures designed to boost your confidence and help you feel more comfortable in your post-pregnancy body.
Contents
What to Expect
● Anesthesia – Local with IV sedation at our surgical center or general anesthesia in a hospital setting
● Length of Surgery – 3-5 hours, depending on the number of treatment areas
● In/Out Patient – Outpatient
● Recovery – Light activities can be resumed in about 2 weeks but more strenuous activity should be avoided for up to 6 weeks.
● Fading of Scars – one to two years
● Duration of Results – Results last many years but can be affected gradually by natural aging
Mommy Makeover
During pregnancy, weight gain is expected but many women are left with stubborn fat, excess skin, and loose muscle that has been stretched over time. The mommy makeover is a cosmetic procedure that includes several surgeries to target each area of the body affected by pregnancy. Common procedures in the mommy makeover include:
Breast Surgery
After pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts often sag or lose volume which can lead to a deflated or asymmetrical look. A breast lift is a popular procedure for women who want to rejuvenate their pre-pregnancy bodies. During the procedure, the breasts will be lifted to their natural position on the chest wall and excess skin will be carefully removed. A breast augmentation can be included with the lift or performed alone to add volume to the breasts. At our office, we offer saline and silicone implants in a variety of sizes as well as fat grafting; your options can be discussed in greater detail at your consultation.
Breast reduction is another breast surgery option. After breastfeeding, the breasts can permanently become larger, which can be uncomfortable for some women. During the procedure, your breasts will be reduced to a natural-looking size that fits your unique body contours, while also being lifted in position on your chest.
Tummy Tuck
During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles and overlying skin stretch, which can lead to significant amounts of sagging skin. During the tummy tuck procedure, this excess skin is removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened to strengthen them and restore the look of a toned, smooth stomach. Stretch marks that are present on the lower stomach can also be improved with the removal of loose skin.
Liposuction
Although most weight gain can be resolved with diet and exercise, some fat is resistant. Liposuction is another popular plastic surgery procedure included in mommy makeovers. It is often combined with tummy tuck surgery to remove stubborn pockets of fat left after pregnancy weight gain. Excess fat can also be removed from the upper arms, thighs, hips, and bra line if desired. Liposuction only requires tiny incisions that leave very little scaring.
Who is a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for a mommy makeover are women who are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding and want to restore their body’s contours. It’s best that patients are done having children since future pregnancies will reverse the results of your mommy makeover. The best results occur when you are at a stable weight. Candidates should also be in good health with good control of any underlying medical conditions. Your medical history and desired goals for your mommy makeover surgery will be discussed in detail at your consultation with Dr. Baca or Dr. Sabbagh.
The Procedure
The mommy makeover includes a combination of plastic surgery procedures, customized to each patient’s concerns and desired results. This procedure is often performed at our on-site surgical center under IV sedation but patients do have the option of general anesthesia in a hospital setting. Breast augmentation requires an incision to be made under the breast fold and the tummy tuck requires an incision along the bikini line. Each of these incisions are carefully made in places where the scars can be easily concealed.
Mommy Makeover Recovery
After a mommy makeover procedure, it is important to give yourself time to rest and recover. Swelling and bruising are common, but will improve significantly over the first month. Patients will be instructed on compression garment use to help with swelling. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. At your consultation, you will be provided with detailed post-operative instructions to guide you through a safe and successful recovery.
What Are the Risks?
Although there are risks with any surgical procedure, our board-certified plastic surgeons have many years of experience and have trained at top medical programs in the country. During your consultation, risks will be reviewed as well as ways to minimize risk. Dr. Marissa Baca is a female plastic surgeon and mother who understands the desire for women to feel confident and beautiful. She and Dr. William Sabbagh are dedicated to creating the best possible experience for our patients and you can expect beautiful, natural-looking results from your mommy makeover at the Straith Clinic.
Schedule a Consultation
With an established track record of over 80 years, an accredited facility, and thousands of satisfied patients throughout Dearborn, metro Detroit, Michigan and the U.S., the Straith Clinic has earned an excellent reputation for cosmetic surgery of the face and body. To learn more about the mommy makeover and develop your customized procedure, contact our office at 248-270-5272 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sabbagh or Dr. Baca.
