What Mommy Makeover Can Address
Mommy makeover is designed to correct common pregnancy-related changes to the body and breasts. It can improve the appearance of the following:
- Breasts that have lost their youthful shape and perky position
- Oversized or downward-pointing nipples
- Asymmetry between the breasts after nursing
- Stubborn fat deposits on the abdomen
- Separated abdominal muscles
- Loose, saggy skin on the abdomen
- Localized fat deposits on the buttocks, thighs, hips or lower back
Mommy Makeover Treatment Details
Depending on the areas of your body that have been affected by pregnancy and nursing, your mommy makeover may include a combination of the following procedures:
Breast lift to elevate sagging breasts. The procedure removes excess skin and re-sculpts the existing breast tissue higher on the chest. It can also relocate the nipples and areolas higher on the breast mound and correct downward-pointing or oversized nipples.
Breast augmentation to restore fullness to flat, shapeless breasts. Through the placement of saline or silicone implants, breast augmentation produces a more voluptuous chest. Implants or autologous fat can also be used to correct notable asymmetry. Breast augmentation is often combined with breast lift to improve both breast shape and position.
Tummy tuck to flatten and firm the abdomen. The operation repairs separated or weakened muscles, eliminates loose, saggy skin, tightens the remaining skin and removes excess fat from the abdomen. In some cases, it improves the look of stretch marks below the navel. The belly button can also be relocated higher on the abdomen.
Liposuction to remove localized pockets of excess body fat for a more sculpted physique. The procedure can be performed on the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, back and even underneath the chin and on the neck.
Dr. Raj will personally consult with you to determine the areas of your body that you would like to improve. Together, you will come up with a suitable plan of treatment that encompasses all problematic areas. The goal is to restore or even improve upon your pre-baby body.
When is the right time for mommy makeover?
Ideal candidates for mommy makeover are women who are finished having children, as weight gain from future pregnancies can sabotage the results of treatment. Women should wait at least six months after giving birth before undergoing the procedure. In addition, women who breastfeed should wait six months after weaning their babies, especially if they are planning to undergo breast enhancement. This allows the body to fully heal and stabilize in weight.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines. Your plastic surgeon will determine when it is safe for you to undergo mommy makeover based on your personal pregnancy recovery.
What should I expect during my mommy makeover consultation?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Raj will thoroughly examine your anatomy and discuss with you your reasons for undergoing mommy makeover. He will ask you to point out the body areas you are unhappy with, as well as what you wish to achieve with mommy makeover. Many women find it helpful to bring photos of their desired surgical outcomes (if you do, be sure to bring photos of women who have a similar body shape as yours). Dr. Raj will also have you view before-and-after photos of his past mommy makeover patients to give you an idea of what results you can reasonably expect.
Dr. Raj will evaluate your medical history in order to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for surgery. The surgeon will also discuss surgical details, possible risks, pre- and post-op concerns and treatment costs.
Will scarring be visible?
Like all surgical procedures, mommy makeover does leave behind some degree of scarring. However, the highly qualified plastic surgeon knows how to minimize the appearance of scars. Dr. Raj creates incisions in a way so they can be easily concealed by natural creases of the skin or by clothing. Your post-op recovery care also plays an important role in how well your scars heal. Dr. Raj will provide you with detailed post-op instructions to ensure beautiful, long-lasting results.
What is the mommy makeover recovery process?
The initial recovery period for mommy makeover typically takes one to two weeks. Plenty of bed rest is key to help your body heal as quickly as possible. During this time, you will need to avoid many of your normal activities, including vigorous exercise and lifting heavy objects. Dr. Raj will provide more detailed instructions for your recovery following your procedure. He may also make modifications or additional recommendations depending on your healing progress.
What are the risks of a mommy makeover?
Common side effects include swelling, bruising and soreness. These are only temporary and should subside quickly. Dr. Raj may prescribe oral pain medication to minimize discomfort. Risks are rare but include excessive bleeding, blood clotting, asymmetrical results and infection. Prior to your procedure, Dr. Raj will discuss all possible risks and side effects in detail with you.
Contact Us
For more information about mommy makeover and how it can restore your pre-pregnancy body, Dr. Raj invites you to contact his Cleveland plastic surgery office by calling (440) 808-8030 to schedule a consultation.
