Mommy Makeover
Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can lead to significant and permanent changes in the shape of a woman’s body. Sagging breasts, skin laxity, and excess fatty tissue are common concerns many women are left with after having children. Mommy Makeover surgery is specifically designed to address these issues and help women recover their pre-pregnancy figure by improving multiple areas of the body that have been affected. A Mommy Makeover combines a variety of cosmetic procedures and often includes breast augmentation and/or breast lift, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), liposuction, and any other methods necessary to achieve a patient’s desired result. The type and number of techniques used depends on the physical characteristics and particular complaints of each patient, and they can be performed simultaneously in a single operation or staged over a series of treatment sessions.
Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Schlenker, has extensive experience performing Mommy Makeover surgery and offers a complete selection of surgical and non-surgical procedures that can be tailored to a patient’s individual needs and goals.
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What concerns can a Mommy Makeover address?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding affect each woman’s body differently, but there are common underlying issues that can be addressed with a Mommy Makeover. The breasts can develop ptosis (or sagging), and appear flat and shapeless after breastfeeding. Breast augmentation uses breast implants to restore volume, projection and symmetry to the breasts. Breast lift surgery can raise the breasts to a more youthful position, reduce oversized areolas, and provide fullness and firmness to the breasts. There are some women who benefit from either a breast augmentation or a breast lift, however, many require both procedures if there have been significant changes in breast size resulting in loose, redundant skin. For those with overly large, uncomfortable breasts, breast reduction surgery can provide a smaller, more proportionate appearance.
Another concern are pregnancy-related changes to the abdomen which result from skin laxity, excess fatty tissue, and stretching and weakening of the abdominal muscles. Tummy tuck surgery can remove excess skin, eliminate stretch marks, tighten underlying muscles, and create a firmer, flatter midsection. Liposuction of adjacent areas can also be performed to remove additional fatty tissue, and further shape and contour the region.
Who can benefit from a Mommy Makeover?
Mommy Makeover surgery is a solution for women who are unhappy with their appearance and want to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies, so they can look their best and feel more confident after having children. Candidates for surgery must be in good general health, be a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations about the post-operative result. During your initial consultation, Dr. Schlenker will discuss your goals, evaluate your specific needs, and develop a customized treatment plan designed to achieve your desired outcome. If you are not an appropriate candidate for Mommy Makeover surgery, Dr. Schlenker will recommend other options that may be more suitable for managing your particular concerns.
Any additional undesirable physical changes can be addressed using a variety of advanced surgical techniques to provide a more comprehensive improvement in overall appearance. Non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments are also available to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and augment facial features (such as lips and cheeks) for a more refreshed, natural-looking result.
What will recovery after a Mommy Makeover be like?
Mommy Makeover surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to return home the same day to rest and relax. If additional assistance during the first 24 hours is necessary, we will schedule an overnight stay at a post-surgical aftercare facility. The recovery from Mommy Makeover surgery will vary depending on which procedures are selected and whether they are performed at the same time or in separate stages. If breast lift and tummy tuck surgery are combined, plan on taking up to two weeks off from work and other responsibilities. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, including carrying children over ten pounds, and more strenuous activities for at least four to six weeks. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated areas are normal, and these symptoms will gradually diminish over time. We will provide detailed post-operative instructions and pain medication to make your recovery experience as comfortable and as brief as possible. While some benefits of Mommy Makeover surgery are immediate, it is important to keep in mind that the final results will not become apparent until swelling has resolved, which can take several months or longer.
For additional information on Mommy Makeover surgery, or to schedule a consultation to customize your treatment plan, please contact our practice today.