Mommy Makeover (Abdominal and Breast Enhancement)
A “Mommy Makeover” surgery is a combination of abdominal / breast procedures that address the bodily changes a woman experiences following pregnancy and / or breast feeling.
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These changes frequently include the following:
Breast
- Loss of breast volume throughout the breast or isolated to the upper portion of the breast
- Ptosis (drooping) of the breast itself and / or nipple / areola
- Decreased sensation of the nipple / areola
- Accumulation of excess fat deposits around the armpits or side of the breasts
Abdomen
- Loss of skin elasticity leading to “pooching” or saggy abdominal skin
- Migration of the core abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) leading to increased abdominal prominence (diastasis recti)
- Increased fat deposits throughout the abdomen and flanks
Benefits of a Mommy Makeover
The Mommy Makeover is customized to meet the unique needs of each patient. During a single operation, both the breasts and abdomen are rejuvenated to restore or enhance pre-pregnancy contours and volume. Many women choose this surgery to:
- Attain or restore a more youthful body
- Fit comfortably into clothing
- Feel more confident in revealing, warm weather clothing
- Restore a sense of femininity
Mommy Makeover Procedures
A Mommy Makeover typically combines two or more of the following procedures to achieve the look you desire:
Breast Lift and/or Breast Augmentation
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can often cause a loss of breast volume and the development of loose, saggy skin. This in turn may lead to increased drooping of the breasts and / or nipple and areola (ptosis). A breast lift can restore a more youthful, attractive breast shape and projection. A breast lift is often combined with implants to augment the size of a woman’s breasts.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Pregnancy usually takes the greatest toll on the abdomen as the skin is stretched, and the abdominal muscles become separated (diastasis recti). Tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and fat, along with any stretch marks located on the skin that is removed, and tightens weakened abdominal muscles to produce a more toned, strengthed and slender midsection.
Liposuction
After pregnancy and childbirth, many women notice that fat has collected in areas that are very difficult to target with diet and exercise. Liposuction can remove excess fat from many of the most common “trouble zones,” including the arms, back, abdomen, hips, and thighs to help boost a woman’s self-esteem.
Fat Grafting
If a modest amount of breast volume increase is desired without implants, fat grafting may be a good alternative. During this procedure, fat removed from the abdomen during a tummy tuck may be reinjected into the breasts to provide modest volume improvements.
Mommy Makeover FAQs
Q. Why is it best to have these breast / abdominal procedures performed at the same time?
A. Combining these procedures into one surgery will decrease overall recovery time needed. It is also generally more cost-effective than having the procedures done separately. A mommy makeover must be tailored to each individual patient. In rare circumstances, depending on the specific procedure(s) being performed, Dr. Gougoutas may recommend separating your breast and abdominal rejuvenations into two separate surgeries.
Q. Can I have a breast augmentation without a breast lift?
A. Yes, but both procedures may be needed to achieve the best results. If breast sagging (ptosis) exists and breast augmentation is performed without a lift, there is a higher chance of unsatisfactory results. In extreme cases of breast ptosis, Dr. Gougoutas may even recommend separating your breast lift / augmentation procedures. This “staged” approach would involve two surgeries, the first of which would be tummy tuck / lift followed by breast augmentation at least 3 months later.
Q. When is the best time for a Mommy Makeover?
A. The best time for a Mommy Makeover is after childbearing is complete. Ideally patients have completed breast feeding for at least 6-8 months (changes in the breast tissues are ongoing for at least this period of time following lactation) and have returned to, or close to, their pre-pregnancy weight. Patients can still have the procedure if they desire more children in the future, but the results achieved may be reversed after a subsequent pregnancy. Breastfeeding after a lift is also possible, but the success rate is slightly lower.
Q. What is the recovery like after a Mommy Makeover?
A. Although some discomfort is expected, this can be controlled with prescribed pain medication. Most patients feel comfortable resuming their normal daily activities after two weeks, although they should avoid strenuous activities and exercises for at least 6 weeks.
Q. What results can I expect?
A. After surgery, more youthful breast / abdominal contours will be immediately apparent should continue to improve over time. Swelling will dramatically improve over the first month, but may take up to 6 months to resolve completely. Although the body will continue to age naturally, results are long lasting and can be maintained with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.