Mommy Makeover Surgery FAQ
What procedures does a “Mommy Makeover” Surgery include?
The joys of becoming a mommy come with the frustrating bodily changes caused by pregnancy. “Mommy makeover” is a general term that refers to surgery of the breast and abdomen that aims to create a more youthful and aesthetic contour. Typically, a mastopexy (breast lift) is performed to lift and tighten the breasts that have deflated and begun to sag due to breast feeding/aging. An abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) is also performed at the same time to remove excess skin and bring the rectus (or six-pack) muscles back to the midline, which helps to narrow the waist and restore an “hour-glass” silhouette.Every patient is different and, therefore, their concerns and treatments will be uniquely tailored to them. Some women may benefit from a mastopexy, while others may benefit from an augmentation with an implant. Finally, some women may benefit from both an augmentation and a mastopexy to restore both volume and a more youthful position of the breast. Likewise, a full abdominoplasty is appropriate for some patients, while others may benefit from a mini-abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck) and/or liposuction. The key is for me to listen to the patient’s concerns, understand her goals, and for us to pick a plan that can safely achieve them.
How much weight should I lose before having a Mommy Makeover?
Each patient is different so there is no magic number for weight loss. However, the closer someone is to their ideal body weight the less likely they are to suffer from post-operative complications. This has been shown in many medical studies. I encourage patients to be safe and methodical about losing weight at a moderate pace in a sustainable manner. After surgery, weight gain can affect the results to varying degrees. For this reason, it is best for the patient to be at or close to their goal weight for at least a month or two prior to surgery.How long after having my last baby should I wait to have a mommy makeover?
I would recommend at least a year from a medical standpoint. That being said, most women wait longer than this to have surgery. From a personal standpoint, it is usually easier on the patient to wait until the youngest child is old enough to be a little self-sufficient and not have to be carried around. Between the actual child and that bag with the “child’s stuff,” being a mother is a very physical job. This is particularly true in the first few years of the baby/toddler’s life, which would make the recovery period very difficult for most people. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision for each patient. I encourage patients to do as much as they possibly can with diet and exercise. When they get to a point where they just can’t see any more results, it’s usually a good indication that it may be time for surgery.How long does a complete Mommy Makeover Surgery take (the actual surgeries)?
Depending on the needs of the patient, the surgery can vary from 4 to 6 hours. It is typically performed on an outpatient basis and patients will usually go home the same day. In some cases, it may be better for the patient to spend the night in a hospital with nursing supervision. This is decided during the preoperative consultation and is specific for each patient.How long is the recovery period if I have multiple procedures done together?
The recovery period is not extended for combined surgical procedures and is largely dictated by the abdominoplasty portion of the surgery. Patients are encouraged to ambulate and move around the house the day of surgery. Strenuous activities like yoga, running, abdominal crunches can be resumed after 6 weeks. When surgeries are combined, the activity restrictions are very similar and the time to normal/strenuous activity is not increased.I still plan to have more children. Should I consider having a mommy makeover now?
If having children is in the works for the future, then surgery should be put on the back shelf for now. The effects of surgery can be completely reversed with pregnancy which would really take away from the financial and personal investment of the patient. The goal of the surgery is to have a successful outcome that lasts as long as possible.Do you offer a Daddy Makeover?
“Daddy makeover” is probably a less-recognized term in today’s society. However, we are all aware of the potential “dad-bod” that can ensue after time with the kids supplants time at the gym. I always encourage patients to do everything they can with a healthy lifestyle regarding diet and exercise. When they get to a point where the stubborn areas declare themselves, we can address them appropriately and safely with the best surgical option available.If you are a mother in need of a specialized makeover in the Tampa, Lutz, , Land O'Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Westchase, Pasco County, Brandon, and surrounding area, contact Dr. Brown and his friendly staff at Tampa Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery for more information.
