Mommy Makeover

A “mommy makeover” is not one set operation, but a combination of procedures. Usually, though, a mommy makeover consists of a tummy tuck combined with a breast lift or augmentation, as these two areas are most affected by pregnancy and breast feeding. If the breasts have not been affected, the mommy makeover might consist of a tummy tuck with a liposuction instead.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through dramatic change. Sagging breasts and loose stomach muscles are resistant to springing back after the child is born, even with diet and exercise. The mommy makeover is an enhancement that improves a woman’s appearance.

A: This varies from patient-to-patient, and depending on the procedure that was done. Tummy tuck patients generally can start walking in the neighborhood the day they get home from surgery. Within one week they can usually drive, after a few weeks they can pick up their baby, and within 5 to 6 weeks they can return to the gym to exercise and do heavy lifting.

Breast lift and implant patients can walk also when they get home. They can drive once they have stopped taking pain meds, usually within a week after surgery, and resume lifting their baby and exercise at four weeks. If you have a desk job, I would say that 10 days is an adequate amount of time off from work as long as you keep in mind the lifting restriction. Take it easy when starting back to work. Listen to your body.

In women who have had children, the muscles have more of a tendency to separate in the midline (rectus diastasis) compared to those who have never been pregnant. This creates a tendency to form a bulge in the middle of the abdomen upon straining. Also there are more stretch marks (striae). Both of these things are the focus of repair when performing a “mommy tummy tuck.”

I personally feel women need to wait at least 3 to 6 months after delivery before having any plastic surgery of the abdomen or breast. This allows for retained fluid to go away and the hormone levels to decrease to normal, which gives a more predictable and safer cosmetic result.

As with breast reductions, at least 50 percent of women should be able to breastfeed after a breast lift. There are many techniques available to perform a lift, and the ability to retain sensation to the nipple and to breastfeed depends upon the amount of breast tissue left attached to the nipple/areolar complex when moving the nipple to its new position. Breast augmentation is a common addition to the mommy makeover. Women may choose to undergo a breast lift with or without an implant, or a breast augmentation with either a silicone gel or saline implant. These procedures correct ptosis, or breast sagging, that is commonly experienced after breast feeding.

Make sure you are eating healthy, nutritious meals, and have a good workout routine. Do the heavy cardio/weights now, as you will have to wait several weeks after surgery before resuming. Since you will be unable to pick up your young children for a few weeks following the procedure, I advise my patients to have childcare set up in advance. Furthermore, for the first few days, you may also need arrange help for yourself at home. To help speed your recovery, take it easy those first few weeks.

The pricing for the mommy makeover can vary depending on the breast procedure you are having performed. There is a price range for the mommy makeover from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the exact procedures you are having done.

We are currently offering the “Mommy Makeover Special,” which is the tummy tuck with a second procedure for 15 percent off the second procedure. For additional information including pricing, please use the online contact form to send an e-mail stating which procedures you are interested in, and a Perimeter Plastic Surgery staff member will get back with you within one business day.

Dr. Mark Deutsch is available for consultations to all prospective patients, so now is the perfect time to meet with Dr. Deutsch and see if you are the right candidate for a mommy makeover. To learn more about a mommy makeover, you can also visit Dr. Deutsch’s profile on Real Self.