Mommy Makeover
Pregnancy is one of life’s miracles. However, pregnancy often brings about certain unwanted changes to your figure that may remain even after the child is born. Childbirth, breastfeeding, and raising children can also impact the appearance of the body. With the help of plastic surgery procedures and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, it is possible to address these physical changes and restore your pre-baby figure. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, John M. Sarbak, MD, offers customized mommy makeover procedures that can create beautiful, natural-looking results.
- What is a Mommy Makeover?
- Mommy Makeover Benefits
- Mommy Makeover Preparations
- Mommy Makeover Procedures
- Mommy Makeover Recovery
- Mommy Makeover Scars
- Mommy Makeover Cost
What is a Mommy Makeover?
Many women find that even with a healthy diet and a rigorous exercise routine, fully restoring their pre-pregnancy figure can be extremely challenging. A mommy makeover combines a number of popular surgical and non-surgical procedures to achieve comprehensive body rejuvenation. These treatment plans are custom-tailored by Dr. Sarbak to address each mother’s unique cosmetic concerns.
What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover?
Depending upon which procedures are selected, a mommy makeover can provide a wide range of benefits, including:
- A tightened, toned abdomen
- Removal of excess skin and fat deposits
- Restored breast shape and volume
- Reduced appearance of stretch marks
During the consultation process, your plastic surgeon performs a physical exam, discusses your unique cosmetic concerns, and designs a customized treatment plan that can meet your needs.
How Should I Prepare for My Mommy Makeover?
To ensure long-lasting results from mommy makeover surgery, it’s recommended that patients complete their families before pursuing the procedure. This is because future pregnancies and breastfeeding can cause additional changes to the body and alter the results of a mommy makeover. Planning the timing of your mommy makeover is an important step in preparing for the process. Once you have had your consultation and your procedure is scheduled, common pre-surgery instructions may include:
- Avoid smoking
- Stop taking anti-inflammatory medications
- Adjust certain medications
- Arrange transportation to and from the procedure
In addition, arranging for help with small children during the initial recovery is important so you have ample time to rest and heal. Dr. Sarbak will provide you with specific instructions following your consultation and treatment plan development.
What Are Common Procedures Performed During a Mommy Makeover?
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
With the abdomen, our goal is to create a contour approaching what it was prior to pregnancy. A tummy tuck not only excises redundant skin, but can also repair loose or torn abdominal muscles causing the stomach to protrude. In certain cases, tummy tuck results may even look better than your pre-pregnancy shape.
Breast Surgery
Breast feeding, and even pregnancy in general, can bring about alterations in the appearance of the breasts. These changes can include stretched skin, lower nipple position, loss of fullness (especially in the upper region), and overall deflation (sagging). Breast augmentation with implants can be used to restore lost volume and improve the overall shape of the breasts. A breast lift procedure is typically most appropriate, as it can tighten the skin, elevate the breasts, and/or raise the nipples to a more youthful position. Some women may benefit from a combination of both breast surgeries.
Liposuction
Sometimes liposuction techniques can help remove areas of stubborn fat to create leaner, smoother body contours. Many women find that even when they reach a healthy mix of diet and exercise, excess fatty tissue often remains a struggle to lose. Liposuction is ideal for patients who are already at or near their target weight and have elastic skin, but still struggle with isolated fat deposits. This procedure can be performed on nearly any area of the body.
What Can I Expect in My Mommy Makeover Recovery?
Recovery times typically vary because each patient’s mommy makeover plan includes surgeries and treatments that address their specific needs and aesthetic goals. Some patients can choose to do their procedures in one visit, while others may need to spread them out across two or more appointments. Many patients experience bruising and mild swelling that gradually subsides as their body heals. Dr. Sarbak suggests patients rest for at least one week before returning to work and their normal routines. Heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for a couple of weeks. More detailed instructions will be provided to help you know what to expect throughout your recovery.
What Will My Mommy Makeover Scars Look Like?
While surgical procedures typically result in some level of scarring, Dr. Sarbak is dedicated to minimizing visible indications, strategically placing incisions in areas that are easy to hide or conceal. Keep in mind, different procedures require different incision locations. For example, tummy tuck incisions are usually done along the bikini line, and small incisions made during liposuction can be harder to notice due to their size. For a breast lift or augmentation, scarring will depend on the technique that is utilized. Dr. Sarbak has also developed a specialized scarless technique (TUBA) that keeps visible scarring off the breasts for the most natural-looking results.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
The cost of a mommy makeover typically varies from patient to patient due to the customizable nature of the treatment. Potential contributing factors to the overall price include:
- The number and types of procedures chosen
- How many surgeries are needed
- Anesthesia fees
- Post-surgical garments
- Surgeon’s fees
Once your individualized treatment plan has been developed, Dr. Sarbak will provide you with a customized cost. We also offer financing options through CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit to help make treatment payments more affordable for patients.
Contact Us
For more information about a mommy makeover, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarbak, please contact our office today.