CONSULTANT PLASTIC SURGEON
MOMMY MAKEOVER
What is mommy makeover surgery?
The goal of a mommy makeover surgery is to restore the shape and appearance of a woman's body after childbearing. Many women notice changes in their bodies post-pregnancy. Many areas of the body can be addressed, most commonly the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia, and buttocks.
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A mommy makeover is typically performed as a single-stage procedure. There are many techniques used to perform a mommy makeover, and many factors should be taken into consideration when choosing which techniques are best: the desired amount of restoration, placement of the incisions, and type of implant used.
“Mommy makeover surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfil someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image, especially those coming from social media. Choosing a procedure based on “what’s new” is never a medically sound decision. Hearing about a procedure on television, through an advertisement or online does not necessarily mean it is the best procedure for you.”
Who is a good candidate for mommy makeover surgery?
In general, you may be a good candidate for mommy makeover surgery if the shape of your abdomen and breasts have been affected by pregnancy, resulting in sagging or excess skin, you've got flab, stretch marks or excess skin in your abdomen that does not improve with diet or exercise, feel that your protruding abdomen is unattractive, your buttocks are too small for your body frame and you want a more balanced look, the shape of your gluteal region (buttocks) is too flat or square and you would like more curves and a more youthful appearance, have localized areas of fat deposits that are disproportionate with the rest of your body, would like more definition or a sleeker contour in certain areas of your body, the contours of your vaginal structures have altered and stretched over time, you want to look better in clothes and swimwear, you want a better proportioned or more appealing figure, you are physically fit and your weight is stable, nonsmoker or have stopped smoking recently, have realistic expectations of the outcome of your surgery and If you believe you might gain self-confidence or self-esteem from such a procedure.
What should I expect during a consultation for mommy makeover surgery?
During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Dr Ricardo will evaluate you as a candidate for mommy makeover surgery and clarify what approach is best for you. Alternative and additional treatments may be considered, once he understands your goals and medical condition. It is important to be completely honest during the consultation and be prepared to discuss your surgical goals, medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use and previous surgeries.
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Dr Ricardo will also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, evaluate the elasticity of your skin, take photographs, discuss the approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures and tell you whether your expectations are in line with typical results, discuss any risks or potential complications and share before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours.
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The success and safety of your mommy makeover surgery depend very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. It's very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr Ricardo.
How should I prepare for a mommy makeover surgery?
In preparing for mommy makeover surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, take certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking in advance of surgery and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.
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The surgery will be performed in an accredited hospital and requires you to stay overnight for observation unless you and Dr Ricardo have made other plans for your immediate postoperative recovery. You must arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you the first night following the hospital’s discharge.​
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Dr Ricardo and the entire staff will provide thorough preoperative instructions and answer any questions you may have. The goal is to help you achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking results, as well as to make your surgical experience as easy, comfortable, and safe as possible.
What are the steps of a mommy makeover procedure?
Step 1 – Anaesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Dr Ricardo will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – Surgical procedure
Some possible procedures in a mommy makeover surgery are breast augmentation, breast lift, buttock augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, and vaginal rejuvenation.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Incisions typically are closed with absorbable and non-absorbable sutures that are removed within 10-14 days.
Step 4 – See the results
The smoother, tighter contours that result from a mommy makeover surgery are apparent almost immediately following your procedure.
What should I expect during my mommy makeover recovery?
Following your mommy makeover surgery, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts. A compression garment may also be used to control swelling in the abdomen, waist, and buttocks. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect but its placement by Dr Ricardo is not common.
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You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr Ricardo. Remember to always follow his instructions to ensure the success of your surgery.
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The surgical incisions mustn't be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days. Sutures will be removed when it is appropriate. You should be ready to return to work and normal activity after 10-14 days. However, you must realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies based on what your surgery entails
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Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases and the shape of the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia, and buttocks improves.
What results should I expect after my mommy makeover?
The results of your mommy makeover surgery are visible almost immediately. Over time, the implants will settle and the scar lines will improve. There are trade-offs, but most women feel these are small compared to the large improvement in their self-confidence after surgery.
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Barring another pregnancy or significant weight gain, your results should be permanent, although plastic surgery will not prevent the effects of normal ageing. However, if you gain and then lose a large amount of weight after a mommy makeover, your body could change again, negatively impacting the overall contour.