MOMMY
MAKEOVER

The success and safety of your mommy makeover depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desired outcome and lifestyle.

During your consultation, be prepared to discuss:

• Your surgical goals
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
• Previous surgeries

Is it right for me?
A mommy makeover surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to try to fit any sort of ideal image or to fulfill someone else’s expectations. A mommy makeover is a good option if:

• You are physically healthy, at a stable weight and are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and fitness
• You have realistic expectations
• You are a non-smoker
• You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen and breasts
• You are not planning on any future pregnancies

• You do not have any medical conditions that could impair healing or increase the risk of surgery
• You have a positive outlook
• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts sag or have lost shape and volume
• Your breasts have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous
• When unsupported, your nipples fall below the breast crease
• Your nipples and areolas point downward
• You have stretched skin and enlarged areolas
• One breast is lower than the other

Your surgeon will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Take photographs
• Discuss your options
• Recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of the mommy makeover and any risks or potential complications
• Discuss the use of anesthesia during your surgery
• Examine your breasts and take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality and placement of your nipples and areolas

Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – Tummy tuck incision
A tummy tuck involves the surgical removal of excess abdominal fat and skin and includes tightening of the abdominal wall where muscles have weakened.

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin.

Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together.

A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.

When a correction is isolated to the area below the navel, a limited or “mini tummy tuck” with a shorter incision at the pubic bone level may be recommended. Liposuction may be performed with either a full or mini tummy tuck where excess fat is a factor.

Step 3 – The breast lift incision
During the breast lift part of the surgery, excess skin is surgically removed to raise the nipple and tighten the breast tissue. Incision patterns vary, depending on degree of excess skin and the amount of lifting required as well as patient and surgeon preference. There are three common incision patterns:

• Around the areola

• Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease

• Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease

Step 4 – Reshaping your breasts
After your doctor makes the incisions:

• The underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness.
• The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height.
• If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.
• Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

Some women may want to consider placement of a breast implant in addition to the breast lift. An implant can provide improved upper breast fullness or cleavage. Implants can be placed at the same time or as a second procedure, depending on the experience of the surgeon.

If you have simply lost breast volume, but the size of the breast skin envelope and the position of the nipple is still good, your surgeon may recommend simply placing a breast implant. Available implants can be filled with silicone or saline. Implants can be placed beneath the breast tissue itself, or under the pectoral muscle. Various incision sites are possible. Depending on your anatomy and personal preference, your surgeon will recommend an implant type and size.

Step 5 – Closing the incisions
Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue and the abdomen to create and support the newly shaped breasts and abdomen. After your breasts and abdomen are reshaped and excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips.

Drains may be placed under the skin to remove any weeping blood or serum after the surgery. The drain will remain until this weeping stops, usually one to three weeks. You will be asked to empty and record the volume of drainage so that your surgeon can know when it is safe to remove the drain. You will often be asked to wear a compression garment (girdle)  for a few weeks after abdominal surgery to minimize the bruising and swelling.

Your surgeon will try to make sure that all of your breast and abdominal scars are hidden beneath your underwear or a bathing suit. However when you are naked, these scars will be visible. While your plastic surgeon will do everything possible to assure you get the best possible scar, scar formation depends on your own genetics and wound healing capabilities. Scars do tend to improve over time, but it may be months to years before the scars fade as much as they will.

Many women desire the smallest scars possible. However, your plastic surgeon will recommend the incisions which best suit your anatomy. Listen to your surgeon to avoid diminishing your results by demanding an incision that will not be appropriate for you.

Step 6 – See the results
The results of your mommy makeover surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should increase as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal to achieve a more youthful body shape.

While you may be very pleased with your “perky” breast shape, it is prudent to protect your investment by wearing a supportive bra.

After your mommy makeover is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage, support bra or compression garment to minimize swelling and support your body as it heals. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your body following surgery, 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 your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
• When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

• How will I bathe?
• How long will I wear the pressure garment?
• Will the drains be removed?