Mommy Makeover: What is it?

The term “Mommy Makeover” is a layman’s title for the surgical rejuvenation of the abdomen and breasts after a mother has finished child bearing. During pregnancy the abdomen and the breasts both stretch and increase in volume. This can be accentuated with weight gain during this time and can lead to permanent damage to the skin indicated by the presence of stretch marks. After delivery and after the completion of breast feeding, the abdomen and breast return to their normal state however the skin and underlying subcutaneous ligaments may be permanently damaged leading to excess abdominal skin and sagging, loose breasts. As well the abdominal muscles may be stretched out permanently, which can accentuate the lower abdominal bulge and is referred to as a diastasis recti. A diastasis recti is commonly seen in conjunction with an umbilical hernia or fat in the belly button.
All of these problems can be corrected, though this does entail an operative procedure in the form of a cosmetic breast and abdominal procedure. The Mommy Makeover typically is a combination procedure which is conveniently performed on young mothers so that recovery and operations are limited to a one time period. The operation may include a breast augmentation with breast implants, a breast lift or a combination of a breast lift with breast implants. The abdominal procedure may include just a repair of the diastasis recti which can be performed through two small abdominal incisions with the use of an endoscope, or a mini-tummy tuck (mini-abdominoplasty) or full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) which removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal muscles. The abdominal procedures are typically combined with liposuction of the hips and abdomen to improve contour in this area.
A Mommy Makeover patient usually stays overnight for monitoring and to allow for some recovery. Typically the recovery is limited to 2 to 3 weeks depending on the combination of procedures, and allows for the return to cardiovascular workouts in 3 weeks and heavy lifting in 6 weeks. The procedure is designed to individually correct the effects of pregnancy on a woman’s body while limiting the recovery after one operation and encourage the return to an active young family in a month.
Mommy Makeovers are an individual procedure and the recommended combinations should be discussed during the pre-operative evaluation. Each mother will leave the initial consultation with the reassurance that they will be able to return to and improve on their pre-pregnancy figure.