Mommy Makeover
Description
- A mommy makeover is typically a collection of different surgical procedures designed to help you get your body back after you are finished with pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
- They can include some or all of: tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), liposuction, breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation (implant), or a combination of breast lift and augmentation
Benefits
- Can surgically address the skin laxity that does not “bounce back” after the effects of pregnancy and childbirth.
- Can address and tighten the muscle separation in the rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis) that happens during pregnancy.
- Can surgically address/remove sagging skin
- Can surgically correct sagging or ptotic breasts
- Can add volume to otherwise deflated breasts
- Can combine both a lift and a volume procedure for the breasts
- Can use liposuction to target excess body fat that wouldn’t be addressed with the tummy tuck
Ideal Candidate
- Adults with significant lower abdominal skin and/or muscle laxity
- Adults with breast laxity or sagging skin
- Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight
- Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery
- Nonsmokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations
- You are finished with childbearing.
Consultation
- During your consultation, Dr. Cho will assess your current medical history, including medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you take, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
- Review prior surgeries you’ve had.
- Discuss your surgical goals.
- During your consultation, Dr. Cho will perform a thorough physical examination, assessing your lower abdominal skin laxity, looking for separation of the rectus muscles (diastasis recti), assess for any abdominal wall or groin hernia.
- She will assess any excess subcutaneous fat around your sides, flanks, or back that could be targeted with liposuction.
- Finally, she will examine your breasts, including taking standardized measurements that will help in a discussion regarding your postoperative goals.
- Your safety with all procedures will always be the first priority.
- Photographs may be taken.
- Discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives of all your options.
- Discuss potential complications.
- Have time to review and sign a surgical consent form.
Recovery
- After surgery, there will be specific dressings and bandages to be left in place.
- You may have one or two small clear silicone tubes (“drains”) which may help drain excess fluid following your tummy tuck. You will be taught how to maintain and empty these and keep an accurate record of the drainage.
- You may have an abdominal binder and/or additional compression garments that are designed to help minimize swelling following surgery.
- You will be given specific instructions for medications to take to both control your pain and aid in healing or reduce the risk of infection.
Pre- and Post-Op Care
- Do not take any blood thinning medications for 1 week before surgery: these include aspirin, NSAIDs, ibuprofen/motrin, naproxen. Also avoid any herbal supplements or vitamins which can prolong bleeding.
- Do not smoke or vape or take nicotine-containing products before or after your surgery as they can impair the healing process.
- You will typically be allowed to sponge bathe, but do not shower until the drains come out or until cleared by Dr. Cho
- Wear your binder/compression garments at all times if possible.
- Take medications as directed.
- Avoid heavy lifting as directed by your surgeon.
- Come to all postoperative visits as scheduled.
Surgery is a big decision.
We are here to answer any questions you have and help you determine the right choice for you. If you are considering surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Cho today. She would be honored to discuss your goals and help you achieve the look you desire.