| Dr. Michael Jazayeri is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Mommy Makeover.
Q. What is a Mommy Makeover?
A. Pregnancy may result in changes in the shape of breasts and abdominal area. These changes typically result in loss of breast volume, and sagging of breast tissue. The same may occur in the abdominal region, resulting in loose skin, stretch marks, and a "beer-belly" appearance due to weakness of the abdominal muscles.
Mommy makeover program addresses all of these issues. Most patients undergo breast augmentation with or without a lift and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). This results in a balanced, youthful look to the body.
Mommy makeover surgery is a catch phrase. It involves reversing the effects of pregnancy on the breasts and abdomen.
Q. Who is a good candidate for Mommy Makeover?
A. Although the term mommy makeover is used, this surgery also applies to patients who have had significant weight loss on their own or after gastric bypass surgery (bariatric surgery). You do not have to be a mother to take advantage of these procedures!
Q What are the important facts about the safety and risks of the Mommy Makeover?
A. As with any surgical procedure, there are general risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, pain, numbness, and complications related to anesthesia. There are specific potential complications related to breast surgery and abdominoplasty. We have a very thorough informed consent process which will address these issues. However, it is ultimately up to the patient to make sure they have addressed and resolved all their concerns with the physician. Having said this, the satisfaction rate for mommy makeover surgery is very high and complication rate is low.
Q What happens during the Mommy Makeover surgery?
A. The essence of mommy makeover is to improve the appearance of the breast and abdomen. Since these two areas are the most affected after a pregnancy, the term mommy makeover was coined for this combination procedure.
Mommy makeover surgery is a catch phrase. It involves reversing the effects of pregnancy on the breasts and abdomen.
If the breast has firm skin and the nipple is in a correct position, then only breast augmentation is necessary. If, however, the breast tissue and nipple have sagged, then a breast lift (mastopexy) is also required.
To address the abdomen, if one is lucky enough only to have excess fat, then liposuction will be performed to remove the fat. Most patients, however, will have loose skin, stretch marks and a "beer belly" due to weakened abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is then performed to address these issues.
Q. What are the Options for the Mommy Makeover?
A.Regarding the breast surgery portion, the options are breast augmentation, breast enhancement with or without a breast lift (mastopexy), breast lift alone, and breast reduction (in cases of very large, heavy breasts). During your complimentary consultation, I will recommend the best procedure(s) to address these issues.
The abdominal portion entails an abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, with or without liposuction of the flanks (love handles), or liposuction of the abdomen alone.
An abdominoplasty is indicated if loose skin, stretch marks, and a "beer belly" appearance are present, due to weakness of the abdominal muscles.
The advantage of performing both procedures together is avoidance of two recovery period, and the overall reduction in surgery room/anesthesia cost.
Q What is the recovery time for Mommy Makeover?
A. The recovery time for mommy makeover surgery is very similar to other surgical procedures. The patient should refrain from heavy activity or exercise for 4-6 weeks. After this time period, a gradual exercise program can be started with some limitations (no sit-ups or abdominal exercises for 6 months, no chest exercises).
Q How much will the Mommy Makeover cost?
A. It is very difficult to give an exact quote without an examination. However, the typical price range for a mommy makeover is $8000-13000, depending on the amount of work required. Our initial consultation is complimentary.
Q How long does the mommy makeover surgery take?
A. The mommy makeover surgery can take from 4-6 hours, depending on the amount of work required.
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