MOMMY MAKEOVER

MOMMY MAKEOVER

WHAT IS A MOMMY MAKEOVER?

“Mommy Makeover” is a term used to describe rejuvenation of the breasts and abdomen. The goal is to address some of the common physical changes that can occur following pregnancy. On the breast, these most commonly include sagging and deflation. On the abdomen, it is often excess skin and/or fat with stretch marks and bulging.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW?

A Mommy Makeover is some combination of abdominoplasty, liposuction, breast lift, breast reduction, and breast augmentation.

WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

The surgical procedure uses general anesthesia, so the patient is fully asleep. The breasts are lifted. If there is volume loss from pregnancy and breast feeding, this can be remedied with the addition of a breast implant. Alternatively, if the breasts are excessively large and causing discomfort, the size may be reduced. In an abdominoplasty, the abdominal muscles are tightened to strengthen the midsection and narrow the waist. Lastly, the excess lower abdominal skin with stretch marks is removed.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AND WHEN CAN I RESUME MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?

Mommy Makeover recovery is a progressive thing. The first 10 to 14 days you are on “house arrest,” limited to moving around the house. The next two weeks you can walk for exercise, work a desk job, and be primary caretaker for kids, although you are limited to lifting less than 20 pounds. Weeks 5 and 6 allow more vigorous exercise with no pounding or bouncing (think running and aerobics). After eight weeks you are free to do anything. It may make you sore, but it is very difficult to tear anything loose at this point.