Dr. Robert Singer
Frequently Asked Questions: Mommy Makeover 1. What is a Mommy Makeover? A "Mommy Makeover" is the term for the correction of the various anatomical changes that result from pregnancy in order to regain a pre-pregnancy body appearance. The term “Mommy Makeover” has many different definitions depending on the surgeon and entails different combinations of procedures. A tummy tuck, selective areas of liposuction, a breast augmentation with or without a lift and a Brazilian Butt lift (Fat injections to the buttocks) are frequently performed in combination or can be performed sequentially. It is possible to do a “Mommy Makeover” without a breast lift in patients with the appropriate anatomy. 2. What are the most common procedures performed on a Mommy Makeover? A tummy tuck, selective areas of liposuction, a breast augmentation with or without a lift. 3. Can a mini tummy tuck, a breast augmentation and a liposuction be performed in one surgery? Combining cosmetic plastic surgery procedures like a mini tummy tuck, a breast augmentation and a liposuction is not uncommon. Whether one is a reasonable candidate for those procedures depends on individual anatomy, medical history, the
extent of the procedures, realistic expectations of the outcome and an understanding of the pros and cons of the various procedures.
Safety should always be the main concern. It is generally recommended that the length of elective surgery be less than six hours. The procedures should be performed in an ambulatory facility that is accredited by one of the national organizations like the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) or in a licensed hospital. Many surgeons would recommend an overnight stay at an appropriate facility where a patient can be appropriately monitored. Most patients prefer undergoing one anesthesia and one recovery period which is usually more cost effective. 4. What is the minimum recovery time for a Mommy Makeover? Recovery varies from patient to patient and depends on the extent of the procedures that are performed as well as individual healing. Many patients with sedentary lifestyles can resume most activities following most “Mommy Makeovers” after three weeks. 4-6 weeks is more realistic for many patients. 5. What is the best way to prepare for a Mommy Makeover? I would suggest the following: •
Make sure that your weight is stable, since these procedures are not a replacement for weight reduction.
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You should see your primary physician before surgery and get medical clearance before undergoing the combination of procedures.
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Make sure that you have the proper motivation to undergo the surgery and that you have realistic expectations.
Make sure that the timing of your surgery is appropriate with regard to other stresses in your life.
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Allow adequate time for recovery.
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Patients who have young children should make sure they have enough help and support at home during the time of recovery.
Avoid smoking and any use of nicotine.
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Seek a consultation with a plastic surgeon that is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and, ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
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Discuss your desired outcome with the surgeon and be fully informed of the pros and cons of the various surgical procedures
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Know the risks as well as the benefits of the procedures.
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Understand that healing occurs over several weeks and that you may not see the ultimate result for six months to one year, during which time the results improve.
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Be aware that you will feel tired for several weeks after the procedure.
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If the procedure is going to be performed in an office based facility, make sure it is accredited by an organization like the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and that you be observed overnight in an appropriate facility that has had adequate monitoring.
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Follow your surgeon’s instructions, including which medications, vitamins, and supplements that you should continue and which you should stop taking. Keep in mind that you are a participant in your own care.
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You can’t shorten the period of recovery, but you can lengthen it by not following instructions.
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No matter whether you have an active lifestyle or a sedentary one, there should be no heavy lifting or strenuous exercises for 4-6 weeks.
6. If I’m planning to have more kids should I wait to have a Mommy Makeover? Pregnancy following a Mommy Makeover with a tummy tuck is possible and is not dangerous, but if you plan on future pregnancies, you should wait to have surgery until you are done having children, since pregnancy will stretch out the skin and abdominal muscles again, usually undoing the repairs that were achieved with the abdominoplasty. In that case, a secondary tummy tuck to repair recurrent muscle laxity or loose skin may be beneficial. Most plastic surgeons suggest that you finish having children before undergoing an abdominoplasty with repair of the stretched out abdominal muscles. 7. Should I lose weight before a Mommy Makeover? Most plastic surgeons suggest that you finish having children and get your weight within 10 pounds of your ideal weight before undergoing an abdominoplasty with repair of the stretched out abdominal muscles and liposuction of selective areas, in order to achieve the best long term cosmetic result with the least potential complications. In general, a BMI of 30 or less is considered ideal but this is not a hard and fast rule. 8. How long before I can see results?
You will see some results immediately. Understand that healing occurs over several weeks and that you may not see the ultimate result for six months to one year, during which time the results improve. 9. How long after delivering can I have a Mommy Makeover? You will get a variety of answers about how long to wait after childbirth before having a mommy makeover. “Mommy makeovers” include many different combinations and mean different things to different patients. Most ethical plastic surgeons would feel that 6 weeks is way too soon after delivering because:
Your body, including your abdomen is still changing.
You may have not lost all of your pregnancy weight.
You should wait a minimum of 3 months after completing breast feeding and have no further breast milk since the risk of potential complications would be higher before that time.
You cannot lift the baby postoperatively for weeks after a “mommy makeover”. The number of weeks depends on the extent of the procedures performed.
You will need additional support at home to take care of the baby as well as you.
10. How much time should I plan on taking off for a Mommy Makeover? Recovery time following a Mommy Makeover depends primarily on the extent of the procedures that are performed, whether the abdominal muscle was repaired, and your individual ability to heal. It also depends on your type of work. Following a Mommy Makeover, most patients are able to work at home after the first week and resume work
at a sedentary job in 2-3weeks. However, in a patient with a strenuous job requiring heavy lifting, I would recommend waiting 4-6 weeks.