The Ultimate Guide To A Mommy Makeover
Most of the women today want their body to be as fit as the celebrities and influencers they see on social. This attitude is not only due to social intimidation but also because they want to feel better in their self, and it works as a confidence booster for them. Most of the people nowadays believe that “when you feel good inside, it reflects your outer self,” and this seems to be so true. No woman wants her appearance to be an obstacle in achieving her ambitions and anybody to look down on them. This is one of many reasons they want to restore their body postpartum.
Many women have gone on fad diets and have been busting their butt in the gym. Nothing has worked to get their pre-baby body back; of course, it varies from individual to individual. Some can recover just great, and some just cannot. And there comes Mommy Makeover.
A mommy makeover consists of a list of procedures to restore or enhance the shape and appearance of a woman’s body after childbearing. Many areas of a woman’s body undergo a drastic change post-pregnancy. Most commonly, these areas are the breasts, abdomen, waist, and buttocks.
The procedures involved are performed considering the best option for the patient, According to their body conditions and what kind of procedure they want.
Possible procedures
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Liposuction
- Tummy Tuck
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure used to increase the size, fullness, and shape of a woman’s breast.
So, if you want to increase the size of your breasts, this can be an excellent option for you.
The procedure
This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made under the natural breast fold (about 4 cm). The implant of the patient’s choice is then inserted above or just below the muscle and incision is sutured with dissolvable sutures.
Size and material of Implant
Size of the Implant usually depends on the patient’s goals for breast size and her natural anatomy.
Generally, implants made of silicone are used, but fat or tissue can also serve the purpose of implants.
Complications
The majority of patients do not face any difficulties. But in rare cases, these complications can arise:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Implant complications
- Nipple numbness
- Swelling
Scarring
The incision is of generally as small as 4 cm, and as it is made under the natural fold, it is highly conspicuous and fades away with time.
Post-operation Recovery
Along with the medication given to you by your surgeon, much more is needed to be done to ensure a smooth recovery.
- A surgical bra is advised to the patient for some weeks.
- The patient can shower two days after surgery.
- The patient is asked to keep their arms by their sides, which means no excessive stretching as it can cause swelling.
- The patient shouldn’t drive or lift any heavy object for about 1-2 weeks.
- Light walking is recommended for six weeks, and the patient can continue their regular regimen after that.
- Avoid scar treatment of any kind (lotions, solutions, or herbal preps) until consulting your surgeon.
- Implants usually sit high and take some time to adjust. The time frame can be anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months.
Breast Lift/ Mastopexy
Breast lift is a surgical procedure, which primarily focuses on raising sagging or drooping breasts and gives them a firmer and round look.
There are three types of breast lift procedures:
1. Periareolar incision: this approach follows the natural areolar shape of the patient and is typically best for someone who has large areolas and minimal sagging or drooping that needs correction.
2. Vertical breast reduction Incision: This approach goes the same as the Periareolar incision but also extends down from the areola, thus providing a more significant lift for moderate drooping.
3. Inverted T-Shape Incision: this approach follows the same way as both of the above-mentioned incisions with an additional incision within the breast fold.
The Procedure
It involves four steps:
1. Restoring nipple-areolar complex in its areolar complex
2. Adjust the breast according to the desired size
3. Giving it the desired shape
4. Removal of extra skin
This surgery is performed using general anesthesia, and an incision will be made according to the approaches mentioned above as desired by the patient. The surgeon will lift and reshape breasts. After removing the extra skin for a firmer appearance, the incisions are sutured with skin adhesives, sutures or surgical tape.
Complications
Just like breast augmentation, it has very rare chances of complications. Some of the complications are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Uneven breasts
- Blood or fluid collection in the breasts
- Blood clots
- Scarring
Scarring may be a drawback of any surgery. However, scarring doesn’t persist for a long time as it fades away with time and becomes inconspicuous with the use of “doctor approved” scar creams/gels.
Post-operation Recovery
Full recovery times varies from individual to individual according to their body’s wound healing properties.
All the instructions given are just the same as that of breast augmentation procedure.
As there are long incisions, scar fading can take some extra amount of time, but the rest of the instructions are the same.
A breast lift and Breast Augmentation can be done together to achieve more appealing results.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure in which localized fatty tissue is removed from the abdomen. It is a very suitable procedure for people wishing to remove localized or stubborn fat deposits around the abdomen.
The procedure
Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. In this process, small incisions are made close to the fat deposits, and a cannula is inserted into the incisions to break up the fatty tissue and remove the dislodged fat by a medical vacuum. The incision is closed using dissolvable sutures.
Possible Complications
- Temporary loss of sensation in the surgical area
- Persistent swelling
- Seroma (temporary fluid pouches)
- The fat that has been removed may leave some irregularities,
- Infection, or damage to nerve tissue
- Fat embolism (trapped fat in blood circulation)
Scarring
Scarring rule goes the same as mentioned above. Although the time frame varies from person to person, it eventually fades away and becomes unobtrusive.
Post-Operative Recovery
- Generally, this procedure has a quick recovery.
- Medicines and other preventive infection measures are prescribed.
- The patient is suggested to have a family member or friend by their side as the patient needs support while getting out of the bed or walking for the first two days.
- Driving is forbidden because medication involves Tylenol, which may make you sleepy.
- Compression garments are advised to support the new contours of the body and let them adjust according to the body’s natural anatomy.
- The patient is discouraged from doing any heavy lifting/ exercises up to 4 weeks and can continue their regimen after being cleared by their doctor.
- Incision site should be cleaned with a specific solution provided by your doctor to avoid the risk of infections.
- Keep track of your healthy diet.
- Some medicines can also result in constipation. Add more fruits in your diet with laxative properties, or you can also seek help from a pharmacy product.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, in which loose skin is excised to give a flatter abdominal wall by tightening the abdominal wall. This procedure is best for mommies who have lost weight and are left with droopy skin or loose postpartum skin in the abdomen area.
The Procedure
The patient receives general anesthesia, and a horizontal incision is marked between the hips along the bikini line. The surgeon then tucks the abdominal wall by excising the loose skin and sewing the rest to itself from the sternum down to the pubic area, tightening the abdominal muscles. The navel is repositioned. Then the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.
Complications
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Changes in skin sensation
- Seroma
- Poor wound healing
- Fat necrosis
- Asymmetry
Scarring
Scarring with tummy tucks will be permanent but should fade away with time. As the incision is made below the bikini line, it is easily concealed under the underwear. So, it is just unnoticeable.
Post-operation Recovery
- Following the operation, the patient is asked to put compression garments to reduce the swelling and support the new contours while it heals and adjusts according to the body. The patient is asked to wear these according to the progression of their recovery.
- Bruising, tightness, swelling, and moderate pain are expected after the surgery.
- The patient is prescribed antibiotics as the risk of infections increases and can cause severe and long term damage to your body.
- A solution is prescribed to be applied to the incision area to protect it from any infection at least two times a day for two to three weeks.
- Avoid heavy exercise, work, alcohol intake, and smoking are prohibited.
- The patient is advised to rest and one to take two weeks off from work to better aid the healing process.
- Last but the most powerful, must follow your surgeon’s advice no matter what.
- Scar treatment can be used after talking to your doctor.
- Pineapple enzyme is helpful in case of inflammation and reduces bruising.
- Wear comfortable clothes to avoid burns.
Some pre-operation Instructions
- Wash with the solution recommended by your doctor twice daily, and one week before surgery.
- It is advised to use an anti-bacterial soap like Dial anti-bacterial, starting two weeks prior to surgery.
- Remove all the hairs in the surgical area.
- Eat light food for two days before the surgery to avoid constipation due to the medication.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
- Tell your surgeon about any illness or medication you are currently taking
- Avoid smoking two months before your surgery as it affects the lungs and causes complications in operation and post-operation as it increases the risks of Pneumonia.
- No Nicotine products: Avoid intake of any nicotine products for at least two months before the surgery. NIcotine may interfere with the blood flow and slow down the process of healing and recovery.
- Stop using Aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, alcohol, vitamins, and all herbal products because they can cause potential bleeding in your surgery.
- Avoid sun exposure because higher melanin content can slow down your healing process.
- Do not drink anything (including water) after midnight, the day before surgery.
- Avoid creams and lotions on your skin during surgery.
If you’re interested in more information about Mommy Makeovers, please contact our office at 248-735-3800.
Receive $2,000 off your Mommy Makeover now through October 2019!
