A mommy makeover is a surgical procedure for women who have had one or more children and are not planning future pregnancies. It is the combination of two areas which commonly change after childbirth, the breasts and the abdomen. Sometimes liposuction or other procedures may also be performed at the same time. It is important that enough time has passed for the body to recover from the pregnancy and that women who opt for this have returned to a weight that they are comfortable with. They also should have stopped breast feeding for at least six months. You do not need to be a mom to have a mommy makeover in Troy.
This procedure removes excess skin at the abdomen and tightens the rectus abdominis (the six pack) muscle. This is typically performed after a woman has had one or more children or in men or women with a history of large weight loss. This operation makes the abdomen flatter and helps to restore the continuity of the abdominal wall muscles often alleviating the “still pregnant” appearance of the abdomen. It can remove stretch marks if the stretch marks are below the belly button. The muscle repair may make core exercises more effective and in some can help back pain. Dr. DeLuca-Pytell performs this procedure without the use of drains.
For a stretched abdomen with stretch marks and hanging skin, a tummy tuck gives a flatter abdomen which responds better to toning exercises. Patients report feeling better in bathing suits and clothing and increased self confidence.
The tradeoff for a flatter abdomen is a long scar that spans hip to hip, and sometimes longer, as well as one around the belly button. Skin sensation may decrease below the belly button. Not all stretch marks can be removed. Sometimes, the excess skin may continue around the back for which a belt lipectomy (a tuck for the back) may help. The end of the scar may stick out after healing is over (called a dog ear) and need revision.
This surgery repositions the nipple to a higher position on the breast and removes excess skin. The areola is often made smaller. This surgery can sometimes be combined with a breast augmentation to make the breast larger in size. Two types of breast lift are offered: the inverted T/anchor scar or the vertical/lollipop scar. You will find which is right for you at your consultation.
The nipple position is corrected and the breast restored to a more youthful shape. This rejuvenation can be done without an implant, but size is not changed unless an implant is placed.
Permanent scars are a tradeoff. Sensation to the nipple can change.
An incision is made, and a pocket is created. A temporary sizing implant is placed on both sides. At this point, the breasts are evaluated for shape and symmetry. If any changes need to be made, they are done with the temporary sizing implant. The permanent implant is selected based on the sizing implant and prepared carefully for placement into the breast pocket. Sutures are used to close the tissue and skin in layers. A bra is placed to hold dressings in place and for gentle support.
For women unhappy with the size of their breasts, an augmentation restores or improves breast volume with (almost) instant gratification. Patients report feeling better in bathing suits and clothing. Increased self confidence is commonly noted.
The final result is not seen right away. For most patients, the implants will “ride high” initially as the muscle pulls the implant up the chest. This is temporary and improves with time, but may take two to three months to drop. Because the muscle in the chest is cut, pain is expected. You will not be able to do all of your usual activities for up to six weeks. No breast implant is a permanent device. You will need at least one, if not more, operations in your lifetime for maintenance of the implants and the appearance of the breast.
This surgery reshapes and resizes the breast by removing excess breast tissue and skin and repositioning the nipple and areola (the colored skin around the nipple) into a higher position on the chest (a breast lift is done with a reduction). The areola is almost always made smaller. Two types of reduction are offered: the inverted T/anchor scar or the vertical/lollipop scar. You will find which is right for you at your consultation.
For women suffering from pain in their back, neck, and shoulders, this operation gives almost instant relief from the strain of their overly large breasts on their body. Other benefits include better proportion, an easier time fitting bras, clothing, and bathing suits, and improved self-confidence. Women have also reported improved balance and an easier time participating in sports.
The size improvement comes with a trade-off for permanent scars. These are located around the areola (the colored skin around the nipple), vertically from the areola down to the fold, and may also include a scar in the fold itself. Nipple sensation may change or be absent after surgery. Women who want to breastfeed after this operation may be unsuccessful.
This is a cosmetic procedure, paid for by the patient. For some patients with very large breasts who suffer from back, neck, or shoulder pain, health insurance may cover a portion of the procedure. It almost always requires precertification, meaning there is a list of qualifications that must be met in order to meet the criteria the insurance company puts forth to meet medical necessity. This can only be determined by examination. If criteria are not met, cosmetic pricing is offered.
4 – 8 hours (depending on the extent of procedure).
General anesthesia, you will be asleep and monitored the entire time.
This is an outpatient procedure
Long lasting, especially when diet and exercise regimen are maintained.
Temporary swelling, bruising, and some pain commonly occur. Sensation may be different initially. Fluid collections below the skin are possible. Scars are permanent and may stay red for 12 to 18 months.
All surgery carries risk. I recommend patients carefully weigh the benefits of having surgery against the potential risks which may arise. If you smoke, it is imperative that you quit six weeks both before and after surgery. Risks include pain, infection, bleeding, damage to skin, nerves, blood vessels, inability to guarantee a bra cup size, dissatisfaction with the appearance of the breasts, breast asymmetry, unsightly scars, blood clots in the legs which can travel to the lungs, wound healing delays, loss of sensation of the nipples, death of nipples, and death of skin. A complete list of risks will be discussed with you before surgery.
If you are unhappy with the changes in your body after pregnancy and birth and are not planning on having more children, a mommy makeover could be a great option for you. This procedure addresses the breasts and the abdomen, and can be compared with other procedures like liposuction to give you the look you desire. To learn more about mommy makeovers in Troy, give us a call. Dr. DeLuca-Pytell can explain the surgery and determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Please take a look at the upcoming events hosted by Your Girlfriend the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell. We look forward to seeing you there!