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WHAT IS A MOMMY MAKEOVER?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can definitely take a toll on a woman’s body, resulting in excess skin with stretch marks, stubborn fat deposits, and sagging breasts. These changes can be difficult to correct with diet and exercise alone. A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures that address the breasts and body, helping to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy figure for a boost in confidence.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
Women who have experienced childbirth and are now unhappy with the appearance of their bodies can often benefit from a mommy makeover. The mommy makeover aims to address stretched skin, loose tissue, stubborn fat, and other body concerns related to pregnancy. It is important that candidates be at their ideal body weight, be finished with child-bearing, and are in good medical health. Candidacy can be further discussed during a consultation with Dr. Fichadia.
THE PROCEDURE
The mommy makeover procedure is a highly individualized one and can consist of a number of procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, tummy tuck, and more. The most common procedures performed during a mommy makeover include:
- Breast Augmentation– Can increase the size of the breasts using breast implants for a fuller, more proportionate breast contour. This is offered to patients who suffer from loss of volume and flattening of the breasts but have minimal to no sagging.
- Breast Lift– Can lift drooping or sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It can be done with or without implants.
- Breast reduction– Can reduce and lift the breasts.
- Liposuction– Can remove stubborn deposits of fat on almost any area of the body.
- Tummy Tuck– Can eliminate excess skin from the abdomen, as well as tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles for a flatter abdominal contour.
However, there are many additional treatments, such as a body lift, or cosmetic injections that can be performed during a mommy makeover, depending on your specific concerns.
The number and variety of treatments chosen, as well as your general health determines whether your mommy makeover will be completed as one combined procedure, or as a series of surgeries performed over a greater period of time. If done as single stage, the mommy makeover can last from four to five hours.
The procedures included in your mommy makeover can be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Fichadia, during which an examination will be done.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
It is important that you are as close to your goal weight as possible at the time of surgery. In addition, Dr Fichadia recommends that you stop smoking 4-6 weeks before surgery. It is important to arrange for childcare for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, when you will be recovering. With surgeries like tummy tuck with muscle repair, you may not be able to lift your little ones for about 6-8 weeks. We encourage you to be as open and specific as possible about your goals from your mommy makeover. For breast surgery, this may mean bringing photographs of your desired size. Having a routine of healthy, high protein diet, hydration and exercise before surgery help with easier recovery. We recommend probiotics, such as Nancy’s yogurt or kefir, for replenishing beneficial gut bacteria. These help with constipation, which can happen from anesthesia, or prescription pain medicines after surgery. Another way to prevent post-operative constipation is to ensure a high-fiber diet (prunes, bran, berries, beans, whole grain, etc) or to take a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil. It helps to fill all your prescriptions before the day of surgery.
DAY OF SURGERY
You will need someone to drive you to and from the surgery center. Dr Fichadia will draw on the surgical area. You will meet a friendly nurse and anesthesiologist. After getting an IV, you will be wheeled into the operating room, where you will be placed under general anesthesia.
RESULTS AND RECOVERY
Because this procedure is customized for each individual, recovery will differ from patient to patient depending on the combination of procedures done. Mommy makeover is usually an outpatient procedure. For combination procedures that take longer, you may spend the night at a hospital. You will likely be in a pressure garment for the abdominal part of the procedure. Swelling, bruising and discomfort are normal, and can be managed with prescribed pain medication. If present, drains usually come out in 1-2 weeks. Surgical bandages are usually removed within a week. In general, let pain be your guide to increase activity. Restrictions specific to each procedure will be explained to you before and after surgery. Return to work/activities will depend on the combination of procedures performed.
Although you will have scarring from surgery, scars fade significantly over time. It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle following the surgery to maintain your results long-term.
If you are looking to restore your pre-pregnancy figure, a mommy makeover can help! Contact our Portland office today to schedule your consultation and get started on your mommy makeover journey!
