The Beauty of a Mommy Makeover
A “mommy makeover” generally refers to a combination of surgical procedures to restore the shape and appearance of a woman's body after childbearing. After having children, women notice changes commonly with their breasts, stomach and flanks, waistline, genitalia and buttocks. A mommy makeover is typically performed as a single-stage procedure and takes approximately 4-6 hours depending on the number of body areas addressed.
Most mommy makeover surgeries involve breast surgery with or without implants (breast augmentation), a breast lift (mastopexy), tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and liposuction. External vaginal procedures may be completed surgically (known as a labiaplasty) or nonsurgically (such as the diVa and diVaTyte). The average cost of a mommy makeover based on these types of procedures is about $13,000-$15,000 for the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees and surgery facility fee (cost varies with the experience of the surgeon and location).
Mommy makeover surgery has a longer recovery period than single procedures due to the combination of procedures. Most women can return to normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks with no lifting or aerobics or other physical exertion. Drains are often placed to help reduce the fluid buildup in the tummy tuck portion and possibly with breast surgery.
Patients are asked to wear a compression garment for the first 4-6 weeks as well as a supportive non-wire bra. During the recovery period is it important to take all medications prescribed including pain drugs. Driving is discouraged during the first 1-2 weeks while on narcotic pain medication.
Heavy lifting and physical exertion are also discouraged to allow the body to heal with plenty of rest and nutrition. Most women can take a shower comfortably after the first few days after surgery, but soaking baths, pools and hot tubs are prohibited while incisions are healing. Scars will appear red and raised at the beginning but will begin to face over time, especially with prescribed scar gels and sunscreen (after scars have closed and begun healing).
Most women will find that their breast scars will be minimal with tummy tuck scars a little more noticeable but hidden below the bikini line. Scars may also be treated with lasers after six weeks if authorized by the surgeon. Healing and changes after a mommy makeover will continue for 6-9 months after surgery. According to RealSelf, patients report a 97% “worth it” review.
For more information about the mommy makeover procedure and other surgical procedures, visit SouthlakePlasticSurgery.com or call or text 817.442.8900.
