MOMMY MAKEOVER AT POWER PLASTIC SURGERY

As a mom, you’ve made sacrifices. Your body may be one of them, and things like loose skin, scars, bulges, and drooping are signs you worked hard to create the family you wanted. If you’re struggling to feel confident in your postpartum body, though, that’s perfectly normal. Many moms feel like they don’t reclaim their figure once they’re finished having kids.

The reality is that diet and exercise can only do so much when it comes to losing baby weight and slimming down. For the rest of your concerns, a customized mommy makeover is one of the best options for restoring areas like the breasts and stomach after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your mommy makeover will be unique to you and your goals, so Dr. Power can create the best surgical package for you during a consultation at our Toronto office.

"My patients are real women.
Mothers and next-door neighbors, not models."

- DR. STEPHANIE POWER

What is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is a combination of plastic surgery procedures that can be customized to your unique needs. Most mommy makeover procedures address the two areas most affected by pregnancy and childbearing: the breasts and stomach. However, each woman experiences pregnancy differently, so it’s normal to opt for procedures and treatments that address the areas you’re most concerned about.

The most common combination plastic surgeons recommend for a mommy makeover includes breast augmentation and breast lift along with a tummy tuck. Together, these procedures can effectively address things like stretching and volume loss in the breasts as well as skin and muscle laxity in the stomach. However, procedures like liposuction or labiaplasty are common options as well. In addition, non-surgical procedures like Botox can also be performed whether during surgery or on a separate day for subtle facial rejuvenation.

How is a Mommy Makeover Performed?

A mommy makeover is performed under general anesthesia. Since your mommy makeover will include more than one cosmetic surgery procedure at once, the surgery itself can take a few hours or more. During your consultation with Dr. Power, you’ll discuss your exact surgical plan so you know what to expect both before and after surgery. The mommy makeover has the benefit of addressing multiple areas at once so you don’t need to worry about separate recovery periods or costs—however, this can come with some additional risks so Dr. Power will discuss your best options during your consultation.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover Procedure?

Good candidates for mommy makeover surgery are people who are unsatisfied with their appearance after going through pregnancy and childbirth. This includes skin laxity anywhere on the body, most commonly the stomach and breasts, but also arms, back, and face. In many cases, plastic surgical procedures are the most effective way to get back to a pre-pregnancy body, helping people gain renewed self-confidence and feel proud of the figure they achieve.

Toronto Mommy Makeover Recovery

Because the mommy makeover combines more than one surgical procedure at once, the recovery period can be more involved. You can expect to take at least one or two weeks of downtime, although your complete recovery can take around 6 weeks. You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting and exercise during this time so you should be sure to arrange for childcare and help with tasks around the house. It’s important to still move and walk around to lower the risk of complications.

Dr. Power will provide detailed instructions to follow during the recovery process that include things like wearing supportive compression garments, taking pain medications, managing drains, and returning for follow-up appointments. You’ll receive Dr. Power’s contact information for any questions. You’ll see your final results settle in over the following months for a contoured, rejuvenated figure for the long term.

Procedures to Enhance Your Mommy Makeover

The best part about the mommy makeover is that you can customize it to your unique goals and concern areas. Some of the most common mommy makeover options include body contouring procedures and breast surgeries.

Breast Augmentation with Lift

After pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s common for moms to feel like their breasts aren’t what they used to be. Although breast augmentation surgery or breast lift surgery on their own can be beneficial for many moms, a combined technique is the most popular option and can provide the most transformative results. This comes with the benefits of restoring breast volume through breast implants while also removing stretched, sagging skin and lifting the breasts to a higher, more youthful position.

Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is especially beneficial to mothers. Along with removing loose skin and stubborn fat in the abdominal area, the tummy tuck can tighten the abdominal muscles that commonly become stretched with pregnancy. This condition is called rectus diastasis, where the muscles can become separated and cause laxity and weakness in the stomach. Abdominoplasty will likely not help with abdominal striae, or stretch marks, unless they occur in an area of skin that will be removed. Generally, a tummy tuck procedure requires an incision along the lower abdomen where excess tissue can be removed and tightened. Some mommy makeover patients benefit from a mini tummy tuck while others require a more extensive procedure.

Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the best options for removing stubborn fat pockets from the lower body. Many moms opt for liposuction on areas like the hips or thighs where it’s common to carry extra weight that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. If you opt for liposuction, you can also discuss your options for fat transfer procedures with Dr. Power in order to add fatty tissue to areas like the buttocks or breasts. This can enhance your figure and restore some lost volume.

Labiaplasty

It’s common for women to experience changes to their pelvic region during childbirth, leading to self-consciousness when it comes to intimacy. Labiaplasty can be an effective way to restore the vulva if you experience tearing or other changes during labor that make it difficult to feel comfortable. During labiaplasty, excess skin can be trimmed away using different techniques to shorten the length of the labia. This helps improve cosmetic appearance and reduce discomfort and symptoms that can come with it.

Mommy Makeover FAQs

Are Mommy Makeovers dangerous?

Every surgery has risks, but a mommy makeover is not considered dangerous for a healthy patient when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in a fully accredited facility.

Can a tummy tuck be considered medically necessary?

A tummy tuck is not considered medically necessary. If you have overhanging skin extending to mid-thigh with recurring skin breakdown in the folds, a panniculectomy may be considered medically necessary. This procedure involves removal of the overhanging tissue without repair of the abdominal muscle separation (called the rectus diastasis) and does not prioritize the cosmetic outcome.

Do you lose weight after a mommy makeover?

Weight loss from a mommy makeover is minimal. The tissue that is removed generally weighs less than a pound or two. If you are planning weight loss, it is recommended to achieve your goal weight before a mommy makeover for more stable results.

How do you prepare for a mommy makeover?

You may prepare for a mommy makeover by achieving your goal weight before surgery and quitting smoking for at least one month before and after surgery.

What does a mommy makeover cost?

The cost of a mommy makeover starts at $15000 and varies based on the specific procedure. A surgical quote will be provided after your consultation. The fees at our clinic include an overnight stay at 199 Avenue Road for pain control, nursing care, and close monitoring. All surgical garments and follow up appointments are also included.

What is all included in a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover includes a tummy tuck, cosmetic breast surgery (either breast lift, breast augmentation, or lift with implants), and potentially liposuction of the hips or flanks.

What is included in the mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover includes surgery on the breasts and abdomen, which change following pregnancies and breastfeeding. A tummy tuck is included in addition to cosmetic breast surgery - either breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast lift with implants - depending on your goals. Liposuction may also be performed of the flanks or hips during the procedure.

How long does it take to recover from a mommy makeover?

Recovery from a mommy makeover is similar to healing after a C-section. You may require pain medication for a few days and return to light office-based work within a week or two. You may resume most exercise at one month and full activity including core exercises at 6 weeks post-op.

How many plastic surgeries can be done at once?

The number of plastic surgeries that can be done at once depends primarily on the length of time under general anesthetic. Most surgeons recommend limiting surgery to 5-6 hours under general anesthetic in an out-of-hospital facility. The risk of complications increases after 6 hours and it is recommended to stage longer procedures for patient safety.

How much did you pay for your mommy makeover?

The amount you will pay for a mommy makeover depends on your customized surgical plan. A detailed quote will be provided after your consultation.

How much fat can be removed during liposuction?

The amount of fat that can be removed during liposuction has little weight. Liposuction is effective for contouring and targeting persistent fatty deposits that remain after diet and exercise. It is limited to 5L or less in an out-of-hospital facility for patient safety.

Who's a good candidate for a mommy makeover?

There are a few key factors that will determine whether a mommy makeover is right for you. The first is timing— you should be fully recovered from childbirth and also give your body time to return to its normal hormonal state. In most cases, this is about six months after labor or breastfeeding is completed; however, this can be different for everyone. You should also be at a stable weight so that significant weight gain or loss won’t negatively affect your results. If you’re considering a mommy makeover, you should be finished having children since additional pregnancies can also negatively affect your results. If you think you might have more children or change your mind, you can discuss your options for non-surgical treatments in the meantime.

How long does a mommy makeover last?

A mommy makeover won’t stop the process of aging or your ability to gain weight, so it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to get the longest term results out of your mommy makeover. With the right diet and exercise, you can enjoy the results from your mommy makeover for years to come. Additionally, avoiding future pregnancies means you won’t require another procedure to maintain your results.

What are common concerns of patients considering a Mommy Makeover?

Patients considering a mommy makeover commonly express concerns regarding loose skin and soft tissues of the abdomen as well as changes in breast appearance following pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breasts often develop ptosis (droopiness) and lose volume, particularly in the upper pole.nnUnfortunately even when following a regimented exercise routine and healthy diet, the abdomen and breasts often do not return to their pre-pregnancy appearance following delivery and completion of breastfeeding. Stretch marks commonly appear, which shows that the skin has lost elasticity and has stretched beyond its ability to fully tighten.

Who is a suitable candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

A suitable candidate for a mommy makeover procedure is a healthy non-smoker who has achieved a healthy and stable body mass index (BMI) following delivery and completion of breastfeeding. BMI should be less than 30, ideally closer to 25, before proceeding with surgery to lower risk of complications and to achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome. Body weight should be stable for at least 6 months before surgery. If weight loss occurs after surgery, the breasts may lose further volume and loose abdominal skin may recur. Surgery should also be deferred if planning future pregnancies since the aesthetic benefits of surgery would be compromised.

What are different types of Mommy Makeover?

Mommy makeover refers to surgery on body features that change during pregnancy and breastfeeding, specifically the breasts and abdomen. A full tummy tuck is generally required for contour improvement of the abdomen following pregnancy. A mini tummy tuck does not address the rectus diastasis and may achieve only a limited resection of loose skin. Skin and soft tissue redundancy is typically more pronounced following pregnancy than what a mini tummy tuck may address. Options for cosmetic breast enhancement vary between patients based on clinical presentation and aesthetic goals. Breast augmentation using implants may be performed to achieve greater breast volume, but will not correct breast ptosis that often develops following breastfeeding. Fat grafting may be alternative option to enlarge the breasts if sufficient donor tissue is available. A breast lift alone may be performed if a patient wishes to correct ptosis and not increase breast volume. To achieve both augmentation and a lift, augmentation-mastopexy breast lift with implants may be performed. This is one of the more complex types of plastic surgery due to considerations relating to blood supply as well as nipple and breast mound position. The breast lift and implants essentially oppose one another; the breast lift tightens the skin envelope, while the implant places it under greater tension. It may be recommended to stage this procedure in certain cases to achieve a more predictable result with lower risk of complications.

What to expect after a Mommy Makeover?

Following surgery, you will awaken in the recovery room. It is generally recommended to stay overnight for observation and pain control given the extent of surgery. Two overnight nurses will stay with you until discharge the following morning. You will gradually begin to sip fluids and then diet will be advanced as tolerated. It is recommended to begin walking short distances soon after surgery to lower risk of venous thromboembolic events (DVT or pulmonary embolism). Your abdomen will be supported by an abdominal binder, which should be worn full-time except when showering over the first 6 weeks following surgery. You may resume showering the day after surgery, gently washing your surgical sites with soap and running water. Prescription pain medication may be required for a few days post-operatively. It is recommended to wean these medications as soon as possible to lower risk of associated complications. Drains will be in place for the abdominal surgical site, which remove fluid deep to the skin flap. Output gradually decreases over the first week or so after tummy tuck. You will be instructed how to empty and record drain output before discharge home. The drains will be removed when appropriate within a week or two during follow up visits.

What is the anticipated recovery after Mommy Makeover?

Prescription pain medication may be weaned over the first few days following surgery. It is recommended to avoid exercise and heavy lifting for 6 weeks post-operatively to lower risk of bleeding, further swelling, and healing complications, particularly relating to the muscle repair. Given that patients undergoing mommy makeover procedures often have young children at home, you may need to arrange help with childcare and housework during this time period. Patients may wish to defer surgery until their children reach an age when they no longer require routine lifting. It is generally possible to return to office-based work within a week or two of surgery. If physical requirements are more strenuous in the workplace, it is important to discuss your concerns with Dr. Power pre-operatively for specific recommendations.

How much should I weigh before considering a Mommy Makeover?

It is recommended to achieve a stable and healthy BMI pre-operatively. A body mass index of less than 30, ideally closer to 25, is recommended before surgery. A mommy makeover is not an effective technique for weight loss. It is a body contouring procedure that may remove loose skin and soft tissues of the abdomen that stretched during pregnancy. It may also improve breast contour by correcting ptosis and restoring volume after breastfeeding.

How long should my weight be stable before a Mommy Makeover?

It is recommended for weight to be stable for approximately 6 months before proceeding with a mommy makeover. If weight loss is planned, it is recommended to achieve before surgery. If further weight is lost after a mommy makeover, loose abdominal skin may recur and additional volume may be lost from the breasts. Surgical results will be more stable and predictable if weight has stabilized before undergoing surgery.

When can I exercise after surgery?

Exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks following surgery. Patients commonly ask whether exercise may be resumed sooner if the surgical site is protected. For example, would it be acceptable to lift weights or run on a treadmill after a mommy makeover if crunches and core abdominal work-outs are avoided? Unfortunately any form of exercise that elevates heart rate and blood pressure may increase risk of bleeding during early recovery and should be avoided until 6 weeks post-operatively.

How painful is a Mommy Makeover?

Patients generally report that the tummy tuck is the most uncomfortable site following this procedure. The muscle repair is often sore during early recovery. Local anesthetic is infiltrated within the rectus sheath, which provides pain relief over the first 6-8 hours post-operatively. Wearing the abdominal binder may reduce discomfort by supporting and splinting the abdomen. Slighting flexing the waist when walking over the first day or so may also reduce discomfort by decreasing tension on the incisions. Discomfort of the chest varies between patients based on pain tolerance and technique of cosmetic breast enhancement. If breast implants are placed below the pectoralis muscle – which is recommended in thin patients to mask the implant and to enhance the aesthetic result – tightness or localized discomfort is also common during early healing. Prescription pain medication may generally be discontinued within a few days following a mommy makeover.

Are there any special considerations for patients considering a Mommy Makeover?

New mothers have many responsibilities relating to child care, housework, and work outside the home. It is important for patients to arrange help as needed to ensure that adequate time may be dedicated to recovery during early healing. It is recommended to avoid lifting over 5 lbs. for 6 weeks post-operatively. Patients may need to arrange help with young children if lifting is still required during bath time and other day-to-day activities. Preparing meals in advance to carry over the first week post-operatively may also be helpful. Groceries should be picked up in advance. Dr. Power will provide your prescription during your pre-operative visit, which should be filled in advance of surgery. Preparation is the key to a smooth recovery.

When should I have this type of surgery if considering more pregnancies?

Although a patient may still carry a healthy full-term pregnancy following a mommy makeover, the aesthetic benefits of surgery would likely be compromised. It is recommended to defer surgery until childbearing has been completed. If pregnancy occurs following a mommy makeover, revision surgery may be required.

How long are drains in place after a Mommy Makeover?

Drains are removed when output has achieved a low amount over a 24 hour period. Your overnight nurses will perform patient education to ensure you are comfortable performing daily drain care and recording measurements prior to discharge home. Generally one drain is removed during the first post-op visit and the second one shortly thereafter based on output.

How long should I wear the abdominal binder?

The abdominal binder is recommended for 6 weeks full-time except when showering. It provides support to the abdominal muscles during early healing, reduces swelling, and may lower the risk of developing a seroma (fluid collection) at the surgical site. Many patients report that the abdominal binder also reduces discomfort over the first few weeks after a tummy tuck.

Are the effects of a Mommy Makeover long-lasting?

Results following surgery should be long-lasting as long as one maintains a stable and healthy body weight and there are no future pregnancies. Redundant skin and soft tissue may recur if weight fluctuations occur

What are potential complications of a Mommy Makeover?

Risks of surgery will be discussed in detail during pre-operative assessment. Surgery is generally well-tolerated in appropriately selected candidates. It is important for patients to be non-smokers (or commit to smoking cessation for at least one month pre- and post-operatively) to lower risk of infection and healing complications. It is also important to understand a patient’s motivation and surgical goals to assess the likelihood of achieving high patient satisfaction from a mommy makeover.nnRisks of a mommy makeover include local and systemic complications. Local complications of tummy tuck include bleeding, hematoma, infection, seroma, delayed wound healing, hypertrophic scarring, skin flap or umbilical necrosis, asymmetry, and dehiscence of the muscle repair. Risks of cosmetic breast enhancement include similar risks of bleeding, infection, and delayed healing, in addition to implant complications, asymmetry, altered nipple sensation, and skin flap or nipple necrosis.nnSystemic complications of a mommy makeover include DVT and pulmonary embolism, as well as anesthetic complications. Risk factors for developing venous thromboembolism are assessed pre-operatively. Compression devices are placed on the lower legs to enhance circulation during surgery. Early mobilization is also recommended to lower risk of developing blood clots. If additional risk factors are identified, further management may be indicated or elective surgery may not be recommended.

Schedule a Consultation with A Toronto Plastic Surgeon

A mommy makeover can be an excellent way to achieve your cosmetic goals after completing your family. To get the best out of your combination procedure, it’s important to select a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience helping moms feel like their best selves again. To meet with Dr. Power and get started, we invite you to contact our Toronto office by calling or filling out our online form.

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