The tolls of pregnancy and motherhood can produce unwanted permanent physical changes that are not always desirable. These changes vary greatly and range from stretch marks and varicose veins to the more significant changes such as, smaller and sagging breasts, enlarged waist with redundant skin, and larger hips.
Fortunately, there are many treatments available to correct or improve these common post-pregnancy changes. If you are considering a mommy makeover, we want you to be thoroughly informed about the procedures that are available. Below is some helpful information. A personal consultation with Dr. Newen is the best way to obtain the additional information you will need.
The Mommy Makeover Guide
For many women, approaching their 30’s and 40’s brings changes that can be exciting in their lives yet disappointing in their bodies. Recently many articles, and television shows have addressed these changes. The popularity of the subject has evolved into the term “mommy makeover”. The mommy makeover simply put is a combination of surgical procedures designed to produce optimal aesthetic solutions to the most common post partum body issues. The procedures most commonly include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction. Breast Augmentation- Most often women neglect the fact that augmenting breast is not necessarily breast implantation. Augment means to change. Change for better symmetry, contour and shape. After having children and or breast feeding there is often a sagging component to the breast. If this is the case a breast lift will be indicated. An implant can also be added to insure better shape and more fullness at the top of the breast. In some women the increase in breast tissue remains after child bearing and a breast reduction is a viable option to provide better shaped more youthful breasts. A qualified plastic surgeon can best recommend the right options for your particular situation. Tummy tuck- Pregnancy takes a toll on every woman’s body. Some fair better than others, but genetics are not fair. Most women experience moderate to significant stretching of the abdominal muscles, sagging skin, stretch marks, and excessive bulges in the upper and or lower portions of the abdomen. A tummy tuck when performed optimally includes tightening the muscles, removing excess skin, and liposuction to improve body contour. The goal is to place the incision as far down into the bikini line as possible. A qualified plastic surgeon will recommend the best incision approach for you. Liposuction- Body contouring or liposuction has many distinct advantages. One advantage is the ability to shape the body and remove unwanted fat to achieve desirable results in targeted areas. Liposuction alone does not tighten loose skin so it is not an alternative to a tummy tuck. It is an excellent adjunct to the tummy tuck. A qualified plastic surgeon is the best option for determining the best use of liposuction for the patient.
The mommy makeover can produce results that cannot be achieved through diet or exercise. When scheduling your mommy makeover it is important to remember that each patient is an individual and that a mommy makeover is personal and dependant on your specific needs. Your goal should be to have the most positive experience and the best; long term result.
Dr. Newen is a member of ASPS and diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery who provides truly extraordinary cosmetic results for his patients. Dr. Newen is the Medical Director of The Image Center, one of the few image enhancement Centers where you can experience a complete mommy makeover and more in one facility.
Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
You may be a candidate for a mommy makeover if you have one or more of the following conditions:
Your Personal Consultation
During the consultation you will be asked about the results you expect to achieve from a mommy makeover. This will help Dr. Newen understand your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically achieved.
How will Dr. Newen evaluate me for a mommy makeover?
Dr. Newen will discuss with you what concerns you have about your appearance and assess those areas. Measurements and photos may be taken for your medical record. You should be prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.
How is a Mommy Makeover performed?
A mommy makeover can involve a variety of different procedures, depending on what your concerns are. Multiple procedures may be performed to address different areas of the body, and this may occur at the same time, or broken up into separate surgery sessions. Whenever possible, Dr. Newen will try to accomplish as much as is safely possible and perform most surgeries in less than 6-8 hours maximum. The specific procedures necessary are determined on a case-by-case basis; Dr. Newen will develop an individualized surgical plan to address the primary areas of concern first.
Specific procedures for a mommy makeover are listed below, these different methods will vary depending your areas of concern.
Breast Augmentation: Breast changes vary widely from patient to patient. When the mother is no longer lactating, the breast glands will shrink. This often leaves the breasts smaller especially in the upper portion. Breast augmentation will help the patient restore her lost volume and achieve her desired breast shape and size.
Breast Lift: If there is too much loose skin and sagging following pregnancy, then a breast lift is required. This procedure essentially removes excess skin to tighten and lift the skin and breast tissue. Some women benefit from a combination of these two procedures called an “augmentation-mastopexy.” In a few women, breasts actually enlarge, especially if there is a post pregnancy weight gain. In this case, a “reduction-mastopexy” combination may be more appropriate.
Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty is an operation which can tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat. Even if your weight and body fat is low, stretched, weak abdominal muscles following pregnancy may result in laxity and forward protrusion of the lower or entire abdomen. In just about all women, the two midline rectus muscles separate as a result of pregnancy (also known as diastasis recti), which tends to enlarge the waist. After pregnancy, if your belly button has a bulge or sticks out, it may be due to an umbilical hernia. Both of these conditions can be corrected during a tummy tuck. If, however, only a small amount of skin is redundant in the lower abdomen, you may only need a fairly simple “mini-tuck” rather than the more extensive standard abdominoplasty – which corrects all the conditions noted above. Stretch marks in the lower abdomen are removed during a tummy tuck.
Liposuction: New mothers sometimes experience redistribution of their body fat. Localized fat collections in the tummy, hips, thighs, and upper arms (to name a few of the more common areas) are treated easily and with excellent results. When combined with a sensible diet and exercise program you can successfully work toward regaining your pre-pregnancy body contours and clothing size.
Labioplasty and vaginal tightening or myoplasty are outpatient operations to repair tears or damage to the labia (opening to the vagina) and vagina which may occur during a normal vaginal delivery.
Skin pigment changes (chloasma) can occur during pregnancy. Irregular red or brown discoloration across the face is very common side effect of pregnancy, often called “mask of pregnancy”. This is generally improved with a medical grade bleaching or peeling program by our skin aesthetician. A full range of treatment options are available, including lasers, chemical peels, medical microdermabrasion, and a full line of prescription grade products are available.
Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
You may be a candidate for a mommy makeover if you have one or more of the following conditions:
Your Personal Consultation
During the consultation you will be asked about the results you expect to achieve from a mommy makeover. This will help Dr. Newen understand your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically achieved.
How will Dr. Newen evaluate me for a mommy makeover?
Dr. Newen will discuss with you what concerns you have about your appearance and assess those areas. Measurements and photos may be taken for your medical record. You should be prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for to provide complete information.
How is a mommy makeover performed?
A mommy makeover can involve a variety of different procedures. Dr. Newen will guide you in your decision and let you know which procedure(s) is best to obtain your goals.
Understanding risks
Anyone considering surgery should be aware of both the benefits and risks. The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis during your consultation with Dr. Newen. After surgery, there may be a temporary feeling of pain, swelling, and bruising. The types of symptoms experienced and the duration of the symptoms vary in patients.
Your surgical experience
Our goal is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible. If you’re a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. You will be provided with complete preoperative and postoperative instructions.
Mommy makeover surgery is performed at Huntington Surgery Center, our outpatient surgery facility located within The Image Center. Please be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
For more information
For more information on mommy makeover surgery or to schedule a consultation, please call our office at (714) 230-2430.
The services provided have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any therapy program, aesthetic treatments, plastic surgery, and other services that the Image Center provides. Any designations or references to therapies are for marketing purposes only.