A mommy makeover is a fairly standard combination of cosmetic surgery procedures that are performed together during a one operation: a breast lift, a tummy tuck, and liposuction.
Sometimes breast augmentation using implants is also performed, if necessary or desired, and women who have had a Caesarean section may opt for scar revision.
These procedures collectively address the most common effects of birthing and breastfeeding on a woman’s body: weight gain and skin stretching in the abdomen, and loss of firmness and possible “deflation” in the breasts.
The advantage of a mommy makeover is that the results are achieved all at once, and the recovery times for multiple procedures are combined.
Experience & Innovation
At Plastic Surgery Tijuana, we perform approximately 200 mommy makeovers each year.
Dr. Rafael Camberos is not only highly skilled and experienced in all the individual procedures associated with this type of surgery, but also sensitive to the feelings and needs of the women who seek their advice.
Women who wish to explore the option of using plastic surgery to recover (or build upon) their former silhouette will find that Dr. Camberos is an understanding and compassionate doctor whose only goal is to inform and assist women interested in these procedures.
How is a mommy makeover performed?
The specifics of each mommy makeover depend on the needs of the individual patient.
For example, the amount and locations of the liposuction, the type of tummy tuck, and whether breast augmentation is also being performed will have a significant impact on the duration of the operation and the amount of recovery time needed.
Wherever possible, scars (particularly the one resulting from the tummy tuck) will be strategically placed so as to hide them from view.
Candidates for mommy makeover
The best candidates for a mommy makeover are women who have weaned their babies.
Women should also note that if they undergo breast augmentation (rather than just a breast lift), they may affect their chances of breastfeeding at a future date, depending on the type of incision used.
If breastfeeding is important to you and you plan to have additional children, you may want to postpone breast augmentation until you have weaned your last child.
Smokers should quit for at least two weeks before and after surgery, because smoking inhibits healing.
A mommy makeover can have a positive effect on your self-esteem. Feeling better about your appearance can make you feel better about yourself.
Studies show that this kind of surgery often improves quality of life.
Preparing for mommy makeover surgery
Dr. Camberos will also instruct you on how to prepare for surgery in order to achieve the best result, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking certain vitamins and medications.
Smokers should plan to stop smoking for a minimum of one or two weeks before surgery and during recovery, as smoking decreases circulation and interferes with proper healing.
You may also be asked to refrain from taking aspirin, anti-inflammation drugs, or certain herbal supplements, as they may increase bleeding during the surgery.
Recovery from mommy makeover
Mommy makeover surgery is performed as a day surgery procedure. A friend or relative will need to come and pick you up and stay with you at home for at least 24 hours.
The recovery period for a mommy makeover will depend entirely on the procedures that are performed, although combining procedures should lead to a shorter recovery overall versus having the procedures done individually.
Normally, any bandages placed over incisions will remain in place for a few days, and parts of the body may require an elastic (compression) bandage or garment to be worn for a few weeks to keep swelling under control.
Anyone contemplating a mommy makeover should make sure they are prepared for a fairly substantial amount of surgery and a significant recovery period: four to six weeks is not uncommon.
During the initial weeks, it is important that a patient not exert herself; there are strict restrictions on lifting things after breast surgery, and on twisting or using core muscles after abdominal surgery.
To find out more about the cost of a mommy makeover, please contact us by phone or e-mail or start an online consultation with Dr. Camberos from the privacy and comfort of your home.
