Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover is a popular term used to describe a combination of breast and body contouring procedures intended to restore a woman's pre-pregnancy figure. Women who have had children experience breast and body changes that are often not correctable with diet and exercise.
After a baby, the breasts can lose fullness and deflate, and they may get saggy whether or not a woman breast-feeds. The belly gets bigger and tends to bulge from the muscles being stretched. Stretch marks can occur and fatty deposits increase around the waistline. Women with naturally large breasts can start having back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain from the sagging.
If this sounds like you, you may need a mommy makeover. Call our Las Vegas office at 702-260-7707 to schedule your consultation.
Find out more about a mommy makeover:
- What Is a Mommy Makeover?
- What Procedures Can Be Included in a Mommy Makeover?
- What should I expect at my mommy makeover consultation?
- Mommy Makeover Candidacy
- Who is not a candidate for a mommy makeover?
- Mommy Makeover Procedure Description
- What are the benefits of a mommy makeover procedure?
- What are the risks of a mommy makeover procedure?
- Is a mommy makeover procedure covered by insurance?
- Are mommy makeover results permanent?
- How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Mommy Makeover
- Why Choose Our Plastic Surgeon
- Contact Us
What Is A Mommy Makeover?
After pregnancy, it is not uncommon for women to experience a lot of changes in their body. Because of abdominal stretching, you may have excess and sagging skin, stretch marks, and bulging abdominal muscles with muscle separation. Due to pregnancy and nursing, your breasts may have excess skin, stretch marks, and may appear deflated and saggy. You also may have experienced a severe change in the fat content of your body and may have a lot of trouble getting rid of this excess fat even through exercise and diet.
A mommy makeover is typically a combination of procedures designed to restore your body to its pre-pregnancy state. The procedures included are something to discuss with our plastic surgeon, Dr. Hayley Brown, but are usually designed to rid you of excess fat and stretch marks, fill and lift your breasts, and restore your abdomen to what it was before.
A mommy makeover usually combines multiple procedures into one operation in order to minimize downtime and allow for just one recovery, essential for busy moms.
What Is All Included In A Mommy Makeover?
When you’re finished having children and breastfeeding, you may be ready to get your body back to what it was before. However, this can be very difficult because of the ways pregnancy changes your body, so mommy makeover procedures can address your various problem areas. While a mommy makeover may only be one procedure and could also be a combination of all of them, any of the following can be included in the procedure in order to restore your pre-pregnancy body:
- Breast augmentation – by placing breast implants, we can restore your breasts’ fullness, size, and perkiness
- Breast lift – breasts often become saggy and deflated after nursing, but a breast lift will bring your breasts back up to where they will proportionally look best on your body
- Breast reduction – for women with large, saggy breasts
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) – in this procedure, we remove portions of excess skin, fat, and stretch marks from your abdominal area. Additionally, sutures are placed on your internal abdominal muscles to tighten and flatten them
- Liposuction – by utilizing the best technology and techniques, we can expertly remove fat pockets from your abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms, back, bra line, chin, neck, and more
What Should I Expect At My Mommy Makeover Consultation?
Your mommy makeover consultation is an exciting opportunity to talk about achieving your body goals with the help of plastic surgery. However, for many patients, this initial meeting can also be a bit intimidating. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will help you feel more confident and prepared.
You’ll arrive at our inviting Henderson office to meet with board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Hayley Brown. She’ll discuss your goals and concerns, perform a physical exam, and request information about your medical history. She’ll also walk you through your surgical options, explain the recovery process, and answer any questions you might have.
Do a bit of research before you arrive to get the most out of your consultation. If you have any photos of the results you want to achieve, feel free to bring them with you!
Mommy Makeover Candidacy
In order to be a good candidate for a mommy makeover, you should be done with having children and nursing as another pregnancy can reverse the effects of the procedures performed. It is imperative to also be at a healthy weight. If you are a little overweight (15-30lbs), you may still be a great candidate for a mommy makeover provided you are in good health.
Mommy makeover is great for women that don’t feel confident anymore with your significant other or in a swimsuit or bikini.
It is also ideal for those women that have the following:
- Loose, deflated, asymmetric, or saggy breasts
- Enlarged areola after pregnancy
- Enlarged or saggy breasts
- A bulging belly or bulging abdominal muscles. Sometimes the muscle can even separate and that is called a rectus diastasis. A tummy tuck tightens and flattens these muscles while improving core strength and exercise ability
- Stretch marks or loose wrinkled skin of breasts or abdomen
- Fatty deposits on the abdomen and hips, resistant to diet and exercise
- Fatty deposits of the lower back making their buttocks look wide and square
- Fatty back rolls
- Fat deposits on your thighs
- Visible C-section scars
Although subsequent pregnancy is not harmful to the individual or growing fetus, there is always the chance that your breasts or belly can stretch out or sag again. Therefore, our plastic surgeon recommends that you be finished having children before considering a mommy makeover procedure.
Patient Testimonial
Who Is Not A Candidate For A Mommy Makeover?
Women who are overweight (BMI >30), possess unrealistic expectations, or have certain underlying health conditions may not be good candidates for mommy makeover surgery. If you gave birth less than six months ago, you may need to wait a little while until you’re eligible for these procedures.
Getting pregnant after a mommy makeover can also undo some of the progress that you made with surgery. For that reason, you may not be a great candidate if you’re not done having children. Dr. Hayley Brown will determine if a mommy makeover is right for you during your initial consultation.
Procedure Description
The procedure is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient surgery and takes 3-5 hours. If a patient is having back liposuction, that is done first, followed by the breasts. Liposuction of the hips and flanks is performed followed by either a tummy tuck for women with loose skin and bulging muscles, or full abdominal liposuction if the woman has great skin tone. If the pubic area is puffy, liposuction can be done there too. A pubic lift is also an option if that area is saggy.
During a tummy tuck, bulging or separated abdominal muscles are sutured, narrowed, and tightened. Excess skin is removed in an elliptical shape from the umbilicus to the pubic area. Old C-section scars are removed so that the final scar is as low as possible. Stretch marks below the belly button are gone; any above the belly button are pulled down very low on the abdomen.
The whole procedure is monitored by our board certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Steve Brown. At Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center, you have a husband and wife team working together making sure your surgery is executed efficiently and meticulously while ensuring your comfort and safety.
What Are The Benefits Of A Mommy Makeover Procedure?
Mommy makeovers offer a wide range of benefits to women who are looking to restore their pre-baby bodies. Here are some of the things that you may be able to enjoy after surgery:
- A more youthful and shapely breast appearance.
- A flatter and better-toned tummy.
- A more comfortable and flattering fit from your clothes and swimwear.
- A potential improvement in the look of stretch marks and C-section scars.
- Help with medical issues such as hernias, diastasis recti, back pain, and urinary incontinence related to your abdominal muscles.
- A boost in your self-esteem and confidence.
Another advantage of the mommy makeover is that it can address a range of concerns in one combination surgery. That means you may only have to go under anesthesia once and put up with a single recovery.
What Are The Risks Of A Mommy Makeover Procedure?
Mommy makeovers are considered safe, and it is rare to experience serious issues. However, there are some potential complications associated with all surgeries, including bleeding, healing issues, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
The best thing that you can do to minimize your risks is to choose your surgeon carefully. Look for someone who has extensive experience, is board-certified, and operates in an accredited facility like Dr. Hayley Brown. You should also follow all of your pre- and post-operative instructions to the letter and stay positive, motivated and patient.
Is A Mommy Makeover Procedure Covered By Insurance?
Insurance companies do not pay for mommy makeover surgery.
Are Mommy Makeover Results Permanent?
Mommy makeover results can last an incredibly long time if you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Future weight gain can hurt your cosmetic outcome.
Keep in mind that breast implants aren’t lifetime medical devices. If you get breast augmentation during a mommy makeover, you may need to exchange your implants at some point down the road.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Mommy Makeover Procedure?
You will go home right after surgery with a responsible care giver, like a good friend or family member who will need to stay with you overnight and most of the time for several days. You will need help taking care of basic needs and childcare for at least one full week, sometimes a little longer as everyone heals differently. You will not be able to drive or lift small children during this time.
Walking is encouraged immediately in a slightly hips-flexed position to keep tension off the tummy tuck and other incisions. Posture naturally improves to straight in about a week. Back discomfort is normal from having to sleep on your back for 3-4 weeks. We will control your pain using muscle relaxers and narcotic pain pills.
You will wear a surgical bra and a compression garment around your waist to keep swelling to a minimum. The surgical bra is replaced with a regular underwire bra once the breast incision is healed to protect and shape the breasts. It also acts like a splint for a breast implant as it drops and settles into the breast pocket. Patients prefer it to sports bras, as it looks good in normal clothes or work outfits and maintains a close central cleavage.
Most patients sleep in a recliner for first week, to maintain a hips-flexed position, keeping tension off of the healing incisions. It also helps you get up so you can move around easier. Walk at least every 3-4 hours around your house to speed recovery and decrease risks for complications. If you do not have a recliner at home, we have a service that can place one in your home for as long as you need.
You will be uncomfortable for the first 2 weeks, but after that, you will feel like yourself and be able to do normal activities of daily living but nothing strenuous. Try to keep your arms close to your body to protect your breasts for 3 weeks. If you did not have a tummy tuck you can start to exercise in 4 weeks. If you had a tummy tuck, then you shouldn’t be doing any heavy lifting, fitness activities, aerobic exercise, or straining of abdominal muscles for 6 weeks. However, regular walking is encouraged.
The breasts and body may be swollen and firm to various degrees after surgery. It takes minimum of 2 months for your breast shape to improve and your body swelling to resolve. Be patient with the appearance changes happening under your clothes!
Scars are red and visible at first. They can take years to fade away. We will also recommend scar treatments to help minimize the scars and help them to fade as quickly as possible. You shouldn’t get any type of tanning treatments to the treated areas until your scars are mature (1 year is typical).
Most patients are bikini ready in 3-6 months.
Why Choose Our Plastic Surgeon?
Dr. Hayley Brown made it her lifelong goal to be a plastic surgeon and help people love how they look. She takes a personal interest with every patient and does her best to ensure that you have realistic expectations and love your results.
She is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon and has received her Maintenance of Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. She strives for excellence in her work and takes pride in every outcome. Her extensive training and education along with her 25 years of experience ensure you receive the best care and results available.
FAQ
What is The Best Age to Get a Mommy Makeover?
There is often a lot of chatter about what the best age is to get a mommy makeover. While it is true the ideal candidate to get a mommy makeover should be around 30 to 50, there is no specific age required. Every mother deserves to look their best once they are done expanding their family. There is no definitive “best time” to have a mommy makeover. It all depends on your goals and current situation.
What Are The Contraindications of a Mommy Makeover?
Women who still need to finish expanding their families may not be suitable candidates for a mommy makeover. It is equally important that individuals have realistic expectations of what a mommy makeover can and cannot do.
How Do I Prepare For a Mommy Makeover?
Preparation for your mommy makeover may include pre-operative lab testing and consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. During your consultation, the doctor discusses your medical history, any medication you are taking, and your aesthetic goals.
Can I Combine Procedures With a Mommy Makeover?
Yes, it is possible to combine it with your mommy makeover. For example, some patients may choose to undergo facial rejuvenation, operatively or non-operatively at the same time. However, in some situations, it may be better to have more intricate rejuvenation procedures performed separately. It will need to be discussed during your consultation.
How Do I Choose The Right Surgeon For a Mommy Makeover?
Always choose a plastic surgeon who is board-certified and experienced in performing mommy makeovers of all types. Be sure to ask about their credentials, request to see before-and-after photos, and take the time to look online for previous patient reviews. As with any type of plastic surgery procedure, it is important to discuss the pros, cons, risks, and benefits.
Contact Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center
A mommy makeover is a one-step plastic surgery solution for moms who want to look and feel their best. Having to deal with loose skin, sagging, and stretch marks every day is not necessary. If you are a busy mom who has breasts and a body that makes you feel depressed and unattractive, take time for yourself to improve what diet and exercise can’t. The small amount of downtime is worth it to get you feeling cute, attractive, fit and sexy.
A mommy makeover is a huge self-esteem boost. You do this for YOU. The confidence you get from having beautiful breasts and flat tummy will have an effect on your life and make it better. As a mom of four children, Dr. Brown understands what happens to a woman after having kids. She will give you an honest opinion about what needs to be done to get your body looking great both in and out of clothes.
If you are considering a mommy makeover and want to find out what combination of procedures you need to get your body looking its best, please call Dr. Hayley Brown at 702-260-7707 to set up your consultation. You can also fill out the contact form on this page. We are proud to serve patients in Las Vegas and the surrounding Nevada areas.
