Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Mommy Makeover Surgery
Women who have had children experience breast and body changes that are often not correctable with diet and exercise. A mommy makeover is a combination of breast and body contouring procedures intended to restore a woman's pre-pregnancy figure.Â
At Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center in Henderson, Nevada, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hayley Brown specializes in mommy makeover procedures that help women reclaim their body confidence. She serves patients from Las Vegas and surrounding areas with compassionate care.
Find out more about a mommy makeover:
- What Is a Mommy Makeover?
- Procedures 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?
- What to Expect During the Mommy Makeover Procedure
- What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover Procedure?
- What Is Recovery Like After a Mommy Makeover Procedure?
- Why Choose Our Plastic Surgeon?
- Contact Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
After pregnancy, women tend to experience a lot of changes in their bodies:
- Because of abdominal stretching, you may have excess and sagging skin, stretch marks, and bulging abdominal muscles with muscle separation.Â
- Due to pregnancy and nursing, your breasts may appear deflated and saggy.Â
- You may experience a severe change in the fat content of your body and may have trouble getting rid of excess fat through exercise and diet.
A mommy makeover usually combines multiple procedures into one operation in order to minimize downtime and allow for just one recovery. The procedures can get rid of excess fat and stretch marks, fill and lift your breasts, and restore your abdomen closer to what it was before pregnancy.
Procedures Included in a Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover may only be one procedure, or it could be a combination of all of them. Any of the following treatments can be included 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 look best on your body.
- Breast reduction: This is helpful for women with large, saggy breasts. It reduces excess tissue to improve comfort and shape.
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): We remove portions of excess skin, fat, and stretch marks from your abdominal area. Sutures are placed on your internal abdominal muscles to tighten them.
- Liposuction: We can 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 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.
It’s a good idea to do some 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
A mommy makeover may be right for you if you are experiencing post-pregnancy changes that have not responded to diet or exercise. Ideal candidates generally meet the following criteria:
- You are finished having children and no longer nursing
- You are in good overall health
- You are at or near a stable, healthy weight (being 15–30 pounds overweight may still be acceptable)
- You want to improve physical changes that occurred after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding
- You feel self-conscious about your appearance, especially in swimwear or intimate settings
It is also ideal for those women who have the following concerns:
- Loose, deflated, asymmetric, or saggy breasts
- Enlarged areola after pregnancy
- Enlarged or saggy breasts
- A bulging belly or abdominal muscles
- Abdominal muscle separation, known as rectus diastasis
- Stretch marks or loose, wrinkled skin of the 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
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.
What to Expect During the Mommy Makeover Procedure
Dr. Hayley Brown performs your mommy makeover under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Most surgeries take between three to five hours, depending on the combination of treatments we have planned for you.
If back liposuction is part of your procedure, we usually begin there and then move on to the breasts. Liposuction of the hips and flanks typically follows.Â
From that point, your skin quality helps determine the next step. For loose skin and stretched abdominal muscles, Dr. Brown may recommend a tummy tuck. If your skin tone is firm and elastic, full abdominal liposuction may be a better fit. Puffiness or sagging in the pubic area may be improved with liposuction or a pubic lift.
During a tummy tuck, Dr. Brown tightens separated or bulging abdominal muscles using internal sutures. She removes excess skin from the area between your belly button and pubic region. She can also remove old C-section scars as part of the process, so your new scar sits lower and more discreetly. Stretch marks below the belly button are often removed, and those above it are pulled downward to a less visible location.
Throughout your surgery, board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Steve Brown monitors you closely. As a husband-and-wife team, Drs. Hayley and Steve Brown work together to make sure your procedure runs smoothly.
What Are the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover Procedure?
Mommy makeovers offer a wide range of benefits. 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 in 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
- A boost in your self-esteem
- You may only have to go under anesthesia and recover from surgery once
What Is Recovery Like After a Mommy Makeover Procedure?
Your personal experience will depend on the procedures you have done. Below is a breakdown of what recovery typically looks like from the day you return home to the months that follow:
Immediate Post-Surgery Care
After surgery, you will go home the same day with a responsible caregiver who can stay with you overnight and, ideally, for a few days. For the first week, you will need help with everyday tasks and childcare. You will not be able to drive or lift young children during this time, so plan for extra support.
Light walking is encouraged right away, but you should stay slightly bent at the hips to ease pressure on your incisions. Most people are standing upright again by the end of the first week. Pain is usually managed with a combination of muscle relaxers and prescription medication.
To help control swelling, you will wear a surgical bra and a compression garment around your waist. Once your breast incisions have healed, you can switch to a regular underwire bra to help support and shape your breasts as they settle into place.
Resuming Activity
- Expect general discomfort for the first two weeks.
- You may resume light daily activities after two weeks, but no strenuous movement.
- Keep your arms close to your body for three weeks to protect your breasts.
- If you did not have a tummy tuck, you may resume exercise in four weeks.
- If you had a tummy tuck, wait six weeks before any strenuous activity, lifting, or abdominal workouts.
- Walking is encouraged throughout recovery.
Swelling, Scars, and Long-Term Results
Swelling and firmness are completely normal after surgery and can stick around for at least two months. During that time, your breast shape and overall body contour will continue to settle and improve, so try to be patient with the process.
Scars will look red and raised at first, but that’s expected. They tend to fade slowly over time and can take years to fully soften and blend in. We’ll guide you on scar treatments to help speed that along. Just be sure to keep treated areas out of the sun. No tanning until scars mature, which usually takes about one year.
The good news is that most patients feel bikini-ready by three to six 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 in every patient and does her best to ensure that you have realistic expectations.
She is a board-certified plastic surgeon and has received her Maintenance of Certification from 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
How Should I Sleep After a Mommy Makeover?
For the first week, most patients find it easiest to sleep in a recliner. It helps keep your body in a slightly flexed position, which takes pressure off your incisions and makes it easier to get up and move around. You should aim to walk every three to four hours during the day to improve circulation and lower the risk of complications.
Some back discomfort is common, especially if you are not used to sleeping on your back. This may last for about three to four weeks. If you do not have a recliner at home, we can help arrange a rental to make your recovery more comfortable.
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 cover the cost of a mommy makeover since it is considered a cosmetic procedure. We understand this can be a financial consideration and accept several forms of payment, including cash, cashier’s check, and major credit cards. Financing is also available through CareCredit to help patients move forward.
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.
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 that 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. 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.
How Soon After Giving Birth Can I Schedule a Mommy Makeover Consultation?
You can schedule a consultation as early as a few months after giving birth, especially if you are no longer breastfeeding. While the surgery itself typically requires waiting at least six months postpartum, early planning gives you time to discuss your goals and prepare for a safe recovery.
Will I Need Drains After My Mommy Makeover Procedure?
Drains may be used temporarily, especially if your procedure includes a tummy tuck. They help reduce fluid buildup and promote proper healing.
How Do I Know if I Need a Breast Lift in Addition to Augmentation?
If your nipples sit below the breast crease or point downward, a lift may be recommended along with implants. Dr. Brown will evaluate your breast shape and skin elasticity to determine the best approach for your goals.
How Do I Maintain My Results Long-Term?
Maintaining a stable weight and following a healthy lifestyle are key to preserving your results. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good skin care can help keep your body looking its best. Dr. Brown may also recommend long-term follow-up or garment use for additional support.
Contact Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center
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, call 702-260-7707 to set up your consultation. We are proud to serve patients in Las Vegas and the surrounding Nevada areas.
