A Mommy Makeover for You

A growing number of women have decided to make a change and improve their post-pregnancy bodies. Many of these moms have multiple children, and their bodies have taken a toll.

A plastic surgery procedure known as a mommy makeover has helped women contour and return to the way their original “before” children look. A mommy makeover is a complete makeover of the breasts and abdomen. The breasts are augmented with implants and lifted. Breast augmentation with a breast lift is called breast augmentation and mastopexy. The abdomen is made over by removing excess skin and fat. According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery, from 2000 to 2006, breast augmentations increased by 55%, from 212,500 procedures to 329,326. Another patient favorite, breast lifts, increased by to 96% from 2000 to 2006, going from 52,836 to 103,788. Tummy tucks soared a whopping 4,384%. These increasing numbers show that these procedures have become so popular for women. These procedures become so popular that the term “mommy makeover” was created to reflect a group of surgeries among women seeking to restore their pre-pregnancy shape.

So are you thinking about getting a complete mommy makeover?

Beverly Hills celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Katzen is a plastic surgeon who is an expert performing the mommy makeover. During your plastic surgery, you and Dr. Katzen will discuss in detail what you should expect during and after the mommy makeover. Depending on your unique anatomy and other various factors, surgery time is typically between six to eight hours. On average, your recovery should be about two to four weeks.

How do you know if you are the right candidate for a mommy makeover?

Because plastic surgery should be a highly individualized procedure, there are some things you should consider to determine if you are a good candidate. First, you must be in good medical health. Second, you should be at your ideal body weight. Third, you should have a positive outlook and a realistic expectation of the mommy makeover surgery. Lastly, if you are considering a mommy makeover, you should be finished with child-bearing. Having met those goals, you are ready for to proceed with the next steps.

Surgery Day

On the day of the surgery your mommy makeover, pictures will be taken, and surgical markings will be made. You will be taken to the operating surgery room in a medical gurney. The anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia. Once you are completely asleep, your skin will be sterilized with a solution. Once you are prepared, surgery will begin. Typically, a tummy tuck incision is made in the lower abdomen. In this way, the C-section scar is removed. If you have a C-section, the tummy tuck portion of the tummy tuck incision is just made under the C-section scar. As for a breast lift, that incision also varies depending on your breast shape and your desired goals. Typically, breast lift incisions are around the areola. Also, breast augmentation incisions vary from patient to patient. Some breast augmentation incisions are around the areola, some are made under the breast fold, and some under the armpit. Also, the incision depends if you require a breast lift or not.

Recovery and Healing

After surgery a mommy makeover, most patients can go home or can be taken to an outpatient recovery center. If you are scheduled to go home after the procedure, you should have someone to pick them up.

Always follow Dr. Katzen’s post-op directions.

The first seven days after a mommy makeover are the worst. You will feel tired and have some pain. After about five to seven days, you should feel a lot better and will be able to build your physical activity gradually. You should not do any heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks. If you have children, you should have someone look after your kids for about one week. Also, you should sleep with several pillows under your back, and keep your legs bent to minimize the tension, reduce pain and reduce pain.

If pain or any other problems persist, call Dr. Katzen immediately.

Dr. Katzen will supply you with a post-surgical bra garment and a body garment for the abdomen. The special garments help minimize swelling and protects the incision. Swelling should subside within a few weeks.

Things to Know

Pricing varies between surgeons, location, and the type of surgery. When looking for a plastic surgeon, make sure your plastic surgeon is has years of experience. All procedures have risks. Risks and complications after mommy makeover surgery risks are rare and will be discussed during the consultation with Dr. Katzen. If you have any additional questions regarding a mommy makeover procedure, please call Dr. Katzen at (310) 859-7770.