“Mommy makeover” is a broad term that refers to a collection of surgeries that are designed to restore your pre-pregnancy body. Pregnancy and the post-pregnancy recovery period can take quite a toll on your body. Weight gain is important and necessary for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. After your pregnancy, this can be reversed through diet and exercise – but excess abdominal skin, separated abdominal muscles, loss of breast tissue, and sagging breast skin can be impossible to improve without help.
The “mommy makeover” aims to address both your abdomen and your breasts with a single surgery. The goal is to return you to your pre-pregnancy body with one operation and one recovery period. The specific procedures chosen will depend on your goals. For example, some common combinations are:
- Breast augmentation and “mini” tummy tuck
- Breast lift and traditional tummy tuck
- Augmentation-lift, liposuction, and a tummy tuck
So which of these many combinations is the right one for you? The best way to figure this out is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nagarkar. He will have a comprehensive discussion with you about your goals, and after a detailed examination and photographic analysis, customize a surgical plan for your particular case.
The procedures that make up a mommy makeover are performed no differently than if each were being done alone. You can read more about breast lifts, augmentations, tummy tucks, and liposuction to see how I approach these procedures. But the important question is whether or not it is safe to perform multiple procedures at the same time. Currently, the best data we have shows that it is safe to combine breast and abdominal cosmetic surgical procedures in most patients.
Who is a good candidate for a mommy makeover:
Most patients without any major medical problems can be good candidates for a mommy makeover. The best candidates are patients who have returned to their goal weight, but still have excess abdominal skin, an abdominal bulge caused by separated muscles, sagging breasts, or other aspects of their post-pregnancy body that they remain dissatisfied with. With a few exceptions, patients who may wish to become pregnant in the future are generally not good candidates, because the weight gain and loss in pregnancy can undo the results of the surgery.
How to prepare for surgery:
Dr. Nagarkar will let you know if any laboratory tests are required before your surgery. You must completely stop smoking and any nicotine-containing patches or gums for 6 weeks before and after surgery. This is critical, as smoking increases the risk of significant complications. Finally, you will discuss with Dr. Nagarkar which medications and supplements you should stop taking before surgery, and which ones you can continue. It is very important to provide complete information to prevent any post-operative problems. You will get detailed written instructions for pre- and post-operative care. In addition, you will receive any postoperative prescriptions you might need so that you can have them filled by your pharmacy in advance.
What to expect on the day of surgery:
A mommy makeover generally requires around four hours, depending on the exact procedures performed. You should plan on having nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. Patients stay overnight at the hospital for observation, and to make sure your pain is well controlled. You will need to have someone drive you to and from the surgery, and to help around the house for a few days while you get your energy back.
What to expect after surgery:
The first few days
The first night in the hospital, it is critical that you are up and out of bed and walking. This reduces your risk of forming blood clots in your legs. Dr. Nagarkar will check on you the night of surgery to make sure you are doing well and that everything is in order. You will receive a phone call from Dr. Nagarkar the day after you go home to check in with you and to answer any questions you might have.
Pain
Narcotic pain medications are usually needed for the first week or so. After that point, anti-inflammatory over the counter medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen are often adequate.
Incision care
Your incisions will all be closed with internal absorbable sutures, and surgical glue, so you can generally start showering the day after surgery, although bathing, swimming, or getting in a jacuzzi should not be done until at least 3 weeks after surgery. We will provide you with an abdominal wrap or binder to support your abdominal muscles, and a surgical bra to support your breasts. You should wear these for the first 6 weeks after surgery, whenever you are up and about. You should protect your fresh scars from sun exposure for at least 6 months after surgery, because they are extra sensitive to sunlight during this period. Dr. Nagarkar may discuss special scar care techniques such as silicone sheeting or moisturizers with you. If you are prone to forming keloids, it is very important that you discuss this with him prior to your surgery.
Drains
Most patients do not require surgical drains.
Diet
You can return to your regular diet after surgery, but for the first day or two, stick with lighter meals. Anesthesia can sometimes make your digestive system a bit sensitive, and having a double cheeseburger the evening after surgery is not recommended. You should refrain from high-sodium foods because salt may increase swelling or prolong the time required for your swelling to resolve.
Work
Most patients will require 2 to 3 weeks off work if they work mostly at a desk, and 6 weeks off work if they do any type of lifting or physical labor.
Activities
You will be able to go back to non-strenuous activities such as walking, using a computer, writing, and so on, immediately after surgery. You should not lift anything over 10 pounds (or a gallon of milk), for 6 weeks after your surgery. This is very important, because it allows your muscles to heal appropriately.
Driving
You can resume driving once you are no longer taking narcotic medications, and when you feel that you are in full control of your car. This often takes a week or two.
Exercise
Aerobic exercise such as yoga, running, cycling, barre, etc., must be stopped for 3 weeks to allow the skin to heal. Exercise involving any lifting of weights over 10 lbs should be stopped for 6 weeks to allow the muscles to heal.
Follow-up visits
You will see Dr. Nagarkar in the office usually 7 – 10 days after surgery to examine the incisions and ensure that you are healing appropriately. We will see you again at the 4-6 week mark at which time Dr. Nagarkar may clear you from any activity restrictions if you are healing appropriately. Finally you will have appointments around 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after surgery.
To meet Dr. Nagarkar in person, schedule your consultation or call us.