Mommy Makeover Plastic

‘Mommy Makeover’ Plastic Surgery on the Rise

By Dr. L. Thomas Albert, FACS, Dr. Howard Heppe, FACS, and Dr. Harold Bautista, FACS

Published on October 20, 2007

Motherhood has its rewards.

Sagging or shrunken breasts and protruding stomachs are not among them.

When exercise and diet don’t work, many women turn to plastic surgery to correct the unwanted aftereffects of childbearing and breastfeeding.

Most of our breast surgery and tummy tuck patients are mothers who want to return to their pre-pregnancy shape. They have discovered that nursing has caused their breasts to lose volume or sag. No matter how many sit-ups and crunches these health-conscious women do, they can’t tighten their abdominal muscles. So they come to us for “mommy makeover” procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and breast lift.

Such requests reflect a national trend. More than 325,000 tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and breast lift surgeries were performed on women between the ages of 20 and 39 in 2006, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast augmentation was the most popular surgery for women in that age group while tummy tuck and breast lift ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. Overall, the statistics show an 11 percent increase in the number of these surgeries performed in 2005.

Studies also show that most women who chose to undergo plastic surgery are in their thirties and forties, educated, and coming from all income levels. They have given much thought to undergoing surgery, and the vast majority said that if they had it do over again, they would.

Diane McNeil, 40, of Sterling, Virginia, had a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and breast lift in July. According to her, she couldn’t be happier with her decision. She feels healthier and more confident now.

“I have more energy, and I’m more physically active,” said the married mother of two grown children.

McNeil, who is studying to become a criminal profiler, said she decided to have the procedures because she wasn’t happy with the way she looked.

“No matter what I did, I couldn’t get the [abdominal] weight off,” she said.

Prior to the surgeries, she wore T-shirts, sweat pants, and other loose clothing. Now she wears more stylish, form-fitting clothes.

Her advice to other women considering plastic surgery is to “do your research. Don’t just go to the first doctor you hear about. Weigh the pros and cons and determine what is best for you.”

One of the most important steps in choosing a plastic surgeon is to make sure he or she is board certified and experienced in performing the procedures you are considering.

McNeil’s research paid off. “I would do it all over again if I had to,” she said.

In general, our patients who have “mommy makeovers” tell us they feel more confident, and they love their healthier, fitter look. Of course, those who are considering plastic surgery should discuss all of their options and expectations with a board-certified surgeon before deciding which course of action is right for them.

Mommy Makeovers 101: A Quick Lesson on Mommy Makeover Surgeries

To help you decide whether a “mommy makeover” is right for you, here is a brief summary of the procedures:

Breast augmentation enhances breast size using either saline-filled or silicone gel-filled implants. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, a semi-solid. Saline implants are filled with salt water, the same kind used in I.V. fluids. Both types of implants have their benefits depending upon your body and personal preference.

The surgery takes one to two hours and can be performed in an accredited outpatient facility. Side effects are temporary soreness, swelling and bruising. Most patients are able to return to work in a few days.

Breast lift surgery removes excess skin, resulting in a shapely and perkier breast. The nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples) are shifted to a higher position. If the areola has been stretched, it can be reduced in size.

Side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, rarely numbness, and permanent scars, which fade with time. Most patients are able to return to work in one week, but they must avoid strenuous activities for two to four weeks.

Abdominoplasty, more commonly called a “tummy tuck,” is a major surgical procedure in which the surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. Sometimes the navel is repositioned, and the surgeon makes a new opening for it. The results can be a dramatically flatter stomach and a narrower waist.

It’s important to realize that a tummy tuck leaves the patient with a scar, which can extend from hip to hip. Recovery can take several weeks or months depending upon the patient’s physical condition. Some women are able to resume normal activities after two weeks. Women who plan to have more children may consider postponing the surgery because vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy.

About the Authors: For more information about these procedures and the authors, please visit www.loveyourlook.info or call 800 793 7730

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Keyword Tags: breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, after pregnancy

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Comments

1

I am really considering doing this. Does it take away my stretch marks? How much is it usually?

Danielle
about 1 year ago

2

I plan on having a lift, aug, and tummy tuck this summer. How much recovery time do you think I need. I have two small children 3 and 1.

Paige
about 1 year ago

3

I just had a full tummy tuck about 20 days ago. I can stand 80% upright. I have an annoying pains in my back which my dr said is normal. 3-4 days post op was very tough. I have a 3 year old son and 17 month daughter. the hardest challenge is not picking up my children which is almost automatic. I now put her on my leg and lift her to me and lay next to her. But the little princess sometimes is very persistent with me holding her. For those considering more than one procedure, I am on the fence. When you have elective surgery, you accept the fact that you will be sore, in extreme pain and have many discomforts. But for me, I do one procedure at a time is enough. I/We (my husband) are satifyied with my sagging breast and I did was too nervous about having too many procedures at once. It does make sense to have "everything" done at one time. But it is crucial to have 24 hour help to provide medicine, bandages and support. My healing process is slow. I am swollen and sore and my drainage is not as quick, taking an extra time. My dr is recommending me to stay home for 3 weeks which is driving my partially crazy.

I chose to do it this time of year to prepare for the spring and summer months (when we are more physically active). My strech marks were around my waist and but, but he removed all of the fat that you can grab just above your belly button to your waist. I have natural fat in my upper abodmen (below breast in the chest area). that fat has now been pulled down. I will not have a completely 21 year old flat stomach, but I will no longer look 7 months pregnant! I am very pleased including with the pain, scars and meds. Please note it will take at least 3 months or more before true post op results and healing occurs. I do know I paid more than the national average, but I was happy with the dr and his credentials.

Good Luck and Go For It!

Tracee
about 1 year ago

4

This is day seven (7) of my full tummy tuck and breast augmentation. I stopped using the Vicodin and am now just taking 2 extra strength Tylenol every 5-6 hours.

I am extremely satisfied right now although am going stir crazy at not being able to do very much. I had three c-sections, my children are 8, 6, and 3. Each one of them has been very helpful around the house and helping each other as I recover. I also notice that my littlest is missing cuddle time with mommy.

I think I would have preferred doing a lift also, but I'll lose some more weight and in five years if I'm still concerned about the placement of my breasts then I'll do it.

I was fortunate because the augmentation was done through the tummy tuck incision so there are no cuts on my breasts so this is great. The recovery for my breasts is almost nothing - just as if I were engorged.

I lost thirty pounds over the course of last year and nothing I did would get rid of the stomach pooch I had. Now it is gone. I want to lose another 15-20 pounds this year and then I think it'll be ideal. My goal is to lose the weight slowly and keep it off rather than quickly and than battle the gain all the time.

I fight the urge to have liposuction on my hips/thighs because I think I can shape my legs through exercise, but again, five years will be my reference point. I turn 40 this year so I think that at 45 it'll be a good time to assess what is physically possible and financially possible as well.

I paid about $11,000 for both the tummy tuck and silicone implants. That included all the fees and doctor's visits. I got two other consultation/quotes and this was about in the middle range. I was pleased that the doctor took his time talking to me and never encouraged me to get the surgery or more surgery. That made me feel like he wasn't necessarily interested in my money. His staff was also extremely friendly.

I think it'll be another week (making it 2 weeks) before I'm comfortable to walk daily as exercise and my husband is asking about sex! I think he is anxious to get a gander at my new bod too. We'll see about that because with the drains in it is difficult to do much of anything. Of course after just one week after surgery I think it is sooooo much easier than the c-sections I had done. Plus I don't have to wake up in the middle of the night to nurse!

christina M. Smith
about 1 year ago

5

I am 41 and I am thinking of having a tummy tuck. Is 1 1/2 enough for recovery since I have to get back to work.

aimee
about 1 year ago

6

I really need some advise. I am 23 years old, and had a gastric bypass almost over 2 years ago. I went from 350 lbs to 175, I lost all of my weight within the first 8 months after surgery. I look like I am 90 when i take off my clothes. My breast went from triple D to a small C when i roll them up and stuff them into a bra. I know that i will need a full body lift, including my breast, the reason i am so conflicted is because i know that I will want to have children. Everyone is telling me that i should wait until i have kids so that i dont mess up any of the results of the surgery, but i have no idea when i will have kids, it could be in a year or 8 years. My thoughts are, get everything fixed now, my arms, legs, back, breast, butt, everything that i hate about myself, so that at least i dont feel so disgusting. Then down the road if i do hae kids, i will only have to deal with the tummy again, well at least i hope! so, any advise from someone i dont know would be really helpful!

Lindsey
about 1 year ago

7

OK I HAVE A TUMMY TUCK/LIPO IN 22 DAYS SOMEONE OUT THERE PLEASE TELL ME HOW MUCH PAIN I WILL BE IN AND IS THE RECOVERY REALLY TOUGH????

LORI WASHBURN
about 1 year ago

8

I had the full lift and tummy tuck done at the same time. Both were the most severe extremes with repositioning of the areola and the belly button. I was sore for a few days and needed help getting out of bed for the first couple for sure. The scar on the abdomin is pretty big (hip to hip) and still quite purple. I had it done just before Xmas. The scars are already faded a lot on my breasts and I think they look way better and would do it again in a minute. The Dr. did a reduction as well but they still look the same to me considering my tummy is flatter. I had a totally flat stomach but now am noticing weight gain already in my upper and lower abdomin and the love handles are returning! I had 4 kids so felt pregnant a lot of the time so it is a lot better, I'm just a bit disappointed that I am losing my "flat" stomach so soon. I returned to work after 2 1/2 weeks and everything we extremely well for me. I went on a tropical vacation within 2 months of the procedure and wore my bikini, but it didn't look quite as good as it had a month prior! I still can't ahve the kids jump on me, even the cat hurts my breasts if he jumps onto me. I have done some sit ups and the eliptical but not really dieted yet. I plan to start with a trainer soon and really cut the calories because I loved the really flat tummy (it even sank in). I would do them both at the same time, who wants to spend 2 years fully recovering! Winter was a great time to do it! Good luck.

Renee
about 1 year ago

9

How much is a mommy makeover going to cost me?

Stacy Di Stefano
about 1 year ago

10

I am 31 and have had 2 kids 9 and 4 and just had a mommy make over 3 1/2 weeks ago. I had the tummy tuck, lift and augmentation all at once. I went to 2 consultations. the 1st doctor would not do it all at once but in 2 doing the tummy tuck and lift and then come back in 6 to 8 weeks to do the augmentation. the 2nd surgeon I went to would do it all at once. I did not want to recover 2x in one yr. The pain was not as bad as what I had prepared myself for. I did take 2 weeks off of work (13 days) the 1st day back I did not make it the whole day but 3/4ths. I did have my husband home to help me the 1st week after the surgery. I was only on the pain meds for about 1 week. The worst thing of it to me was the drains, they kept moving and it burned. I am now almost standing staight. the longer I am standing and moving around the staighter I stand. I do find the longer I am sitting it takes longer to straighten out. I slept on the recliner for about 1 1/2 weeks. One key thing is having help around the house since you will be not cleaning or doing laundry for a while. This is the best thing I have done and would do it all over in a second.

Rachel
about 1 year ago

11

i am 22 and really considering the "mommy makeover" I was just wondering about how much it costs (lift,augmentation and tummt tuck)

Sara
about 1 year ago

12

I'm 5 days post op for tummy tuck and breast augmentation. The most pain is from the drains (below the incision at the pubic bone) and muscles (abdomen AND back). The lower back muscles are strained from walking hunched over. My abdomen is pretty numb and the abdominal incision isn't painful at all. My breasts feel like they did when I was engorged while breastfeeding. I have four sons ages 23, 19, 14 and 13. I had a laparascopic hysterectomy two years ago and could not get rid of the excess skin no matter how much exercise I did. My "mommy make-over" was worth it already. I'm anxious to be able to stand upright again. My breasts were always small and at best a "C" cup when fully engorged while breast feeding. I can't wait to wear a bathing suit this summer! Anyone considering this surgery should definitely do their homework. As a nurse, I have taken care of many post-op abdominoplasty patients in the hospital and now have a greater sense of compassion for what they feel. I wasn't sure what to expect during the recovery phase and reading up on line has been very helpful. Supportive help at home is a must! Just getting up to the bathroom and back to bed/chair is a chore. I precooked meals for my husband and boys and planned for a week when the kids are home from school.

AMY
about 1 year ago

13

Posters please place your city and state and maybe your doctors # as I would jump at the chance to have my wife's tummy tuck and augmentation done for 10k-12k. The best in my area is 18k. Melbourne, Florida.

Sean
about 1 year ago

14

I am 40 with 5 kids and am 13 days post op. I had a Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift with augmentation and lipo on my flanks & upper back (took off the "boobs" that hang under the back of the bra!). I am loving the results! My husband is thrilled & can't wait till I'm "all healed up" so he can take advantage of me! ;)

I stayed in the hospital overnight and I'm glad I did. The first night is really hard...and yes, there was pain. I was glad to have the nurses showing me what needed to be done & what to expect. Plus they were kind enough to make me get up and walk every two hours (THIS IS A MUST). I don't think I would have had the courage to do it if I had been at home. Getting in & out of bed IS DIFFICULT. You WILL ABSOLUTLY NEED HELP the first couple of days. My husband stayed by my side for the first four days helping me in & out of where ever I found the most comfort (bed, couch, recliner). I am still sleeping on an incline as I get the most comfortable sleep that way. Laying flat still causes discomfort and interrupts my sleep.

Because I had so much work done, I was significantly bloated the first couple of days (pretty BIG shock to the system). Now i am looking good and I feel so much better. I do not regret having this done. I love the results so far and they are going to get better!!
My surgeon came highly recommended & had all the certifications needed (not to mention he was part owner of the hospital that the work was done at!). DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!
Don't look for the best price...look for the most qualified surgeon and save more money if you need to. BUT DONT BARGAIN SHOP with your life!

I LOVE THE NEW ME!!!!

Kim
about 1 year ago

15

I want to get my breast done breast done (bigger) how much will it cost

kass
about 1 year ago

16

I am scheduled to have a tummy tuck, breast reduction / lift and lipo this Friday and I am super nervous about the recovery.....

Maureen
about 1 year ago

17

Does anyone have any advice regarding financing or insurance coverage for a breast reduction? I would love to do the whole shabang, tuck and lipo, etc. But, mostly I need to reduce these sandbags I've got hanging on me! They're somewhere around an F cup and I actually get numbness and tingling behind my shoulderblades, among other discomforts. Help!

Bella
about 1 year ago

18

I would like to know if its possible to have a breast lift without the nipple removed. Is it possible to habe just the top of the breast pulled up to lift it without the nipple being removed?

J.Austin
about 1 year ago

19

I had a tummy tuck 2 years ago, had some minor complications with bleeding and had to get a blood transfusion. After I finished the doc asked me would you do it, I would definately do it all over again. I am 29 and its been 2 years since the tummy tuck and I am getting ready to have a breast augmentation. Just a word of advice for anyone about to have a tummy tuck or any other major surgery,,,"Make sure that you follow the doctors directions!"

Careere Mama
11 months ago

20

I need a major mommy makeover! I am not happy with my body since I had my baby! My husband and I are not that sexually active because of my body! I cry because my body is disgusting! I want to feel sexy for my husband again! My boobs need to be bigger and I need to lose my fat belly. Please help.

clarissa
9 months ago

21

I am 45 w/ 3kids, ages 21 yrs to 10 yrs. I am two and half weeks post-op. I had a full tummytuck, doughnut lift with augmentation and lipo on hips, flanks and area btwn breast and armpit (can't remember the name). It was great to hear the other comments on here, thought I could contibute as well. I have had alot of help from my husband and sisters, and my kids. You cannot recover w/out help. When the Dr. says don't do anything he means it! And being a working mom, it was very hard to lay there and do nothing. I found the drains to be very painful where they went in the skin towrds the end. The skin around them was red and irritated and burned every time they were touched or moved. It was a big relief to get them out. but a seroma developed after and i had to get it drained by needle in office. I have to take another week off of work, which cuased me a great deal of stress (not good for healing) and go back in 3 days to get drained again. Spoke with my employer and was reassured about that. I asked for two weeks off only, what was i thinking? restarted on antibiotics again. I have alot of swelling in the abdominal area and really had to get used to how high the implants are. have to massage them and wear the strap and binder all the time. Lots of itching but lotion helps as long as it doesnt get in the incision. Have to remind myself to stand up straight or i do get back pain. i was very dperessed a few times but talked about it and that helped alot. not used to being laid up I guess. quit taking lortab after 1 1/2 wks and now using ibuprofen as needed. having less pain now and dont regret doing it all at once. wouldnt want seperate pain time! people keep asking if can see the difference but dont realize that it was major surgery and my body is still healing. My husband(who has been wonderful) is very excited about the new boobs ( really excited!!)and glad i wont worry about my stomach anymore. I was recently asked if I was pregnant, since I knew I was getting the surgery, it didnt upset me. But before, depending on my cycle, that question would really get to me. How embarrasing!!! Keep telling myself that in a couple of months I will be much more healed and be glad I went through it all. It is no picnic but if you have the right support and hep, very worth it. Good luck and hope this helps others.

j haynie
7 months ago

22

i feel so ugly i over heat in summer cuz i dont wear shorts and short slevers i use to be 365 i am about 103 pounds with out clothes im so gross my husband harly touches me i wont have sex with out the lights off i have tryed to see if extrem make oves was still doing it but not i want to be pretty i dimt have surgey to lose wight like others . . but i need other things done like my teeth cuz cant hardly chew
one time bought a set of teeth off line to help me ya taky i know and didnt fit rightbut hay and still cant chew i need body lift also but right now i would settel for arms and tummy just to wear short sleve shrit and maybe somthing little sexy to get my husbnad to love me again i think its not going to work between us we only see each other on week ends and for long time he would even touch me i had to tell him i was going to get a divoce im supose to be in a wedding in july i want to drop out so bad. this is just a rich person thing thats whats bad about it its not like im going out tojust have it done over and over to keep looking young not belive me and to read some of these like the one person talking about money like its nothing ya okay well good luck people with all your money

marschelle nelson
7 months ago

23

I had a tummy tuck, lipo, breast lift and implants. These were all done in Thailand 3 weeks ago, though the breasts were redone (I was not happy at all) 1 week ago.
I went into these operations knowing that they were major surgeries, yet I have to admit the pain, discomfort and swelling was still a shock. If you are like me and find it hand to do nothing, then I really suggest hiring help, which is what we ended up doing. Yes I know it's expensive, but so is the surgery, and if you keep picking up after kids, bending over, reaching up etc..you will not heal properly and will be out of action for ages. You really need to look after yourself and have somebody there to do everything else for a little while. So give yourself a good couple of weeks to be sore and bored and see it as a chance to read some good books, with kids you may not get a chance like this again!

mel
6 months ago

24

I am 36 and decided to have a tummy tuck and breast augmentation at the same time. I did have repair to muscle and hernia, but not lipo, just skin removal. Just be prepared for slow recovery from a tummy tuck, especially if you've have a lot of repair done. Breasts r a piece of cake! Could raise my hand over my head immediately!
You have to be patient and follow your doctors directions as far as activity and think about the results you will have!
I'm a busy body, but i learned quick i wouldn't heal as fast if i didn't slow down......i'm 2 weeks post op and still can't stand straight up yet (80%) upright, and thats annoying and hurts the back.....but again, gotta remember the end results!!!!
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS AND BE PATIENT!
All in all, pain isn't that bad if you follow directions. :) If u've had a baby, is a piece of cake! Be tough and think about how you will look in a month or so!! :) Go for it girls!!
and a FAB DOCTOR!!!!!

Renae
5 months ago

25

I am 35 years old and I had 3 kids within 4 years. My oldest daughter just turned 5, my boy is still 3, and my baby girl just turned 2. Breast feeding all 3 kids really deflated my boobs. It took me almost a year to build up my guts for the breast enlargement procedure. I was extremely nervous because it was my first surgery ever! However, the surgery was so quick and painless, far more comfortable than getting a tooth filling but the recovery period has been extremely difficult for me. It's been 7 days since I got it done, and my husband has been helping me out with the kids and some house chores. But it is almost impossible for a mom to completely stay off her daily duties. I had to discontinue my pain medication on the 2nd day after the surgery because it make me drowsy and sleepy all the times. The pain wasn't too bad but it felt like two big rocks locked inside my chest... not an easy feeling. Sleeping is very uncomfortable because it felt like the implants were weighting down, putting a lot of pressure on the chest, making breathing difficult. It's been 7 days since I held my kids,and I am still not able to resume my daily activities. I wonder if my new breasts are worth it.....

mommy
4 months ago

26

mommy - how are you doing today? Is it starting to get better? You just posted a couple of days ago. I just made my appointment to have tummy tuck, minor lipo of up near arm pits and augmentation. I'm 47. Had first 2 kids in my 20s and my third child when I was nearly 45. BF all 3. My youngest BF for 26 months before I put a stop to it. My tummy did NOT snap back as it did in my 20s. Ugh. Gross. Boobs remained actually a bit larger than what they were in past. However, still wanted aug because of disporportionate sizes and would like to be bigger anyhow. Question... how long before driving is possible? I'm supposed to pick up son from daycare the 2 days directly after my surgery and will not have husband home until around 8 PM to help. Trying to figure out if I need to beg daycare provider to keep him until 8 PM when husband can pick him up.... or hire a sitter to go get him and stay with him until husband gets home. Don't have family available to help and new to area/no close friends. Any suggestions/comments would be appreciated.

Karen
4 months ago

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