A mommy makeover is a coordinated set of surgical treatments designed to restore a woman’s body after having children. It can also help women that have seen changes due to weight fluctuations or the aging process.
The mommy makeover is one of Dr. Rafael Camberos most popular procedures: “The feeling women get when they are able to get their body back is very motivating for me”. Says Dr. Camberos.
What is a mommy makeover?
At Plastiks, a mommy makeover addresses the precise correction you want – no more, no less.
Some women may notice the breasts almost seem to deflate as they lose youthful volume, while others notice distinct sagging that wasn’t there before children.
The abdomen may sport a seemingly permanent bulge as underlying muscles that separated during pregnancy do not typically return to their original position. Isolated fat deposits may also linger that do not respond to diet and exercise.
The buttocks may also lose volume and shape in some women as well.
A mommy makeover can address all these issues, with a customized set of procedures that can usually be performed in one session.
The single surgery approach means you enjoy an optimal outcome with just one time under anesthesia and one recovery process.
Dr. Rafael Camberos will spend ample time helping you plan for your procedure to ensure all your concerns are addressed.
Is a mommy makeover right for you?
Women that choose to undergo a mommy makeover do so for a variety of reasons. Some are unhappy with the changes to their appearance after pregnancy. Others want to capitalize upon the surgery to produce an outcome that enhances their original look.
Some women find the extra skin and fat deposits left behind after pregnancy, as well as the ptosis (sagging) of the breasts, leaves them feeling physically uncomfortable as well as self-conscious about their appearance.
There are different factors Dr. Camberos will carefully weigh when determining whether a mommy makeover will be a safe and successful procedure for you. Some of those factors include:
- Good general health without underlying medical conditions that could complicate your surgery or recovery process
- Non-smoker (this is particularly critical for this procedure as nicotine can significantly compromise the ability of the incisions to heal properly)
- Understanding that there will need to be sufficient time for recovery to prevent possible complications after surgery
- Openness to discussing all post-pregnancy concerns so that desired corrections can be made according to your specifications
- Healthy reasons for wanting the operation performed and realistic expectations about the outcome
Dr. Camberos will carefully assess your medical history and listen to your concerns and aesthetic goals before determining a mommy makeover is the right procedure for you.
Mommy Makeover Options
There are many different choices when planning your mommy makeover. Some of the most common procedures that might be included are:
Breast Augmentation
This form of breast enhancement uses implants or fat grafting to create additional fullness to breasts that have lost their curves over time.
Dr. Camberos usually performs breast augmentation under general anesthesia, using a long-acting medication that will keep you comfortable during and after your surgery.
Most women are ready to head back to work within one week of breast augmentation surgery, although individuals with more strenuous jobs may need to wait a bit longer.
Breast Lift
Sagging, drooping breasts can be addressed with a lift procedure that restores the breasts to a more youthful projection on the chest wall.
The nipples may also be reduced or repositioned to create a natural, proportionate appearance.
Dr. Camberos may recommend the lift alone as part of your mommy makeover, or in conjunction with breast augmentation or reduction to produce an optimal outcome.
Breast Reduction
While some women lament the loss of their full breasts after pregnancy, others find the enlargement that took place to prepare them for breastfeeding make their large breasts even more disproportionate to the rest of the body.
These women may also find that heavy, pendulous breasts cause physical discomfort in the form of neck and back strain and skin irritation as the breasts rub against the skin of the chest.
For these women, breast reduction may be the right option to sculpt a breast size and shape that is in better balance with the overall body profile and eliminates those uncomfortable physical symptoms.
Tummy Tuck
Women that cannot regain their flat stomach after having children may turn to a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty to recreate their pre-baby body.
During a tummy tuck, Dr. Camberos tightens the underlying abdominal muscles, removes stubborn fat deposits and eliminates excess loose skin to create a smoother, flatter midsection.
Dr. Camberos performs abdominoplasty under general anesthesia, and patients may or may not spend the night in a certified after care facility after their surgery. He will make a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen that extends from hip bone to hip bone.
Liposuction
For women that do not need a full tummy tuck but would still like to eliminate areas of stubborn fat, liposuction may be a less invasive solution.
However, in the case of a mommy makeover, liposuction is often combined with the tummy tuck to create additional sculpting and smooth out other problems spots around the tummy, hips and thighs.
Liposuction is a highly customizable procedure that can be used nearly anywhere on the body to get rid of fat deposits that will not respond to exercise and diet.
Because a mommy makeover typically involves more than one procedure, the preparation and measurements for the surgery can be extensive.
Rest assured that Dr. Camberos will take all the time necessary to explain the various procedures and walk you through the decision-making process to create a surgical plan that provides you with the best possible results.
Preparing for Surgery
Once your plan is in place, you will receive a set of pre-operative instructions that will ensure your procedure is a safe one. These instructions might include:
- Stop smoking for at least six weeks before your surgery. if you are a smoker, you will also need to refrain from smoking for at least six weeks after your procedure. Dr. Camberos encourages you to use this time to kick the habit entirely for both your health and your appearance.
- Do not take medications that could increase your risk of bleeding during and after surgery. These substances might include (but are not limited to) aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, vitamin E and some types of supplements.
- Fill all prescriptions provided by Dr. Camberos. These usually include an anti-constipation medication to be taken for the first few days after surgery and antibiotic to prevent your chance of postoperative infection.
- Ask a family member or friend to bring you home after your procedure and remain with you for the first day or two to provide you the assistance you will need during the earliest part of your recovery process.
- Schedule help with pets and children for the first week or so after your surgery so you can focus on resting and recuperating during that time.
- Stock up on food and quiet activities to keep you occupied during the early days of recovery so you can give your body plenty of time to rest and heal.
Dr. Camberos and his staff are always available to answer questions in the time leading up to your operation to ensure you are entirely ready when your procedure day arrives.
After Surgery
In most cases, you will go home within hours after your mommy makeover. However, some patients are required to stay in an aftercare facility for observation and care, depending on the preference of the patient and the recommendation of Dr. Camberos.
You will be given post-operative instructions to help you care for your incisions and increase your comfort level throughout the recovery process.
In nearly all cases, patients that undergo a mommy makeover can return to the majority of their activities within two weeks.
However, you will be restricted from strenuous exercise for four to six weeks to avoid complications caused by performing activities before your body is ready.
Dr. Camberos will be able to advise you throughout the recovery process as to when activities will be safe to resume.
Dramatic, Enduring Results
Because a mommy makeover is an extensive procedure, it offers some of the most dramatic results of any plastic surgery today.
You will see a noticeable improvement in numerous areas of your body with just one time under anesthesia and one recovery process.
Breasts, abdomen and other areas targeted by your mommy makeover will be enhanced, and you will be able to enjoy the restoration of your pre-baby body for many years to come.
