You can appreciate and accept all that your body has gone through and still desire a change. Wanting a change doesn’t have to come with judgment and self-doubt; instead, interest in a mommy makeover can simply mean that you want to feel and look your best. Dr. Christine Fisher and her all-female staff understand the complexities of being a woman and a mother. We know cosmetic surgery of any kind is a big decision; however, you don’t have to travel this journey alone. Dr. Fisher and her team will help you understand the value of a mommy makeover and guide you every step of the way.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover addresses the physical changes that occur to a woman’s body due to pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can dramatically alter a woman’s body, leaving sagging breasts, a flabby belly and stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Unfortunately, a healthy lifestyle consisting of eating right and exercising can only do so much to combat these changes. A mommy makeover, on the other hand, can completely revitalize your appearance by lifting and adding volume to your breasts, permanently removing excess skin and fat from your abdomen and further trimming your body of unwanted fat.
There are usually three components to a mommy makeover; however, each patient has different goals and may not want or need a full mommy makeover. Your exact treatment plan will be determined during your initial consultation with Dr. Fisher based on your desired outcome, and may include one or more of the following procedures:
Breast Augmentation/Breast Lift
Breast augmentation is a surgery whereby your breasts are enhanced with breast implants. They are inserted behind your natural breast tissue to add volume and help uplift the breasts to a more youthful position. A breast lift may also be performed to remove excess skin and lift the breasts. Your nipples can also be reshaped or repositioned to restore their appearance. Finally, if necessary, breast tissue can be removed to help make your chest proportionate to the rest of your body. To achieve these changes, an incision may be placed in the inframammary fold (crease of the breast), along the edge of the areola (the pigment around the nipple), or, if necessary, a vertical incision on the front of the breast in a “lollipop” pattern is used.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and tissue from the abdomen to reveal a smooth, flat stomach. Many women experience diastasis recti post-pregnancy, also known as abdominal muscle separation. Diastasis recti creates a gap in the midline of the abdomen that can make the belly bulge or look pregnant. When ligaments and muscles are stretched, it is difficult to rebuild their strength and bring them back together through exercise. Pregnancy is the most common reason for diastasis recti, and for that reason, Dr. Fisher views a mommy makeover as a restorative procedure. During the tummy tuck section of a mommy makeover, the abdominal muscles are brought back together at the midline and held in place with permanent sutures. Tightening the abdominal muscles eliminates a pot belly, creates a trim abdomen and improves core strength. A horizontal incision is made below the bikini line that stretches from hip to hip. Sutures are placed in the abdominal muscles to tighten them and restore their functionality. Excess skin, fat and tissue are removed and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures. If necessary, the belly button can be resized and repositioned.
Liposuction
If you elect to have liposuction as part of your mommy makeover, a thin tube, or cannula, will be inserted under the skin to suction out fat and sculpt the treatment area. The incision is tiny and leaves little or no scarring. Liposuction can be used to remove stubborn pockets of fat to reveal muscle definition and accentuate contours. Liposuction is often performed to the arms, breasts, flanks (“love handles” area), back, abdomen, hips and/or thighs to enhance your physique.
Recovery After a Mommy Makeover
Dr. Fisher understands that allowing time for recovery following a mommy makeover surgery can be one of the biggest obstacles for patients. With her expertise and experience, Dr. Fisher can recontour your body using methods that help minimize recovery time. Depending on the type of procedures included in your mommy makeover, you can expect light activity within the home for the first week after surgery. You will have surgical drains that typically stay in place for seven to 10 days. Dr. Fisher uses EXPAREL®, an opioid-free local anesthetic that blocks pain for up to four days after surgery. Dr. Fisher administers EXPAREL® around your surgical sites to block each nerve, resulting in a significant decrease in pain while you are in the most acute phase of healing. Less pain helps you to rest more comfortably, which can then accelerate the healing process. The combination of EXPAREL® and gentler surgical techniques also results in a dramatic reduction in need for narcotic medication after surgery. Approximately three weeks post-procedure, you can start to return to some of your normal activities, although strenuous activity, exercise or lifting may be restricted awhile longer. Most patients return to all activities approximately eight weeks post-procedure.
Dr. Fisher and her caring team will be with you every step of the way. You will come to the office for regular follow-up appointments and can always reach us via telephone and email if you have questions or concerns.
Beautiful, New Physique
Life is hectic when you are raising children — sleepless nights, breastfeeding, caregiving, worrying. The amount of energy it takes to be a mom inadvertently puts your needs on the back burner. While you wouldn’t change your dedication to your family, you have noticed the toll motherhood has taken on your body. A mommy makeover gives your body a physical transformation that erases the signs of pregnancy from your body. After a mommy makeover, you can expect lifted, voluptuous breasts and a stronger, flatter abdomen, free of excess fat and skin.
Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is vital to obtaining a safe and beautiful result. Dr. Fisher is a board-certified plastic surgeon and reconstruction specialist. Further, she is a mother of three young children and personally understands the physical changes that accompany motherhood. Her medical knowledge and personal experience help make her the best choice for your mommy makeover.
Renewed Self-Confidence
Physical appearance and mental wellbeing have a complex, intertwined relationship. Some patients struggle with the notion that cosmetic surgery feels vain or superficial, but on the other hand, they recognize that surgical restoration of the body can have a profound and positive impact on confidence. Dr. Fisher and her team of healthcare professionals appreciate the mental complexities of cosmetic surgery and understand how a mommy makeover can give patients a renewed sense of confidence.
Give yourself a break from judgment; take the next step and schedule a consultation with Dr. Fisher. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your goals with Dr. Fisher and get her expert opinion on how a mommy makeover can help you both physically and mentally. The final decision is yours, but don’t make it until you have empowered yourself with information from an experienced plastic surgeon. Call us today at 512-815-0123.
Christine Fisher MD
