Mommy Makeover

Get Your Figure Back With Help From Envision

The term “mommy makeover” is commonly used, but what it means may not be as well known. A mommy makeover is a combination of surgeries usually performed when a woman is done having children to improve the appearance of the abdomen, breasts and other areas.

The process of pregnancy and childbirth are, obviously, life altering. But they are also body altering, and not in a good way! The added gain and loss of weight, breastfeeding, and hormonal changes — they all add up to sagging and stretched skin in all the wrong places.

A mommy makeover, a combination of various cosmetic procedures, can give you back your pre-baby body. Each mommy makeover at Envision Cosmetic Surgery is individual depending on the needs of the patient. The one common factor is how much you’ll love the way the procedures make you look afterwards.

What Is A Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover simply combines numerous cosmetic procedures that address the issues caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. At Envision, our mommy makeovers usually involve a tummy tuck, breast lift/augmentation, and liposuction. The procedures involved are not in any way set in stone. A mommy makeover’s are designed to restore or even improve upon a woman’s pre-baby figure.

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Mommy Makeover?

Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal skin and muscle to such a degree that they are unable to return to their pre-pregnancy degree of tautness. The gain in breast size and stress of breastfeeding also stretches the breast skin and supporting muscle. Plus, the weight gained during pregnancy can be difficult to take back off, dictating the need for liposuction to address unwanted pockets of fat. Generally, if you have stretched abdominal skin and muscle, and sagging breasts, you’re a good candidate for a mommy makeover at Envision.

Dr. Dunkley recommends his patients have surgery when they are through having children. A woman’s body often undergoes irreversible changes with pregnancy and childbirth. Good health and a little time for recovery are all that is needed for surgery. Sometimes the same combination of surgeries is offered to patients who haven’t had children but have simply experienced a significant amount of weight loss.

What Problems Can A Mommy Makeover Address?

At Envision Cosmetic Surgery, a mommy makeover removes excess abdominal skin, tightening the abdomen, and restores volume to or lifts the breasts to improve shape. Dr. Dunkley often offers liposuction for the back, arms or thighs with a mommy makeover. Any unwanted bulge or sag is usually targeted for removal during surgery.

Is A Mommy Makeover Safe?

Studies show combining surgeries to be safe as long as certain guidelines are followed. Specific standards for out-patient surgery such as limiting total time under anesthesia and the amount of liposuction performed in one surgery help ensure optimal outcomes. At the Murray clinic, considerations like these may result in Dr. Dunkley recommending staged surgeries.

What Can I Expect The Day Of My Surgery?

The day of surgery you will meet our Salt Lake surgical team. An anesthesia provider, nurse and surgical assistant are all important for successful outcomes. After pictures are taken, and marks placed on the body to guide surgery, you enter the operating room and go to sleep. Once awake in the recovery room, most patients note their abdomen is tight and the breasts feel “engorged” or sore but are not in significant pain. When the anesthesia medicines have worn off enough, you go home.

What Can I Expect During My Recovery From A Mommy Makeover?

The first few days after your mommy makeover you are the most sore. Prescriptions are given to alleviate pain and help with stiffness. A prescription for anti-nausea medicine is also given. Swelling and bruising will occur. All patients are seen at our Murray office 1-2 days after surgery to ensure they are doing well and the surgery sites look good. Most patients begin to feel better day 5 or 6 following surgery.

What’s The Advantage Of Combining Procedures In A Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover involves various surgeries, and this will require recovery time. But by combining the procedures into a single surgery session, you will only have one recovery period. Yes, the first week will be intense, and you’ll need one to two weeks off from work, but one recovery is far better than three or four!

How Long After Having My Last Child Do I Need To Wait Before I Can Have A Mommy Makeover?

To be eligible for a mommy makeover you need to have finished breastfeeding for at least two to three months. This will allow your breasts to return to their normal cup size. You also should be back to within 10 to 15 pounds of your ideal body weight because a mommy makeover is not a weight loss procedure. You should also be exercising regularly to make your recovery easier, and your results long lasting.

If I Plan On Having Additional Children, Should I Have A Mommy Makeover Now?

If you still plan on having additional children, or aren’t quite sure if you’re finished, Dr. Dunkley does not suggest having a mommy makeover. Future pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding will wipe out the results of your mommy makeover.

How Long Is Recovery After A Mommy Makeover?

This will vary depending on which procedures you have opted for. By combining procedures you do minimize your recovery period, however. You’ll wear compression garments for the first few weeks to help your skin adapt to its new slimmer contour. Generally, the first week is the worst, but full recovery will take up to six months. Most mommy makeover patients can return to some activity in one to two weeks, but heavy lifting is off limits for six weeks if you’ve had a tummy tuck.

What Do Patients Think About Their Results From Surgery?

After surgery, women commonly say, “I wish I had done this years ago.” Changes can be dramatic and are always fun. Come see what options are available for you at Envision Cosmetic Surgery. Look in the mirror once again and see the real you.

To learn more about the mommy makeover or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Dunkley, contact us today! Envision Plastic Surgery offers this and other body sculpting solutions to patients living in and around Salt Lake City, Utah, including those in Wyoming, Colorado and Idaho.