Mommy Makeover Surgery

As an expert plastic surgeon and mother, Dr. Watts understands the changes that happen to a woman’s body as a result of pregnancy and breast feeding. Mommy makeover refers to a combination of procedures, typically performed in one surgery, that address the most common changes of motherhood: drooping and sagging breasts, stubborn fat deposits, and a stretched out tummy.

Mommy Makeover After Pregnancy

There is no question that becoming a mother is a wonderful and joyful experience. It is quite common for mothers to feel extremely proud of their growing family, but not as happy with the toll it takes on their body. Some of the physical side effects of pregnancy include weight gain, stretch marks, loss of muscle tone, development of stubborn fat deposits, and sagging breasts. All these changes happen quickly as the body prepares for baby and delivery. Some women are lucky enough to regain their pre-baby shape easily. Our ability to “snap back” depends on a variety of things, including genetics, the amount of weight gained during pregnancy and the number of pregnancies.

What Is Mommy Makeover Surgery

All women experience a different combination of challenges following pregnancy. Typically, a mommy makeover includes a combination of:

• Breast implants, possibly with a breast lift
• Liposuction of the thighs and flanks
• Tummy tuck

Enhancing and Reshaping Breasts

Swelling fatty tissue and stretched skin contribute to sagging breasts following pregnancy. Breast implant surgery may be performed on its own, or in combination with breast lift surgery. You will have many choices to make in your consultation with Dr. Watts, including the implant type, size and texture. Find out more about breast implant surgery.

Removing Stubborn Fat Deposits

Hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy can cause localized fat deposits in the abdomen, hips, thighs and back. These areas can be resistant to diet and exercise. In this case, liposuction can be an option.

Tightening the Tummy

As the body makes room for the baby, the abdominal skin and muscles stretch and separate. This often results in sagging skin, stretch marks, and a stretched belly. Tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, creating a flatter and more shapely appearance.

Are You a Good Candidate

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for mommy makeover surgery if you are bothered by any of the following physical features:

• Droopy or saggy breasts
• Asymmetric breasts
• Stubborn fat deposits
• Stretched out tummy

General Health

You may be a candidate for mommy makeover if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your family physician can safely recommend that you stop taking them for two weeks

Recovery

Your recovery period depends on the combination of procedures. In general, you should plan to take two weeks to recover. During this time, you must avoid heavy lifting (including your children) and any vigorous activity. You may need extra help from a friend or family member. Once your combination of procedures has been decided, Dr. Watts will provide you with a clear view of your recovery period. Your patient care co-ordinator will ensure that you are well prepared surgery and provide detailed instructions for how to get ready for surgery and the recovery period.

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. The risks of your particular Mommy Makeover will depend on what procedures are performed. Dr. Watts will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of Mommy Makeover surgery, while not expected, include:

• General anesthesia (blood clots)
• Hematoma
• Infection
• Scarring – belly button, hip to hip (panty line)
• Asymmetry
• Pain
• Seroma – pockets of tissue fluid in the abdomen or chest wall
• Further surgery – revision of dog ears
• Delayed healing
• Abdominal numbness for 6 months
• If breast implants are used, risk of infection, capsular contracture, loss of nipple sensation, reduced ability to breastfeed

What Cosmetic Body Surgery Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Watts can provide the specific information required to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Cosmetic Surgery Needs With Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Watts? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here. Dr. Watts is an expert body and breast contour surgeon. Dr. Watts specializes in tummy tuck, breast implants, breast lift and breast reduction. Dr. Watts welcomes all patients and encourages anyone considering plastic surgery to contact the patient care experts at 8-West Cosmetic Surgery with your questions. Call 604-733-1669.