Giving birth can be the greatest joy of a woman’s life. Unfortunately, pregnancy can also be hard on your body. The muscle and skin tissues expand to accommodate the baby, especially in areas like the abdomen, hips, and breasts. Fat deposits that do not resolve after childbirth will be more prominent in these areas. The breasts lose volume and firmness as they shrink back down to their original size. Although diet and exercise may help you lose weight, these things alone cannot restore a tight, shapely figure.
The Mommy Makeover at Clevens Face and Body Specialists is a combination of several techniques, performed in a series tailored to your unique needs. Most often, the Mommy Makeover will include a breast augmentation and/or breast lift, and tummy tuck. Dr. Ortega can also include additional body sculpting techniques such as “Liponique” Custom Body Contouring (Dr. Ortega’s own approach to liposuction), arm lift or “brachioplasty,” and thigh lift. She works with you to determine the exact combination of procedures required to meet your needs and desires.
Mommy Makeover Consultation with Dr. Ortega
The Mommy Makeover consultation is extremely important to determine how to meet your unique cosmetic goals and answer any questions you have. At this initial appointment, Dr. Ortega will meet with you one-on-one to review your medical history, allergies, and medications. A physical exam will be performed as well. Finally, Dr. Ortega will explain the Mommy Makeover procedure, including the recovery and potential complications. If a Mommy Makeover is right for you, Dr. Ortega will work with you to develop a customized surgical plan.
The Ideal Mommy Makeover Candidate
Women looking to restore a youthful, pre-pregnancy body, with a toned abdomen and lifted breasts, may be an excellent candidate for the Mommy Makeover. Ideal patients will be in overall good health, and possess a clear understanding of the surgical process. Dr. Ortega recommends waiting to have a Mommy Makeover until you are finished having children, so as to preserve the benefits from surgery. However, the Mommy Makeover will not cause any medical problems for future pregnancies.
The Mommy Makeover Procedure
Dr. Ortega performs her Mommy Makeover using general anesthesia, and the procedure typically takes three hours or more. Most women are home recovering from their Mommy Makeover the same day. The specifics of your individual Mommy Makeover will be established during the consultation appointment.
A Mommy Makeover typically includes a combination of the following procedures that can be performed at the same time.
Breast Augmentation and/or Breast Lift
Breasts can lose volume, become saggy, and develop loose skin after a pregnancy. A breast enhancement corrects these problems, restoring firmness, shape, and size. Dr. Ortega can perform a breast lift, raising your breast tissue higher on the chest. She may also perform a breast augmentation or enlargement by placing a saline or silicone implant through the predetermined incision.
Tummy Tuck
In most instances, Dr. Ortega will perform an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) as part of a Mommy Makeover. She will first make an incision, running from hip to hip, above the pubic line. She will then excise unwanted fat and skin, sculpting your abdomen before pulling muscles and tissues taut. Dr. Ortega will finally reposition the belly button for a pleasing, natural appearance.
Liposuction
Persistent fat deposits that remain despite exercise or dieting are a common problem for women after pregnancy. Liposuction is a safe and effective way to sculpt your abdomen by gently vacuuming away excess fat.
Recovery From a Mommy Makeover
Recovery from a Mommy Makeover will take between 10 days and six weeks, depending on the specific procedures included. Swelling is common, but will normally improve over the next two to three weeks. However, some mild swelling may linger for up to six months. Bruising is also normal during this time. While pain and discomfort have traditionally been a part of any recovery period, Dr. Ortega offers her patients a true game changer for comfortable healing. “Exparel” is a local analgesic medicine used while you’re still asleep during your procedure. During your first few days post-surgery, Exparel helps to keep you comfortable and also minimizes the need for narcotic pain medications that are known to cause nausea.
Patients can return to work 10 to 14 days after their Mommy Makeover. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise will need to be postponed for four to six weeks after the procedure. The full benefits of the Mommy Makeover will become increasingly noticeable as the body heals, over the following three to four months. The Mommy Makeover does result in visible scarring along the incision lines, however these will fade over time. Scarring can be concealed under clothing and swimwear.
Possible Complications from the Mommy Makeover
The Mommy Makeover is considered a safe and effective surgical technique for restoring your pre-pregnancy body. Any surgery holds the small risk for complications, however. Although rare, the Mommy Makeover can result in unexpected bleeding, scarring, infection, and long-lasting
nerve damage. For the safest and most satisfying results, choose a Board Certified plastic surgeon and Breast & Body Specialist, such as Dr. Ortega, to perform your Mommy Makeover.
Why Choose Clevens Face and Body Specialists for your Mommy Makeover
When choosing the right plastic surgeon to perform your Mommy Makeover, it is important to choose an experienced physician, capable of safely meeting your aesthetic desires. Dr. Amy Ortega is one of the country’s leading body contouring surgeons. With more than 20 years of experience and a reputation for compassionate care, Dr. Ortega is sought out by patients from around the globe, successfully helping many women feel more confident about their body.
If you would like to schedule a Mommy Makeover consultation with Dr. Ortega, contact Clevens Face and Body Specialists Melbourne, FL office at 321.727.3223. For patient convenience, particularly patients driving from the Orlando or Daytona Beach areas, Dr. Ortega also sees patients from her office in Merritt Island. Speak with a patient care coordinator for additional information, or to find out how you can have an online consultation with Dr. Ortega.
Mommy Makeover FAQ
What is a Mommy Makeover?
The Mommy Makeover is a rejuvenating set of surgical procedures, designed to restore your pre-pregnancy figure. Normally, the procedure will include a breast augmentation and/or breast lift, and a tummy tuck. Depending on the patient, some women will also add an additional corrective surgery such as liposuction for a more sculpted, youthful result.
Who is a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
A woman who is noticing her figure change with age, following childbirth, or after a dramatic weight loss may make an excellent candidate for the Mommy Makeover. The ideal patient will be in good health, understand the surgical procedures, and hold realistic expectations for their final results.
How long does it take to recover from a Mommy Makeover?
Recovering from a Mommy Makeover will normally take from 10 days to six weeks.
When can I return to work after my Mommy Makeover?
Most patients can return to work and other non-strenuous activities in 10 to 14 days.
Is the Mommy Makeover a good method for weight loss?
The Mommy Makeover procedure is not a means for weight loss. While liposuction can help remove excess fat, the tummy tuck and breast enhancement are purely sculpting procedures. In fact, the ideal candidate for the Mommy Makeover will be someone close to an ideal, stable weight. However, some patients may have a Mommy Makeover as part of their ongoing weight loss efforts.
Are the benefits of a Mommy Makeover long-lasting?
While the results from a Mommy Makeover can be long lasting, it is important to continue with a healthy lifestyle and consistent exercise routine. A significant gain in weight can undo the surgical results.
Will there be scarring after my Mommy Makeover?
Visible scarring will occur after a Mommy Makeover. However, the scars typically fade over time. Dr. Ortega also positions incisions carefully, so they can easily be concealed under clothing or swimwear.
What are the potential complications of a Mommy Makeover?
Dr. Ortega’s Mommy Makeover is considered a safe procedure. Any surgical technique will carry some risk of complications, however. Although rare, potential problems following a Mommy Makeover can include excessive bleeding, infection, and scarring.
