When women consider plastic surgery to recapture their pre-pregnancy bodies, one of the main factors that they ask about is the duration of the results. Dr. Gregory Dumanian, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago, is happy to report that his mommy makeover patients are excited at how long they are able to enjoy the cosmetic improvements. In this blog, he explains more about what mommy makeover patients can expect.
Body Contouring Procedures
Mommy makeover typically includes one or more body contouring surgeries, namely breast rejuvenation and/or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Breast rejuvenation is done based on the desires and anatomy of the post-partum breast tissue, and can be a lift to correct nipple position, an augmentation to restore lost volume, or both. Tummy tuck addresses the loose skin around the stomach that expanded to accommodate the pregnant belly’s larger size. Dr. Dumanian can remove the excess skin and reconnect shifted abdominal muscles to restore a tighter, more toned midsection.
The good news is that both of these procedures are successful to “reset the clock”. However, both the breasts and the abdomen will once again subtly change slowly over time. The more that the patient maintains their weight and a physically active lifestyle, the more long-lasting will be the result.
Abdominal Procedures
The most common abdominal procedure for a post-partum woman is the full abdominoplasty. In this surgery, the stretched out abdominal wall tissues are tightened, and excess skin is removed. At the time of the full abdominoplasty, many patients require liposuction of their love handle areas, the outer thighs, and the skin under the breasts. A “mini-abdominoplasty” lowers the umbilicus a few centimeters to avoid the scar around the umbilical stalk. It still requires a long low abdominal scar. This procedure is only for a minority of patients who don’t have any upper abdominal skin excess.
Breast Procedures
The two most common breast surgeries incorporated into mommy makeover are breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy). Breast augmentation uses implants (silicone or saline) to add volume and shape to the breasts. Breast lift elevates the breasts that have experienced significant sagging following pregnancy and breastfeeding so that they have a more youthful position and projection.
Breast surgeries are long-lasting, but not indefinite. Breast implants can last 10 to 15 years before removal and replacement (or simply removal) is warranted. Meanwhile, breast lift can rejuvenate the breasts for a decade or so, but eventually the effects of aging cause visible drooping to begin again. Another breast lift may be necessary to continue the results.
All Bets Are Off with Another Pregnancy
Just as significant weight fluctuation can affect the results of mommy makeover, pregnancy can compromise the cosmetic improvements made through plastic surgery. A subsequent pregnancy will stretch the stomach skin and accelerate breast droopiness. For that reason, Dr. Dumanian encourages his patients to postpone mommy makeover until after they have completed their families.
Schedule a Consultation
Each mommy makeover Dr. Dumanian performs is customized to the preferences of that unique patient. If you are feeling less confident in your appearance after having kids and want to transform your stomach and breasts with mommy makeover, please contact him at (312) 695-6022.