Larry A. Sargent, MD FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Sargent Plastic Surgery
4.9 (190)
sargent Plastic Surgery
Sargent
Plastic Surgery
Beauty is in the Details
mommy makeover
What Is A Mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover is not just one specific procedure but is a combination of procedures personalized to the requirements of each the patient. A typical restoration includes a Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), a breast lift and augmentation. By addressing these areas, Dr. Sargent can help you in returning to your pre-pregnancy appearance.
Dr. Sargent offers 30+ years of experience in Plastic Surgery to Chattanooga, TN., and has his own in-office operative suite.
Am I A Candidate For A Mommy Makover?
Woman who have gone through the physical stresses of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss are excellent candidates for this procedure. The Mommy Makeover procedure is designed to reshape and contour the body, tightening the abdomen and restoring breast volume and shape.
How Is the mommy makeover Performed?
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) -
Depending upon the extent of skin laxity, a tummy tuck can be designed to fit the patient’s needs. The shape and length of the lower abdominal incision can vary depending on the amount of excess tissue to be removed. Once the lower incision is made and the abdominal skin lifted, the underlying weakened muscles are tightened. A second incision is made around the navel. The upper abdominal skin is then pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the skin is sutured together. A new opening is made for the belly button and the belly button passed through and sutured in place.
Breast Lift -
Breast lifts are individualized using different incision patterns. This is based on:
-
Breast size and shape
-
Position and size of areola
-
Degree of sagging
-
Amount of excess skin
The most common incisions or patterns used for a breast lift are:
-
Around the areola
-
Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
-
Around the areola, down to the crease, and horizontally in the crease of the breast
The more severe the sagging and the lower nipple positions require more incision to restore a youthful appearance.
Breast Augmentation -
While the breast lift raises the breast and improves shape it does not increase volume. Loss of volume of your breasts is commonly associated with sagging. You may be a candidate to have implants placed at the time of your breast lift. This can effectively restore volume as well as further enhance breast shape.
All Procedures Shown were done by Larry A. Sargent, M.D. FACS
Recovery
Following the operation, you may have an abdominal binder in place with bandages on your suture line. Small drain tubes may be in place to drain any blood or fluid that collects. Swelling and soreness may be present for several weeks. Further, you will either be in a bandage or a support bra following the lift/augmentation of the breast. Bruising and swelling are to be expected and will resolve in several weeks. Pain medication may be needed the first several days. Your full results won’t be apparent until 4-6 weeks. Heavy exercising and lifting should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. You may need to take off work for 2-4 weeks. Detailed written instructions are given to help you in your recovery.
Quick Answers
Length Of Operation
5-6 hours
Anesthesia
Typically general anesthesia is used. Intravenous anesthesia may be used in some cases.
Length Of Stay
Patients usually go home the same day. If multiple procedures are performed you may want to stay overnight in the hospital.
Recovery
-
Moderate discomfort. Similar to recovery from a C-section or Hysterectomy.
-
Pain medication prescribed for 10-14 days postoperatively.
-
Most patients have minimal activity for the first few days and return to work in 2-4 weeks.
-
Avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks.
-
Drains in place for 5-7 days.
-
Abdominal binder worn to provide support to abdominal muscle repair.
Scars
Visible but usually undetectable when wearing clothing. Scars tend to fade with time and are located around the navel and transversely in the pubic area extending toward the hips.
Risks / Possible Complications
Serious complications, while possible, are unlikely. In addition to risks of aesthesia, possible complications include:
-
Tissue loss: Rarely occurs, but is more of a risk in smokers, diabetics, and overweight patients
-
Infection
-
Hematoma: collection of blood beneath skin that may require removal
-
Seroma: Fluid collection under skin that can usually be removed in physicians office.
-
Infection
-
Skin wound healing
-
Skin loss is extremely rare
-
Changes in nipple sensation, however usually nipple sensation is preserved
-
Does not necessarily have an impact on breast feeding