Advances in the "Mommy Makeover"

Aesthetic surgical techniques applied to correct the effects of pregnancy must be tailored to the specific problems of individual patients. Understanding the specific body contour disturbances created by pregnancy in the presenting patient is essential. Master plastic surgeons then harness the corrective power of a wide variety of operations and individualize their management to the needs of their patients. Simply said: "Everyone does not need everything, and everyone should not receive the same thing".

The typical effects of pregnancy on the abdomen are loss of muscle tone with separation of the central muscles and skin and fatty duplication, particularly, below the navel. In the breasts, volume can be lost or gained. Ptosis or sag is common after breastfeeding.

All cosmetic surgery should be limited to healthy people. A thorough review of the patient’s breast health and imaging, past medical history, and physical examination is vital. In my practice, all breast abnormalities are treated by breast cancer surgery specialists, and true abdominal hernias are repaired prior to cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic body contouring is typically performed as an outpatient under sedation-type anesthesia with post-operative pain pumps improving the recovery period.

Post pregnancy breast changes can present with the full array of cosmetic issues. Breast implants should not be a “knee jerk” reaction. In many cases, breast volume is adequate and needs only elevation. If this is the case, your surgeon should be able to perform and explain the latest in “glandular mastopexy” techniques which use your own breast tissue like a breast implant to improve shape and lift. If volume is an issue, modern silicone implants are an excellent choice. At times, a modified or “skin only” breast lift can be used to maximize youthful aesthetics.

Some women present with significant size and sag over previous implants. These may be our most challenging breast patients. I have become very comfortable with application of both modified cutting edge reduction techniques with implant position modification to reliably regain the patient’s pre-pregnancy appearance. On the horizon, breast fat injections may be proven a safe alternative to implants.

We have discussed abdominoplasty or “tummy-tuck” on many occasions, and it remains the gold standard for correction of the post pregnancy abdomen. But, with the emergence of SMART Liposuction, women with lesser post pregnancy changes can expect good results with a less invasive intervention. SMARTLipo™ of the abdomen uses a LASER tipped probe which effectively melts fat and tightens skin at the same time. It can also be used at the same time to correct areas that are hard to control with exercise like the inner thigh.

The “Mommy Makeover” should be a thoughtful intervention. Be careful of the “One Trick Pony” approach. Consider the changes you want to make and ask how the great variety of modern surgical techniques will be applied to your specific desires. Choose a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For more information and education, visit us on our website at Refinedlooks.com.