Mommy Makeover

A growing baby takes a toll on its mother’s midsection. Once the skin has been stretched past its limit, it simply can’t “snap back.” And, damage to the muscles, a condition called diastasis recti, can leave women with a variety of unpleasant symptoms in addition to a tell-tale “pooch.”

During the procedure, a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic area; sometimes, the surgeon will opt to make one around the belly button as well. The skin is lifted from the underlying tissues, and the separated abdominal muscles are restored and reinforced with sutures to promote core strength and tightness. Although this is mostly considered a cosmetic procedure, it can also help reduce incontinence and other symptoms that often arise after women give birth. Once the skin is redraped for a taut appearance and excess skin and fat are removed, the incision is sutured closed, and the belly button receives a new home in the overlying skin flap. The result is a smooth, firm belly, and the remaining scar is easily concealed beneath bikini bottoms. (1)

Liposuction is a less invasive procedure that permanently removes fat from unwanted areas. While it can contour areas of stubborn fat, it isn’t a solution for weight loss. After a local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area, your surgeon will make tiny incisions that are discreetly placed adjacent to the treatment area. Then, tumescent fluid is infiltrated into the area.

A microcannula instrument is then used to suction fat from the area. The procedure requires no suturing; since the incisions are so small, only gauze, surgical tape, and a compression garment are necessary. Liposuction has been proven to be extremely safe and can be performed under local or general anesthesia. (2) 

A breast fat transfer uses liposuction to harvest fat from areas other areas of the body, which is then used to plump the breasts. While under general or local anesthesia, small incisions will be made in the thighs, midsection, or buttocks. The fat that is extracted is purified before being reinjected into the breasts. Many women feel that fat transfer provides more natural-looking and natural-feeling results because it utilizes actual fat. They also appreciate that it doesn’t require future surgeries for maintenance. 

Even with the improvements you can expect from breast augmentation, sometimes, another procedure is needed to restore the shape of the breasts or simply to correct sagging. A breast lift or without augmentation can correct the positioning and size of the areolas as well as relocate the breast mound to a higher, more youthful position on the chest.

While under general anesthesia, the surgeon will make incisions around the nipple-areola complex, and down to the underside of the breast. After making the incisions, the surgeon will then remove unwanted fat tissue so that the breast can be tightened and raised to a higher position. 

In a vaginoplasty, the elasticity and strength of the vaginal canal are restored. While the patient is under general anesthesia, the surgeon will make small incisions in the vaginal canal and carefully pull the muscles inward to strengthen the core. The opening of the vagina is tightened as well. Although it doesn’t have cosmetic results, it serves to help women feel more sexual pleasure and improve the pelvic floor. 

Labiaplasties mostly improve the appearance of the labia minora and majora– the inner and outer lips of the vagina. Sometimes, one or both of these parts are oversized due to genetics, while other times, pregnancy and childbirth can increase their size. Undergoing a labiaplasty can reduce the discomfort of elongated labia, improve sex, and help you feel confident about this area.

The two types of breast augmentation procedures we offer for mommy makeovers are breast implants and breast fat transfer. Breast augmentations can restore volume that is typically lost after the hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy and changes to the breast tissues during breastfeeding.

When it comes to breast implants, you will have the ability to choose the size, shape, texture, and projection. The most popular kind of implants used today is made from silicone, which is safer than ever and comes in both textured and smooth forms, but our doctors prefer smooth implants. When meeting with the surgeons of Plastic Surgery Associates, they will discuss the pros and cons of each type and what will suit your body best.

During your consultation, you and one of our surgeons will discuss what kind of incisions to make and the placement of the implants themselves. A periareolar incision is made right around the nipple, an inframammary incision is made on the underside crease of the breast, and a transaxillary incision is hidden where the armpit and breast meet. The inframammary incision has been shown to have the fewest complications.

Next, the implants will be placed in a subpectoral position (under the pectoral muscle) or a prepectoral position (above the pectoral muscle). While a subpectoral placement can minimize the visibility of implants and the risk of rippling, a prepectoral placement may be more fitting if a breast lift is involved as well. (3) All in all, every implant procedure depends on the patient’s body, preference, and desired results. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and will need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years.