Mommy Makeover
Perhaps no experience is more life-changing than the birth of a child. Although moms may be overwhelmed with love for their newborns, they face many new responsibilities – all with little to no sleep. With all of the feedings and diaper changings, it’s easy for new moms to put off taking care of their own needs.
Pregnancy and childbirth take a predictable toll on a mother’s figure. The stomach muscles, breasts, hips, thighs, and other areas stretch and lose their shape. A mommy makeover procedure can remove excess skin and soft tissue, tighten loose muscles, restore breast fullness, and remove unwanted fatty tissue to help your body regain its pre-pregnancy appearance.
You work hard providing your child with the love, care, and attention that he or she needs. You deserve some pampering, yourself. After all, it’s important for moms to feel good about themselves so that they can be the best moms they can be.
At our practice in Santa Barbara, Dr. Wesley Schooler, our board-certified plastic surgeon, tailors the mommy makeover procedure to meet each patient’s specific needs. Liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation or breast lift, arm lift, and thigh lift surgery are some of the more popular procedures that are performed as part of the mommy makeover.
Liposuction
Liposuction is performed to remove fatty excess from the stomach, hips, thighs, and other areas that are difficult to tone even with regular exercise and proper nutrition. A small surgical cannula is inserted into the targeted regions to fragment the fatty areas and remove them from the body. Liposuction helps new moms regain thinner, smoother, and shapelier body contours.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is performed to tighten the stomach muscles that become lax as a result of pregnancy, and to remove excess skin and soft tissue from the abdomen. The tummy becomes tighter and regains tone.
Breast Augmentation or Lift
Many new moms notice that after pregnancy their breasts have begun to droop and look deflated. Breast implants can fill out the droopy areas, and—when necessary—skin can be removed to lift up and tighten the breasts for a more youthful appearance.
Arm Lift and Thigh Lift
Patients with loose, flabby skin on the arms or thighs can undergo arm and thigh lift surgery as part of their mommy makeover. Dr. Schooler will carefully remove the excess skin and shape the remaining skin in these areas to achieve trimmer and smoother body contours.
Several friends gave great referrals and loved the office and staff so I felt very good about everything from the beginning.
What is Mommy Makeover Recovery Like?
Recovery from a Mommy Makeover generally depends on which procedures were included in your treatment plan and the extent of surgical work required to achieve the results you desire. In general, you can expect some degree of normal swelling, bruising, and tenderness during your recovery process. You will likely be given compression garment or a surgical bra (if you’ve had breast enhancement) to minimize swelling and facilitate proper healing of your new contours. Your role in recovery is pivotal to optimizing the overall final outcome and Dr. Schooler will provide thorough after-care instructions in writing.
During the first few days after your Mommy Makeover, it can be very valuable to have a friend or loved one help you out around the house, as your mobility may be limited. Additionally, arranging for assistance in child care duties—such as chaperoning, pick-ups and drop-offs, as well as any tasks that involve heavy lifting or strenuous activity—can allow you to have a smoother recovery period.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the national average price of a Mommy Makeover ranges from $9,000 to $20,000, with the cost varying according to geographic location and the expertise of your plastic surgeon. As a personalized series of procedures, your cost estimate will depend on your custom-tailored treatment plan. Factors that can affect your ultimate expense include:
- Which procedures make up your Mommy Makeover
- The cost of breast implants (if applicable)
- The overall complexity of your Mommy Makeover
- Fees for anesthesia, the surgical facility, post-operative care, and other related expenses
Our practice accepts all major credit cards, Care Credit, and a number of other payment methods, such as cashier’s checks, personal checks, and money orders. In addition, a member of our team can talk to you about our breast surgery financing options if you prefer to pay for your treatment over time rather than in a lump sum. Please reach out to our practice for any other questions about the cost of a Mommy Makeover.
Will My Mommy Makeover Scars Be Visible?
In most cases, Mommy Makeover scars can be easily hidden under a bikini swimsuit or normal clothing. Ultimately, the location and visibility of your scars will depend on which areas were treated. For example, the scar for a tummy tuck generally exists low on the pubis and extends from hip to hip. It can usually be concealed by underwear or a bikini bottom. For breast surgery, the surgical scar can appear around the areola or within the natural crease of the breast fold. Furthermore, liposuction incision marks are generally very small and exist near the regions of fat removal. You and Dr. Schooler will discuss where your post-operative scars will likely appear during your consultation. In any case, Dr. Schooler takes great care to make visible scarring as discreet as possible and many patients find their Mommy Makeover scars fade over time with proper incision care.
For more information on the mommy makeover, or to talk to Dr. Wesley Schooler about your specific needs and goals, please contact the Santa Barbara Plastic Surgery Center.