A mommy makeover is a generic term for a combination of cosmetic procedures designed to restore a woman’s physical appearance following pregnancy, or even from the natural process of aging. Each set of cosmetic surgical techniques is customized to address each patient’s unique aesthetic needs. However, it generally involves a group of fat-reducing and skin-tightening procedures, like a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, as well as any additional elements that a woman may desire. A common question most plastic surgeons hear during consultations is, “How visible will my mommy makeover scars be?”
Yonick Plastic Surgery provides surgical and nonsurgical procedures to enhance and restore the face, body, breasts, and skin. Dr. David Yonick is a double board-certified and reconstructive plastic surgeon helping women in Midland, MI who are experiencing physical changes, such as sagging or droopy breasts, loose abdominal muscles, and stubborn fat around their waistline and hips. He can answer questions about mommy makeover scars and more during a one-on-one consultation.
What procedures are typical for a mommy makeover?
Not all women opt for the same procedures for their mommy makeovers. Therefore, the recovery process and scarring vary from patient to patient. Some women choose breast reduction or augmentation, and liposuction, or a tummy tuck, or a combination of treatments based on their needs. At Yonick Plastic Surgery in Midland, MI, we walk patients through every step of the mommy makeover process – including recovery – to make sure they know what to expect with every aspect. We are now offering online consultations, allowing patients to ask any mommy makeover questions from the comfort of their own home.
The mommy makeover recovery and any potential scarring are influenced by the procedures chosen during the consultation with Dr. Yonick. He will help patients prepare by listening to their concerns while doing a thorough checklist of a patient’s medical history before making any professional recommendations. When a healthy diet and regular exercise are no longer working, a mommy makeover can be performed to help patients reach their desired cosmetic goals. Some of the most common procedures include:
- Breast augmentation and/or breast lift can restore a woman’s breast in size and shape, and even improve the positioning to eliminate breast sag and correct asymmetry.
- A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, can eliminate excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen while tightening loose abdominal muscles, often caused by pregnancy. Women can achieve a flatter, more toned stomach area with this cosmetic procedure.
- Liposuction can remove excess fatty tissue in the hips, thighs, stomach, and other areas to create a more contoured appearance. It can also be combined with a tummy tuck to give patients smoother results.
- Labiaplasty can help restore a woman’s vaginal area after childbirth. Some women experience enlarged lips of the labia or labia minora hypertrophy, which can become problematic and painful. Labiaplasty can remove excess tissue to provide women with more comfort.
Mommy makeover scars
It is common for patients to ask during the consultation, “What kind of mommy makeover scars can I expect?” A tummy tuck scar generally is made from hip to hip. When Dr. Yonick makes a tummy tuck incision, he will go as low as possible so it can be to concealed with undergarments or a bathing suit. The ultimate goal will be to hide the scar and not make it visible beneath clothing. With breast augmentation, there are different ways breast implants can be inserted. Scarring will vary depending on the incision Dr. Yonick feels it is beneficial to give each patient optimal results. Breast lift scars vary depending on the degree of breast sag or ptosis. Most patients have a scar around the areola and a vertical scar underneath the breast. While most breast procedures with a mommy makeover involve visible scarring when breasts are bare, the scarring can be hidden by a bra or bathing suit. Liposuction requires small incisions, leaving tiny visible scars that typically go unnoticed once healed after changing to a more skin tone color.
Mommy makeover scar management
Following a mommy makeover, patients will begin their recovery period, where incisions form scars that will gradually start to fade. Patients will be advised to keep all incision areas clean and out of direct sunlight. UV rays are harmful to the skin in general, but scars are particularly vulnerable, becoming thicker and darker with sun exposure. Dr. Yonick will give more specific post-op instructions to each patient regarding scar care based on what types of mommy makeover procedures are conducted. For all mommy makeovers, recovery instructions will be provided and generally include patients avoiding heavy lifting, taking all prescribed medications, and staying hydrated. Follow-up appointments are also imperative to keep as scheduled since they enable Dr. Yonick to monitor a patient’s progress.
If you would like to learn more about a mommy makeover or other body contouring procedure, contact Yonick Plastic Surgery in Midland, MI. We offer the latest in advanced cosmetic surgery techniques to ensure that procedures are effective, safe, and long-lasting. During your private consultation, double board-certified and reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. David Yonick will create a custom mommy makeover plan so you can have the body you always wanted. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.