Three re-shaping elements to Mommy Makeovers

Mothers sacrifice their bodies to carry and deliver babies, and let’s face it: after all that growing and stretching, their bodies can be changed permanently. That’s why more and more women seek out mommy makeovers to restore and improve their body’s shape and appearance.

“Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change the laxity of skin, alter the distribution of fat and impact the formation of muscles. It’s different for every woman, so our mommy makeovers aren’t one-size-fits-all either,” said Dr. Nicholas Johnson, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Steele Lake Surgery. He regularly performs mommy makeovers at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) in Idaho Falls.

Mommy makeovers provide tailored packages of plastic surgery to target areas most affected by pregnancy, like the breasts, abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Typically, mommy makeovers take place in one day and include any combination of three re-shaping elements: breast surgery, abdominal surgery and liposuction in selected areas. Let’s take a closer look at each:

Breast surgery

Pregnancy, nursing and gravity take a toll on a woman’s breasts. Such loss of elasticity and firmness can alter breast shape and cause sagging. To raise and reshape breasts, women can receive a mastopexy (breast lift). To increase or decrease the size of the breasts, women can receive an augmentation or reduction of breast tissues. Dr. Johnson can also perform a combination of the two using an innovative technique that produces long-lasting results.

“We use an internal bra system to improve breast stability and shape. With that, we use an absorbable mesh to provide structural support on the underside of the breast. We use the technique in both lift and implant procedures, and our patients love the results,” Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Johnson recommends waiting at least 6 months after breastfeeding before undergoing cosmetic surgery to the breasts.

Abdomen surgery

The most dramatic of the mommy makeover procedures, an abdominal rejuvenation, can include a touch of liposuction to restore the hourglass figure, an abdominoplasty, or removal of excess skin at the bottom of the abdomen, and abdominal muscle repair. “After having babies, a woman’s 6-pack muscles get split down the midline. There’s no amount of sit-ups, crunches or abdominal exercises you can to do restore that gap. So, repairing those abdominal muscles surgically creates a flatter surface to the central, lower abdomen,” Dr. Johnson said.

To achieve a firmer, slimmer, flatter stomach through abdominal rejuvenation, anticipate a 6-week recovery time.

Liposuction

“As part of a mommy makeover, we generally do liposuction around the abdomen, flanks and back, and sometimes thighs or buttocks. We use a technology system called power-assisted liposuction that helps provide good contour and maximum removal of fatty tissues in a safe manner,” Dr. Johnson said.

Power-assisted liposuction offers permanent removal of fat in an innovative way that allows for an easier, gentler procedure than traditional liposuction. The technique provides more precision for improved body sculpting, and quicker recovery times.

Mommy makeovers: Transforming bodies and lifestyles

With his specialized training in cosmetic plastic surgeries, Dr. Johnson performs mommy makeovers consistently, and he’s noticed a trend: After the makeovers, women walk away transformed on multiple levels.

“Often times they have effects beyond the surgery. The mommy makeovers seem to spark lifestyle changes, and they feel healthier and more confident in general,” Dr. Johnson said. “It’s an honor to play a part in their experience.”

For women considering a mommy makeover or any cosmetic surgery, Dr. Johnson recommends waiting a year after giving birth to allow time for the body to heal. Then he suggests scheduling an hour-long consultation at Steele Lake Specialty to discuss potential procedures.

“I like to have an in-depth consultation with each patient to talk about their needs and goals. We offer a simple, professional environment, have a personable and friendly staff and provide a convenient pathway so our patients feel comfortable and knowledgeable throughout their treatment and recovery,” Dr. Johnson said. “It’s a down-to-earth experience with beautiful, successful results.”