Mommy Makeover
LENGTH: 3-5 hours
ANESTHESIA: Sedation or General
IN/OUTPATIENT: Outpatient or one night in hospital
RECOVERY: Return to work: 2 weeks, Light exercise: 4 weeks, Swelling completely resolve: 4-8 weeks
A mommy makeover is a common term used to describe a set of procedures that are combined together to address changes a woman’s breast and body have undergone after having children. Stretch marks, loose skin, excess fat deposits, deflated and sagging breasts from previous pregnancies are some of most common problems women describe that make them unhappy with their bodies after having children. The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore some of these changes to boost a woman’s self image and restore her confidence in the way she looks and feels.
Women who want to improve the appearance after pregnancy can have their mommy makeover in Arlington with Dr. Tran.
Your Mommy Makeover Consultation
Your visit with Dr. Tran will determine if you are a good candidate for surgery. If you have completed building your family, are in good physical health and have reasonable expectations then this may be a good choice for you.
During your first visit, Dr. Tran will ask you about your desired appearance to help him understand your expectations and let you know if they can be realistically accomplished. He will examine and measure your breasts and abdomen considering factors such as the breast sizes and shape, presence and degree of stretch marks, quality of skin, the amount of underlying fatty tissue and the contour of your abdomen and body as a whole. Be prepared to discuss any medical conditions you may have such as allergies, prior surgeries and medications, vitamins or other supplements that you currently take. You will be asked whether anyone in your family has had breast cancer and about the results of any mammograms. It is important for you to provide complete information. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking at least 3 weeks before your surgery. Dr. Tran is concerned about your health and safety and depending on your medical status may ask for additional evaluations before proceeding with surgery.
You will learn about the procedure, its limitations and risks, and Dr. Tran will discuss your needs and concerns. He will explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on your goals and your current body. After your consultation, photographs will be taken for your medical record.
Mommy Makeover Techniques
A mommy makeover usually combines at least two procedures that address the breast and body to improve and restore a woman’s body. Most commonly the procedures are a breast augmentation and tummy tuck. However, breast lift, liposculpture and thigh lifts are other procedures that are often recommended or requested. In most cases the procedures can be performed in one day, but in some cases, depending on the extent, it may be recommended to stage them over more than one surgery day.
The Day of Makeover
Before surgery, you will be given medicine to lessen the anxiety and pain. General anesthesia is typically used, so you will be completely asleep.You will meet your anesthetist before your procedure and he or she will answer any questions you may have about your anesthesia. The surgery usually takes 3-5 hours. After surgery, you will awake in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored.
Surgery may be performed as an outpatient procedure at our certified ambulatory surgery center or at one of several affiliated hospitals with an overnight stay. Whether you stay overnight or not be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay to help you the first few days while at home.
Your Recovery
Some discomfort or pain is normal following surgery. When you are discharged, you will be given prescriptions for pain medication. Your breast and abdomen will feel very tight and you will walk stooped over for the first week and slowly straighten as your skin stretches. You will wear a binder or compression garment for three weeks, day and night, following your surgery.
Initially, your scars will appear obvious to you. By three weeks, it is turns into a thin red line then slowly fades to a light brown or white line over the next several months. It is usually well hidden in your swimsuit or underwear.
Most patients return to work after two or three weeks however, plan on having limited physical activity and restrictions against exercise for at least six weeks. You may have drains that will require you to measure and record the fluid that your body expresses. These are usually removed in the office after five to seven days.
Your follow-up visits will usually start five to seven days following your surgery for a checkup and/or drain removal if necessary. During your postoperative visits, Dr. Tran will review activity limitations, incision care and concerns you may have. Following this visit you will return in approximately 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and one year.
If you have any concerns during your recovery, or have more questions at a later time, you can always contact Dr. Tran’s office
Office phone contact: 682-217-1080