In Dr. Kearney’s first December blog we discussed some of the basics of the mommy makeover, the combination of surgeries targeted at reversing the changes made in a woman’s body as the result of pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. In this second blog, let’s get into some more details.
How long after having my last child do I need to wait before I can have a mommy makeover?
To be eligible for a mommy makeover you need to have finished breastfeeding for at least two to three months. This will allow your breasts to return to their normal cup size. You also should be back to within 10 to 15 pounds of your ideal body weight because a mommy makeover is not a weight loss procedure. You should also be exercising regularly to make your recovery easier, and your results long lasting.
What are the procedures involved in a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover with Dr. Kearney usually involves these procedures:
- Tummy tuck — A tummy tuck is the centerpiece of a mommy makeover. This surgery targets loose skin on the abdomen. An incision is made along the bikini line, usually from hipbone to hipbone. The underlying muscles, which have been separated by the distortion of pregnancy, are pulled together and sutured for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin is then pulled down and excess is trimmed away. Depending on your situation, another incision can be made either through the belly button or in that area to address loose skin on the upper abdomen. If a good deal of skin is removed, it’s likely that Dr. Kearney will move the belly button.
- Breast lift with or without augmentation — To address sagging skin and loss of breast volume, a lift brings the breasts up to a higher position on the chest. The incisions needed depend on the amount of sagging. Dr. Kearney may be able to accomplish the lift with an incision around the areola of each breast. But if more skin must be trimmed, the incision would need to extend down to the breast crease and sometimes outward along that crease. If you seek to regain more volume, you may opt to have augmentation along with your lift. Adding implants during a breast lift is quite easy, as Dr. Kearney can place the implants through the incisions he’s already made for the lift.
- Liposuction — Stubborn pockets of fat in your abdomen and possibly your outer thighs are the targets of the liposuction portion of your mommy makeover. This minimally invasive procedure uses a cannula inserted through a small incision to suction out pockets of unwanted fat and slim your contour. Dr. Kearney can also use liposuction when he is working through your tummy tuck. Dr. Kearney uses tumescent liposuction, where a liquid solution of saline combined with adrenaline and anesthetic is injected into the treatment areas to minimize bruising, blood loss, and to help loosen the fat.
A San Diego winter is a good time for a mommy makeover with Dr. Kearney. That way you can lay low and fully recover before anyone’s calling to go to the beach or the pool. If you’re interested, why not schedule a consultation? Call Dr. Kearney at (858) 677-9352 to make your appointment.