Mommy Makeovers: What They Are & When They’re Appropriate

Written by Dr. Stacey June

We all know what being a Mom is about, and how it changes your body… so what is a “Mommy Makeover?”

Well, while nobody would deny that these precious little bundles of joy are worth it, they certainly change the appearance of our bodies. Let us also not forget about that eternal fight with gravity, regardless of childbirth. Pregnancy & time permanently change your body, physically and hormonally, and sometimes the correction requires surgical intervention. A Mommy Makeover is exactly that–it’s whatever you need it to be.

Breasts too droopy? Let’s lift them.

Breasts deflated? Let’s fill them.

Breasts too large? Let’s reduce them.

Abdomen too fat? Loose skin? Both? Let’s tighten it.

A Mommy Makeover is a very personalized surgery designed to make you more comfortable in your body, by addressing the areas which concern you most. It is different for everyone and there are several different approaches based on your needs and desires. A Mommy Makeover is often a combination of procedures to address any areas of concern and can also be combined with other procedures which you may cosmetically want or medically require.

So, what options are there for the breasts?

Mastopexy: Also known as a breast lift; this is a surgical procedure where the skin envelope of the breast is reduced, and the nipple and areola are lifted into a higher, more youthful position. This is a good choice for you if you like the size of your breasts but not the shape or position of them.

Breast Reduction: This surgery is similar to a mastopexy but with the addition of a reduction in breast volume. This is a good choice for you if you want smaller and lifted breasts.

Breast Augmentation: This is to add volume to your breasts which is often needed after nursing. Volume can be added with fat transfer (fat removed from another part of the body and injected into the breasts for volume) or with breast implants (saline or silicone). This surgery is ideal for someone who likes the shape and position of their breasts and just want to be fuller.

Augmentation/Mastopexy: This is a combination of procedures, adding volume to the breast as well as decreasing the skin envelope so the breasts can be lifted and increased in volume at the same time. This is ideal for the patient who lacks volume and has a lot of excess skin with a low nipple and areola.

What are options for the abdomen?

Noninvasive Fat reduction: This reduces fat only by heating fat cells with an external laser device (truSculpt). It often requires several treatments. This is a good choice if you have a small area of excess fat without excess skin.

Liposuction: surgically removes fat cells can be utilized on most areas with excess fat but has limitations in skin tightening. This is a good choice if you would like a permanent reduction in fat cells and volume and have only a minimal amount or no excess skin.

Mini-Abdominoplasty: This procedure surgically tightens the lower abdominal pouch only with skin and fat removal. This is a good option if you only dislike your abdomen below your belly button, but like your abdomen above your belly button.

Full Abdominoplasty: This is the most aggressive abdominal contouring that will fully correct a true “mom belly”. It tightens the abdominal wall that has been overstretched (called fascial plication), removes excess fat and skin, and moves the belly button to contour both the upper and lower abdomen.

Will insurance pay for my mommy makeover?

In isolated cases your insurance may pay for procedures such as:

• A breast reduction if enough breast tissue is removed that it will improve your back pain and chronic rashes.
• A panniculectomy, which is removing just the overhanging apron of skin on the lower abdomen, if it is causing chronic rashes and pain.

To help decide which procedure would give the results that you desire, a consultation should be made with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Risks and benefits as well as recovery processes vary by which procedure is chosen and is different for every patient. Call Advanced Specialty Care to schedule your appointment with one of our 3 board-certified Cosmetic Surgeons: Dr. Sohel Islam, Dr. Stacey June, and Dr. Prashant Soni.

– Stacey June

Stacey June, DO is a Board-Certified Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive surgeon and Hand surgeon, specializing in breast surgeries including augmentations, lifts, reductions, male breast reduction, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction as well as facelifts, necklifts, eyelid surgery, liposuction, tummy tucks, Mommy Makeovers, excess skin removal, body procedures, treatment of hand conditions, and non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox & Fillers. Dr. June sees patients at Advanced Specialty Care’s offices in Danbury and Ridgefield, CT.

ADVANCED SPECIALTY CARE

Advanced Specialty Care’s Plastic Surgeons have been rated and awarded as some of the very best in Connecticut, offering the newest and most sophisticated cosmetic & plastic surgery procedures, reconstructive surgeries and non-invasive treatment options for patients of all ages. Call (203) 830-4700 to schedule an appointment with a doctor at any of our convenient offices in Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk and Ridgefield, CT.