Mommy Makeover

Having children can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. The changes pregnancy and childbirth can have on the body, on the other hand, may not be quite as celebrated. Women who have had children may be interested in a mommy makeover, a customized set of procedures designed just for you.

Dr. Jennifer Harrington, one of the best female plastic surgeons in the region, knows firsthand how physical changes can affect a woman’s self-confidence. During your initial consultation, she’ll discuss your goals for cosmetic surgery with you and map out a plan to help you achieve your goals.

Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about mommy makeovers, including cost. Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery in Plymouth has helped men and women from Sartell, Wayzata, Minnetonka, St. Cloud and across the state of Minnesota with cosmetic procedures for the face and body.

Breast augmentation increases breast volume with saline or silicone breast implants, and is one of the most popular procedures to include with a mommy makeover. Breast augmentation often will help bring back into balance the new, slimmer midsection after a tummy tuck.

Sagging breasts can be resolved with mastopexy, or a breast lift. This procedure lifts and tightens breast skin and reshapes your natural breast tissue. Breast lift incisions usually circle the areola and continue downward vertically to the breast crease. Breast lift surgery is frequently combined with breast augmentation.

Women whose breast size increased during and after pregnancy, or who had unwanted breast volume to begin with, may consider breast reduction surgery. Incisions for a breast reduction usually circle the areola, continue down vertically to the breast crease, and travel along the breast crease a short distance in either direction. The exact length of incisions depends on the amount of tissue being removed and will include a lift.

Abdominoplasty is the most common procedure to include in a mommy makeover. Tummy tuck incisions are placed below the bikini line so they can be easily hidden by everyday clothing. Incisions for abdominoplasty run horizontally just above the pubic bone. The exact length depends on the extent of the procedure.

Liposuction removes stubborn fat. Dr. Harrington will make several small incisions on and around the treatment area(s) before inserting a surgical instrument called a cannula into each incision, removing excess fat cells with suction. For some women, CoolSculpting® may offer a non-surgical alternative to traditional liposuction.

During your consultation, Dr. Harrington will take the time to carefully listen to your goals and what you hope to achieve through a mommy makeover. She will also review your medical history, perform a physical evaluation and may order basic lab work to determine if you could be a good candidate for a mommy makeover.

Together with Dr. Harrington, you can decide which specific procedures you would like to include in your mommy makeover. This will depend on your cosmetic goals, physical anatomy and Dr. Harrington’s professional recommendations. While most mommy makeover procedures can be performed as a single surgery, there are some instances where Dr. Harrington may recommend multiple surgeries to ensure your safety and optimal results.

Prior to your procedure, Dr. Harrington and her team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your upcoming mommy makeover. To help you understand what to expect, below are a few examples of important steps to take in preparation for your surgery day.

All surgical mommy makeovers are same-day procedures performed under general anesthesia at our surgery center. Some women, however, may see the best results from staging their procedures.
You should arrive at the surgical facility one hour prior to your procedure start time and plan to stay for one hour after your surgery is finished. A friend or family member will need to stay with you for at least 24 hours after your mommy makeover. You will receive a complimentary one-night stay at the Executive Restorative Suites attached to our offices. Meals are provided and the amenities are accommodating to post-surgical patients.

Because of the customized nature of each mommy makeover, the exact length of the surgery will vary for each woman. Most women are in surgery for around 3 to 4 hours while getting their mommy makeover. Dr. Harrington can give you a more precise estimate for your procedure length once you have developed a plan for your surgery.

In addition to the procedures listed above, some women choose to include non-surgical treatments such as cellulite treatment or BOTOX® . Dr. Harrington can help you understand each of your options and choose the best approach for your needs.

Recovery after a mommy makeover will vary depending on the combination of procedures performed and your body’s individual healing response. Most women take 4 to 6 weeks away from work and other daily activities to allow for healing after a mommy makeover. If your surgery includes a tummy tuck, recovery may lean toward the longer end of that range.

It is common to experience some swelling, bruising and mild to moderate discomfort, especially in the first few days. These symptoms are usually easy to manage with pain medication, cool compresses and rest. Dr. Harrington may recommend wearing compression garments, which can help to reduce swelling, improve circulation and minimize complications like blood clots.

You will need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for at least 6 weeks after your mommy makeover. At your follow-up appointments, Dr. Harrington will assess how you are healing and let you know when you may resume your normal exercise routine.

While you should notice a change in your body immediately after your surgery, your final results will take some time to develop as your body heals and swelling dissipates. Most women are able to see a significant improvement in their body shape and contours around the 3-month mark, but it can take 6 to 12 months for final results to fully develop.

Attending all followup appointments, following post-op instructions and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits after your mommy makeover can all contribute to the longevity of your results.

If you are interested in learning more about this procedure or would like to start planning your mommy makeover, please contact us online or call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600 to request your mommy makeover consultation today.