Mommy Makeover

Introduction

Becoming a mother is one of life’s greatest joys. However, the downside is that childbirth can significantly change a woman’s body. For example, sagging breasts, excess abdominal skin and unsightly fat deposits can be distressing. Therefore it is not uncommon that many women long for their pre-pregnancy bodies.

What is a Mommy Makeover

A Mommy Makeover consists of a combination of procedures that are specifically designed for mothers who want a tighter, firmer body following pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

We tailor the Mommy Makeover to meet the needs of each patient; therefore, the combination of procedures that Dr. Thomassen recommends to a patient are unique to each individual.

Mommy Makeovers are very popular because they combine multiple procedures into a single surgery. This is very appealing to busy moms. Not only is combining procedures safer and less expensive than multiple surgeries – this approach only requires one recovery period.

What procedures are included in a Mommy Makeover?

Dr. Thomassen’s goal is to help you regain (or improve on) your pre-pregnancy body. The procedures you choose are based on your goals and how you want your body to look. Procedures that can be part of a Mommy Makeover include:

• Abdominoplasty. Your abdominal muscles and skin stretch to make room for your growing baby. In some women, this laxity cannot be improved through diet and exercise. A tummy tuck creates a smaller, tighter abdomen by suturing your abdominal muscle walls together and removing excess abdominal skin. Because skin is being removed, this is also an opportunity to remove visible scarring and stretch marks.

• Breast Lift. This procedure (known as a mastopexy) will remove excess breast tissue and reshape your breasts. Your breasts will be “perkier” and you’ll have a more youthful contour.

• Breast Augmentation. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, many women come to enjoy having voluptuous breasts. They are unhappy with post-partum breasts that appear smaller and deflated. Breast augmentation can increase the size and shape of your breasts. Dr. Thomassen will help you select the size, type and placement of implants that will create the look you’re seeking.

• Breast Reduction. If your large breasts are causing discomfort, a Mommy Makeover is a great opportunity for a reduction mammoplasty. Dr. Thomassen can reduce your breasts so they decrease the stress on your back and appear more proportional to your body.

• Liposuction. Some stubborn fat deposits do not respond to diet or exercise. In this case, Dr. Thomassen can use liposuction to permanently remove the excess fat.

Am I a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

Good candidates must be at least six months post-partum to give your body time to recover from childbirth. You should have completed breastfeeding as well. You should also be over 18-years-old and in good health. Dr. Thomassen recommends that patients exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. You must also refrain from using nicotine for at least six weeks prior to surgery and throughout the healing process.

It is also mandatory that you have household help during the first few weeks of your recovery. Dr. Thomassen will describe what to expect during your recovery period so that you can arrange the necessary support. If you have a tummy tuck, for example, you will not be able to lift your children until six weeks following the surgery.

Can I get pregnant after a Mommy Makeover?

You must let Dr. Thomassen know if you’re planning on future pregnancies.

Having breast augmentation should not affect your ability to get pregnant. Most women with augmentation can breastfeed without difficulty, especially if the incision is not placed around the areola. However your breasts may deflate following another pregnancy, so you may feel you need larger implants after the birth of another child.

If you are seeking a tummy tuck or other abdominal surgery, Dr. Thomassen will advise you to wait until after your final pregnancy.

What happens during my consultation?

Dr. Thomassen will begin by asking about the results you’d like from your Mommy Makeover. Although Mommy Makeovers typically focus on your breasts and abdomen, this is an opportunity to address issues with your face, neck, arms, buttocks and thighs.

Dr. Thomassen will need a complete medical history. This information includes your allergies, prescription medications, vitamins and supplements, medical conditions, and previous surgeries. You must also talk about personal habits, including your use of alcohol, drugs and nicotine.

After discussing your history and goals, Dr. Thomassen will conduct a physical examination.

Following the physical examination, Dr. Thomassen will recommend surgical procedures that will create the look you desire. If you are having breast augmentation, Dr. Thomassen will recommend the size, shape and style of implants that will enhance your body.

Many patients are concerned about scarring. You will have scars at the location of your incisions. Dr. Thomassen is an expert at minimizing scarring and you’ll be given instructions about how to care for your incisions. As much as possible, sutures are hidden in the natural folds of your body and beneath the bikini line.  Scars will fade over time.

By the end of the consultation, you will understand your surgical plan, as well how to prepare for your surgery.

Where will my Mommy Makeover be performed?

Your procedure will be performed at out accredited surgery center. Dr. Thomassen is also affiliated with several hospitals and outpatient clinics in the Fort Lauderdale area if doing the procedure in one of these centers would be indicated.

What is recovery like after a Mommy Makeover?

Before you have surgery, the staff in our Fort Lauderdale office will provide specific instructions about your recovery. Instructions include filling prescriptions, making sure that you have assistance at home, and details about restrictions on your activities.

When you wake up after surgery, you will have surgical dressings over your incisions. You will likely be wearing compression garments to reduce swelling. You may also have surgical drains.  Dr. Thomassen will provide prescription pain medication to keep you comfortable.

Before you are discharged, you will receive written instructions about how to care for your incisions, the length of time you’ll need to wear the compression garment(s), and restrictions on your activity.  You must have someone drive you home.

You will have follow-up appointments with Dr. Thomassen one to two days after surgery. Bandages and drains are generally removed within seven days. Stitches are generally removed within ten days. You may need to wear compression garments for a few weeks.

Dr. Thomassen will let you know when you can lift more than five pounds, as well as when you can resume regular activities. Depending on your procedure(s), you may experience soreness and swelling for several weeks.

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