A “mommy makeover” is a set of cosmetic procedures. Safety is a primary consideration for anyone contemplating such surgery. All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. Understanding these risks is essential for making informed decisions and weighing potential benefits against possible complications.
What is a Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a customized combination of cosmetic procedures. These procedures address physical changes in a woman’s body that often occur after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Components are tailored to an individual’s unique needs and aesthetic goals.
Common components include breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a combination of both, to restore breast volume and position. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin. Liposuction targets localized fat deposits in areas like the flanks or thighs.
Potential Complications
All complex surgical procedures carry general risks, including those associated with anesthesia. These can range from minor issues like nausea to rare, serious events like adverse reactions or respiratory complications. Infection at the surgical site is another concern, which might necessitate antibiotic treatment or additional procedures.
Excessive bleeding during or after surgery, known as a hematoma, can lead to swelling and bruising. Blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs, are a serious concern that can potentially travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Specific to abdominoplasty, seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin) can occur and may require drainage. Poor wound healing or skin necrosis (tissue death due to insufficient blood supply) are also potential complications. Patients may experience altered sensation or numbness in the abdominal area, and unfavorable scarring is always a possibility.
For breast procedures, asymmetry between the breasts can sometimes result, requiring further corrective surgery. Changes in nipple sensation, including numbness or hypersensitivity, are also possible. If breast implants are used, capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant) can occur, causing discomfort or distortion. Implant rupture or malposition are additional, less common risks associated with breast augmentation.
Liposuction carries its own set of potential complications, such as contour irregularities, where the skin surface appears uneven. Persistent swelling in the treated areas can last beyond the typical recovery timeline. Altered skin sensation or numbness in the liposuctioned areas may also be experienced. Combining multiple procedures, as in a mommy makeover, can increase overall operative time. This may correlate with a slightly elevated risk profile compared to undergoing a single procedure.
Ensuring a Safe Procedure
Individuals can take proactive steps to minimize risks before and during the planning phase of a mommy makeover. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing these combined procedures is a foundational step. Board certification indicates a surgeon has met rigorous standards of training, experience, and ethical conduct.
A thorough pre-operative health evaluation is also important to ensure a patient is a suitable candidate for surgery. This includes achieving a stable weight, discontinuing smoking well in advance of the procedure, and effectively managing any pre-existing chronic medical conditions. Surgeons typically assess overall health to mitigate potential complications.
Open and honest communication with the surgeon about one’s complete medical history, current medications, and realistic aesthetic expectations is also important. This dialogue helps the surgical team anticipate and prepare for any unique patient needs or potential challenges. The surgical facility should be accredited and fully equipped to handle medical emergencies, ensuring patient safety throughout the procedure.
Navigating Recovery
The typical recovery process after a mommy makeover involves managing expected symptoms like pain, swelling, and bruising. Pain is usually controlled with prescribed medication, and swelling can be significant initially, gradually subsiding over several weeks to months. Bruising is also common and fades within a few weeks.
Adhering precisely to post-operative instructions is important for a smooth recovery and to minimize complications. This includes meticulous drain care if drains are placed, consistently taking prescribed medications, and wearing compression garments as directed to support healing tissues. Limiting strenuous physical activity is also necessary during the initial recovery period to prevent strain on surgical sites.
Patients should remain vigilant for signs of potential post-operative complications and report them to their surgical team promptly. These warning signs include a persistent fever, excessive pain not adequately controlled by medication, or significant redness, warmth, or unusual discharge from incision sites. Swelling, severe pain, or tenderness in one leg, or sudden shortness of breath and chest pain, could indicate a blood clot and require immediate medical attention.