Mommy Makeover

SF Mommy Makeover Surgeon – Kenneth Bermudez, MD

What is Mommy Makeover?

“Mommy Makeover” surgery is not a single surgical procedure; rather, it consists of multiple procedures, which are performed at the same time. A mommy makeover typically includes abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” surgery, as well as breast lift surgery, which is often accompanied by breast augmentation surgery with breast implants. Mommy makeover surgery can include other body contouring procedures such as thigh lift and liposuction. Women seeking mommy makeover in San Francisco with Dr. Bermudez often do so for one or several of the following reasons:

• To eliminate sagging abdominal skin that has lost its elasticity due to one or more pregnancies

• To repair severely weakened, possibly separated, abdominal muscles due to pregnancy

• To lift breasts that droop or seem flat like pancakes due to nursing

• To surgically enhance breasts that have become smaller or lost volume due to nursing

At our San Francisco plastic surgery practice, Dr. Bermudez consults with each patient before recommending an appropriate surgical treatment protocol to fit her unique physical needs and aesthetic goals.

Who is a Candidate for Mommy Makeover?

Candidates for mommy makeover cosmetic surgery must have reasonable expectations for the outcome. The best mommy makeover candidates desire aesthetic improvement, but not necessarily perfection. In general, appropriate candidates are in sound physical and mental health, and have thoroughly considered their cosmetic goals for mommy makeover surgery.

The following individuals may not be suitable candidates for mommy makeover surgery: those who are unsatisfied with every aspect of their body; those who have unrealistic expectations for what cosmetic surgery can help accomplish (e.g., repairing a difficult marriage); individuals who are not pursuing the procedure of their own accord; and women who are pregnant, nursing or plan to become pregnant again.

Contact our plastic surgery office to learn more about candidacy for mommy makeover surgery.

The Procedure

Usually comprised of abdominoplasty, breast lift and / or breast augmentation surgery with implants, mommy makeover surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia due to the complex nature of the surgery. The entire procedure generally takes about four or five hours.

During tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Bermudez makes a horizontal incision in the pubic area, extending from hipbone to hipbone. He strategically positions the incision so that it is easily concealed by an underwear or bikini line. He removes excess skin, and fat if needed, before repairing the abdominal muscles. He may place internal sutures at multiple sites to secure the repaired abdominal muscles in position. The San Francisco tummy tuck surgeon then pulls the remaining skin taut and repositions the navel to align with the flatter, newly sculpted abdominal contour. Dr. Bermudez closes the incision with sutures and surgical adhesive and dresses the area with bandages.

During the breast lift procedure, Dr. Bermudez creates an incision around the perimeter of the areola, the more darkly pigmented skin around the nipple. He also makes an incision that extends from the lower border of the areola to the breast’s natural fold before eliminating excess skin. The breast lift surgeon then tightens the remaining skin and reshapes the breast tissue, shifting the nipple to a higher position on the breast to align with the newly lifted breast shape. Dr. Bermudez can also insert either saline or silicone breast implants during this procedure for added volume. He closes the incisions with sutures and dresses the area with bandages.

Recovery

Those undergoing mommy makeover surgery should expect to take about two weeks off from work or their normal activity after the procedure. If they have young children, they should arrange to have some help with childcare for the initial recovery period.

Patients can expect the treated areas to be bruised, swollen, tender or numb. Any pain or discomfort can be alleviated with oral pain medication as directed by Dr. Bermudez. All these symptoms are normal and will subside with time. Women may feel changes in nipple sensation as the nerves heal. Note that it can take several weeks to feel “back to normal.”

Individuals should get plenty of rest and avoid any strenuous activity in the first week or two following surgery. , they should take short walks around the house every hour or so, as soon as they are able, to avoid developing blood clots, particularly in the legs. Patients can gradually resume their daily routine and exercise regimen as advised by Dr. Bermudez.

It is impossible to avoid scarring at the incision sites. However, scars will lighten over time, often becoming nearly imperceptible.

Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation.

Possible Complications

Every type of surgery has inherent risks, including mommy makeover surgery. Dr. Bermudez takes every precaution possible to minimize surgical risks. Nonetheless, possible complications that may arise from mommy makeover surgery include:

• Negative reaction to anesthesia

• Blood clots

• Asymmetry of scars

• Substantial scarring

• Infection

• Excessive bleeding

• Slow healing

• Asymmetry of breasts

• Changes in nipple sensation, including permanent numbness

• Possible nursing impediment

• Capsular contracture with breast implants (i.e., formation of scar tissue around the implant)

• Breast implant rupture

• Breast implant rippling

In addition, those who opt for silicone breast implants should have a breast imaging exam (i.e., ultrasound or MRI) every three years after the initial breast augmentation to monitor breast health.

Dr. Bermudez will discuss all possible complications associated with mommy makeover with you during your consultation. He will let you know what you can do to help minimize possible complications on your end.

What are the Advantages of Mommy Makeover Surgery?

Mommy makeover can help you restore the figure you had before having children. Some of the many advantages of surgical mommy makeover include:

• Restoration of the figure you had before having children

• Flatter, firmer midsection

• Perkier breasts that sit higher on the chest

• More voluminous breasts

• Nipples that point forward instead of toward the ground

• Increased self-confidence

• Added clothing options

Having children does not have to ruin your figure. Thankfully, San Francisco plastic surgeon Dr. Bermudez can help moms restore their pre-baby body.

Contact Us Today

Dr. Bermudez can include additional cosmetic surgery or nonsurgical procedures in mommy makeover surgery to enhance aesthetic results. Lower body lift, thigh lift or arm lift surgery can help remove drooping excess skin from bothersome areas. Dr. Bermudez can also perform liposuction in San Francisco, not simply on the abdominal area, but also on the back, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms and even the chin or neck area. Please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bermudez to learn more about your available treatment options.