Mommy Makeover
Motherhood is the greatest gift for many women, but pregnancy and breastfeeding inevitably bring changes to the female body. For some women, this is not a “problem,” while for others it is important to restore the body to the state it was before pregnancy. Modern plastic surgery offers a solution through the Mommy Makeover.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
The concept of a Mommy Makeover is based on a combination of plastic surgery procedures, aiming to restore the female silhouette after one or more pregnancies.
By combining different procedures, according to each case, it achieves the best possible result in a single surgical time, under general anesthesia, and avoids multiple recovery periods. The combination of these three [types of procedures] is a key advantage of this method.
Through the different procedures included in each personalized “Mommy Makeover” plan, one achieves among other things:
– restoration of breast appearance
– reduction of stretch marks
– removal of excess fat
– skin tightening
What techniques does a Mommy Makeover include?
The changes caused by pregnancy vary from woman to woman and depend on various factors. It is certain that the greatest change is seen in the abdomen and breast areas, so most of the surgeries focus on these two zones.
However, equally impressive are the changes women see in their bodies with procedures such as arm lift (brachioplasty), thigh lift, or liposuction, because fluid and fat retention from pregnancies can increase fat deposits in certain areas.
Breast augmentation or breast lift
The breast is one of the areas where the biggest change is recorded in a woman’s body. Breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy) are the most common procedures recommended after the end of breastfeeding, when the exact changes to the breasts can be seen.
In many cases, a combination of the above (augmentation plus lift) is required so that the breast recovers the shape and volume it had, stops being saggy and “empty,” and becomes youthful, firm, and “full” again.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
The abdominal area inevitably suffers, which is why abdominoplasty is a fundamental part of the Mommy Makeover. The skin of the abdomen is stretched and relaxed, and it is possible after pregnancy that there is a diastasis (separation) of the rectus abdominis muscle (the “white line”). Abdominoplasty restores the skin’s looseness by removing excess skin and eliminating fat that has accumulated, while also removing stretch marks below the navel.
At the same time, the abdominal wall is strengthened by tightening the sheath of the rectus muscles, if this is required.
Liposuction
In many cases, even when weight has been lost after pregnancy, the female body type changes due to fat being deposited around the waist and in other parts of the body. The storage and distribution of fat during the months of gestation fully explain this phenomenon. Liposuction comes to give the solution, sculpting the silhouette and making the proportions more harmonious.
Vaser liposuction and PAL liposuction are two modern and highly advanced techniques, during which world‑class machinery is used, completely safe and FDA‑approved.
Arm lift (Brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty aims to restore firmness and youthfulness to the arm area, which is affected by the natural weight gain from pregnancy and which is difficult to restore through exercise. During the brachioplasty procedure, excess skin is removed from the arms, as well as from the armpit if the issue extends to that area.
Thigh lift
Skin laxity in the thighs is justified by any weight increase. Therefore, it is not surprising that extra skin and fat appear in the thigh area after one or more pregnancies. Thigh lift, as part of the Mommy Makeover, is performed to restore the appearance of this region, by removing excess skin and fat, reshaping the lower body, and creating a smoother skin surface and a younger contour of the thighs.
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Who are candidates for a Mommy Makeover?
Candidates for a Mommy Makeover are women who, after pregnancy(ies), present:
– sagging breasts that have lost their volume and symmetry and whose shape has changed
– enlarged areola
– downward‑pointing nipples
– skin laxity
– an abdomen that “hangs”
– weakened abdominal muscles
– localized fat in the abdomen, thighs or flanks
– stretch marks on the lower pole of the breast
– stretch marks in the lower part of the abdomen
It is of primary importance that candidate patients have realistic expectations about the outcome. In addition, it’s important that there are no health issues that would prevent undergoing the surgery or would affect recovery or the result. Dr. Karmiris will explain more about this to you.
When is the best time for a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is not related to the patient’s age, but it is recommended that the childbearing period be completed first, so as to ensure the best possible outcome. The following conditions enhance the chances of achieving the expected goal. The patient should:
– first lose the pregnancy weight
– maintain stable weight, ideally for 6 months after birth
– not breastfeed for at least 3 months, so that the breast has stabilized from every aspect, provided she wants some procedure on it
Complying with the above will make the planning of the Mommy Makeover more precise and targeted, so as to ensure maximum effectiveness.
What are the possible complications of Mommy Makeover?
As is understandable, the concept of Mommy Makeover includes more than one surgical procedure in one surgical time. Therefore, the complications for this combined procedure are common to each of the individual surgeries performed.
A well‑studied design of the operation, adherence to each step of preparation, correct execution of the preoperative plan and postoperative care minimize the risks of complications.
The experience and specialization of the lead plastic surgeon and his surgical team ensure the best possible outcome, with the lowest possibility of unfavorable complications. Dr. Karmiris will inform you about the preoperative and postoperative steps, explain the surgical plan, answer all your questions, and finally mention every possible complication you should know.
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When can I return to my normal daily life?
Recovery from a Mommy Makeover is very quick, allowing the patient to return to her daily routine as soon as possible. The time needed from surgery until returning to office work is about one week, and about 20 days for other tasks and athletic activities.
Dr. Karmiris will talk to you in detail about the postoperative steps, depending on your particular case and your body’s needs.
What happens if I undergo Mommy Makeover and later become pregnant?
It is important to know that there is no medical risk if you become pregnant after a Mommy Makeover, since the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscles that has been restored will adapt comfortably to the new changes. As for the aesthetic aspect, it is possible that the result will not remain entirely unchanged.
However, with care and minimal change in weight, the result of the Mommy Makeover will be maintained, within the expected changes to your body due to pregnancy.
What is the process at the first appointment with the Plastic Surgeon?
At the first appointment with the Plastic Surgeon you will discuss:
– the reasons that bring you to his clinic
– the part(s) of your appearance you wish to change
Then, Dr. Karmiris will talk with you about:
– the recommended combination of procedures for you, since every case is unique
– the process and the detailed steps, explaining everything you need to know and answering any questions
– the use of anesthesia
– possible complications
– the outcome you can expect immediately post‑operatively and over time
The Plastic Surgeon will explain in detail the surgical options recommended for you, after first:
– taking your full medical history
– learning your general health status and habits that might affect the procedure (such as whether and how much you smoke)
– performing the necessary tests
– taking useful measurements
– evaluating the quality of your skin
Find out today about the cost and everything related to the Mommy Makeover technique. Dr. Nikolaos Karmiris is waiting for you in his office to explain everything to you about the safe and effective procedure and to resolve any question you have regarding the process, preparation, possible risks, expected result, steps after the surgery and pricing.
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Body Aesthetic Surgery
