The term mommy makeover is used loosely to encompass some form of breast work (usually a breast lift or augmentation or a combination of both), a tummy tuck or body lift and some liposuction to affect an overall body contouring to return you to a pre-baby state.
However, these days it has also been combined with other procedures such as facial surgery (eyelids/facelift) or vaginal rejuvenation. The main priority whether these surgeries should be combined has to be safety. Other considerations include recovery time, costs and availability of social support to look after the baby during the recovery period.
I often perform the combination of tummy tuck and breast procedures for my patients in a single setting. This is usually safe in young and fit patients. Increasing we have also been adding liposuction and fat grafting for breast augmentation for our patients, instead of augmentation with silicone implants.
At our group practice, we believe that the length of a cosmetic procedure should never exceed four to six hours. Complications from surgery increase significantly when these numbers are exceeded. These include increased risks of infections, blood loss and complications from anaesthetisia. An experienced surgeon and surgical team that focuses on efficiency can help to minimize the length of the surgical procedure.
I often engage one of my partners who is also a plastic surgeon as a first assistant to help with this process when we perform mommy makeover surgery.
The advantages of this approach are obvious and include improved synergy and harmony which improves the overall aesthetic result. Patients experience one recovery and potentially save money when these procedures are done in combination. Nonetheless, combination surgery isn’t for everyone.
Some patients have coexisting health problems which make this approach unsafe. Meeting with a MOH-certified plastic surgeon will help sort this out and help formulate the best treatment plan for you.
I hope this helps to clarify your query and in your planning for surgery.
Have a nice day ahead!
Dr. Terence Goh
Plastic Surgeon
