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Mommy Makeover Tampa, FL

Women with loose abdominal skin, stretch marks, and empty, sagging breasts after pregnancy can benefit from the mommy makeover surgery at Landon Plastic Surgery.

This surgical procedure helps to restore the body after giving birth by addressing the abdomen and breasts in a single operation. Dr. Bruce Landon is a board-certified Tampa plastic surgeon with 25 years of experience in reconstructive plastic surgery. He is pleased to help women to get their body back after pregnancy has taken its toll on a woman’s physique. Our mommy makeover procedure is customized for each woman, addressing the most common trouble spots after giving birth. This allows women to regain confidence in their looks after they have finished bearing children.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

The mommy makeover is a combination of surgical treatments that are intended to address the physical changes caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding - generally in the breasts and abdomen.

The typical Tampa mommy makeover treatment plan includes breast augmentation and/or breast lift, combined with tummy tuck surgery. Some women may also choose to have breast augmentation with implants to restore fullness to the breast tissue in addition to a breast lift (mastopexy) to lift drooping breasts or downward-facing nipples. The objective of mommy makeover treatment is to restore the patient's pre-baby physique, thereby improving her overall confidence and self-esteem.

Tampa Mommy Makeover patient model

Mommy Makeover Candidates

The ideal mommy makeover candidate is in good physical and psychological health and does not have any chronic medical condition that could increase the surgical risks.

Candidates should have reasonable expectations of the operation's outcome, and understand the associated (rare) risks. Women that are seeking the procedure should be advised that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss surgery. In fact, the procedure is most effective for patients that have reached (or are close to) their goal weight. Further weight loss can impede results by causing more loose skin to develop once the underlying fat has been removed with careful diet and exercise. It is also important to maintain a healthful diet and exercise program after having a mommy makeover surgery if you put on weight easily.

Many women find that getting a mommy makeover is the impetus they need to stay fit long term. When looking at getting a surgery for a Mommy Makeover Tampa candidates should also carefully consider the timing of their surgery. It's best for a woman to postpone her treatment until she is finished having children. Future pregnancies (or significant weight gain) can reverse mommy makeover results. Dr. Landon evaluates every mommy makeover candidate on a case-by-case basis. During a surgical consultation, he will examine the areas of the body that need surgical correction, and put together a personalized plan of treatment for the patient.

What Does the Mommy Makeover Entail?

During a mommy makeover Tampa patients can typically expect treatment plans that include breast enhancement and tummy tuck; the plan may also include fat removal in other areas of the body (e.g., the hips, thighs, back, or arms). Mommy makeover is completely tailored to the individual patient's needs and goals.

Tummy Tuck

A Tummy Tuck corrects the most common changes in the abdomen after pregnancy: unwanted fat, lax skin, and separated abdominal muscles. The plastic surgeon makes a horizontal incision right above the pubic area from hipbone to hipbone. Through the incision, he removes excess fat and skin and repairs the abdominal muscles. He may make an additional incision around the navel and relocate it higher on the abdomen if needed. Dr. Landon then drapes the skin more tightly over the abdomen and stitches it into place. This results in a smooth, flat abdomen without the excess loose skin.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Some candidates are more suited toward a modified version of tummy tuck known as “mini tummy tuck.” A mini tummy tuck is best for women who require a smaller degree of correction. The procedure targets only the area below the belly button and does not address separated or weakened abdominal muscles. It is ideal for removing the flap of overhanging skin that remains on the lower abdomen after a cesarean section birth. It is important to note that a mini tummy tuck does not address loose skin on the upper abdomen, nor does it repair separated ab muscles from pregnancy, a condition known as diastasis recti.

Extended Tummy Tuck

On the other hand, certain mommy makeover candidates require more comprehensive correction than standard tummy tuck provides. In these cases, Dr. Landon may recommend an extended tummy tuck for more dramatic results. An extended abdominoplasty removes loose skin and fat on the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, and around the hips. The incision is longer than a standard tummy tuck.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breasts that appear to droop and sag after breastfeeding or pregnancy can be improved dramatically with a breast lift procedure at Landon Plastic Surgery. There are three techniques that may be used: the lollipop breast lift, anchor breast lift, or doughnut breast lift. Dr. Landon uses his 22 years of cosmetic surgery experience to determine the appropriate technique in order to deliver the results that will make the patient most satisfied.

Liposuction

A tummy tuck with liposuction helps to refine the results of an excess skin removal procedure. Some mommy makeover treatment plans include fat removal in other areas of the body in addition to the tummy. Dr. Landon will use liposuction techniques to improve the shape of the abdomen, hips, thighs, back, and/or arms, depending on the patient's cosmetic goals. Current medical literature suggests that it is safe to have a combination of cosmetic procedures such as an abdominoplasty with liposuction concurrently, while also addressing damage to the breasts that have occurred as a result of having children.

Tampa Mommy Makeover patient model

Breast Enhancement (Breast Implants)

Breast enhancement addresses breasts that have lost volume and/or their perky position after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Dr. Landon can add shape and volume to small or “deflated” breasts with the placement of saline or silicone breast implants. He can also reposition saggy, drooping breasts higher on the chest through a combination breast lift with implants.

Not every patient requires both procedures - Dr. Landon will recommend the combination only if he feels it would provide the most optimal cosmetic outcome. In some cases, women with very mild breast sagging may only need breast implants to lift the breasts; however, the average woman sees the most benefit with a breast lift, to raise drooping breasts, performed after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding are through.

Renew Your Body After Pregnancy

At Landon Plastic Surgery in Tampa mommy makeover surgeries may include the following based on your individual cosmetic needs:

  • Tummy Tuck Surgery to Tighten Loose Skin Removal on the Abdomen & Sides
  • Breast Lift (Mastopexy) to Raise Breasts that Sag
  • Breast Augmentation with Implants to Restore Breast Volume Loss
  • Liposuction for Permanent Fat Reduction

Your Surgery Day

Dr. Landon places markings on the areas to be operated on while the patient is in a sitting or standing position. Next, our anesthesia staff places the patient safely under anesthesia. You are monitored carefully for the duration of the procedure.

Depending on your individual treatment plan for mommy makeover, the abdomen, sides, breasts, and other areas may be operated on. The incisions are closed, and you will wake up in our comfortable private recovery rooms. Since the procedure uses general anesthesia, you will need a friend or family member to take you home. Some patients may require a brief hospital stay, often overnight or a few days longer, depending on the extent of surgery.

Recovery After Mommy Makeover

Every woman heals differently and should listen to her own body as she recovers from surgery. Post-operative bruising and swelling are common side effects during the first week or so of recovery; they will subside quickly after that. Dr. Landon will prescribe oral pain medication to ease any discomfort.

The first few days of recovery are the toughest. Pain medication is provided to minimize any discomfort that may be experienced early in the recovery process. Mommy makeover patients must rest and avoid any strenuous movement or heavy lifting (including lifting children) as the body heals. It's crucial to recruit a spouse or family member that can assist with household chores and childcare during the recovery period.

Additional Reading

Individual cases may vary, however, in general scar therapy is begun 2 weeks after mommy makeover surgery. The type of therapy and the duration are customized to the individual. This may include silicone adhesive sheeting, ultraviolet protecting medical grade silicone gel or a combination of treatments.

Dr. Landon believes strongly in the benefits of postoperative lymphatic drainage and therapeutic massage. Both liposuction patient's and abdominoplasty patient's are advised to begin therapy to stimulate the return and re-opening of lymphatic channels to improve postoperative swelling and edema. Therapy is usually begun on or around week 2 through week 10 tailored to individual needs and schedules.

Dr. Landon will follow up with his mommy makeover patients within a day or two of surgery and regularly after that. He will also advise each patient when it is safe to return to work, exercise, driving, and other normal activities. Most patients can expect to take at least a few weeks off of work and household duties, however, this may vary based on the extent of the procedure. For example, a mini tummy tuck recovery time tends to be faster than a full tummy tuck with liposuction and breast enhancement.

Tampa Mommy Makeover patient model