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. At our practice in Tampa mommy makeover procedures are 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.
The typical 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.
A Mommy Makeover can be a powerful tool to help you regain confidence in your appearance. After childbirth, many women experience changes to their bodies that can lead to self-consciousness. At our practice in Tampa Mommy Makeover procedures can address these concerns by restoring a more toned and youthful figure. This can lead to a significant boost in confidence and self-esteem.
In addition to the aesthetic benefits, a Mommy Makeover can also improve your overall well-being. Loose skin, stretch marks, and excess fat can cause discomfort and physical limitations. Mommy Makeover surgery can address these issues, allowing you to move and feel better in your own skin.
It's important to weigh the potential benefits of a Mommy Makeover against the risks and recovery time involved. A consultation with Dr. Landon can help you make an informed decision about whether this surgery is right for you.
When considering a mommy makeover Tampa candidates that come to us are in good physical and psychological health and do 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.
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.
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.
Some Mommy Makeover 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Mommy Makeover procedures.
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.
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.
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.
Mommy Makeovers are designed to provide long-lasting improvements to your physique. The results of your surgery can help you enjoy a more toned and youthful appearance for years to come. However, it's important to remember that everyone heals differently and ages naturally. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise is essential to preserving your results.
The specific results you can expect from a Mommy Makeover will vary depending on your unique goals and body type. During your consultation with Dr. Landon, he will discuss your desired outcome and explain what can be realistically achieved through surgery. Having realistic expectations is important for ensuring your satisfaction with the final results.
The total cost of a Mommy Makeover will vary depending on the specific procedures included in your personalized treatment plan. During your consultation, Dr. Landon will discuss the cost of your surgery in detail. Our practice may also offer financing options to help make this procedure more affordable.
The first step to exploring Mommy Makeover surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Landon. During this consultation, you can discuss your goals and concerns, and Dr. Landon will be able to provide you with a personalized quote for your surgery.
Many plastic surgery practices, including Landon Plastic Surgery, offer financing options for Mommy Makeovers. This can help make the procedure more affordable by spreading out the cost into monthly payments. During your consultation, you can discuss financing options with the staff to see if this is a good fit for you.
There are some non-surgical options that can address some of the concerns targeted by a Mommy Makeover. These might include laser treatments for skin tightening, body contouring with devices like CoolSculpting, or injectable fillers for volume loss. However, non-surgical treatments typically provide more subtle results compared to surgery. A consultation with Dr. Landon can help you determine if non-surgical options are right for you or if surgery is necessary to achieve your desired outcome.
It's recommended to wear loose-fitting clothing that allows Dr. Landon to easily examine the areas you'd like addressed during your consultation. This could be a comfortable two-piece outfit or a loose dress.
You can take steps to prepare for your Mommy Makeover surgery and optimize your recovery. These might include quitting smoking well in advance, maintaining a healthy diet, arranging for childcare, and helping with household tasks during your recovery period. Dr. Landon will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions to follow.
Mommy Makeover procedures will leave scars. However, Dr. Landon is highly skilled in minimizing scarring and placing incisions in inconspicuous locations.
Schedule a consultation with Landon Plastic Surgery today at one of our two convenient Tampa area locations to learn how Dr. Landon can help you achieve your body goals.