What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is essentially a combined surgical procedure aimed at correcting issues in the breasts, abdomen, waist, and back, preferably in a single operation. This procedure is also known as torsoplasty. The term "mommy makeover" has become popular due to the physical changes that occur in these areas after childbirth. Additionally, significant weight gain and loss can also cause similar issues in these regions.
Why is it Better and Preferable to Perform These Procedures Together?
A person's body, particularly the breasts, abdomen, waist, back, and hips, form an aesthetic whole. While an issue may be isolated to a single area, problems in the breasts, abdomen, and waist typically coexist. Correcting only one of these areas may not bring complete satisfaction since issues in the other regions will still remain. When all these areas are addressed simultaneously, the patient can achieve their desired look in a single operation. Additionally, the breasts and abdomen are interrelated. Women who had a beautiful body shape before pregnancy often feel unhappy due to post-pregnancy deformities. Knowing that they can regain their pre-pregnancy appearance in one step is a significant source of happiness for many.
Who is a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
A tummy tuck procedure may be considered for individuals who experience sagging, stretch marks, and protrusion of the abdomen following childbirth or significant weight fluctuations. Similarly, breast aesthetic procedures may be recommended for those experiencing sagging due to excessive breast enlargement or shrinkage. Liposuction and similar procedures can be considered for individuals struggling with stubborn fat accumulation in the waist and back areas.
What Procedures Are Included in a Mommy Makeover?
The procedures included in a mommy makeover depend on the individual’s needs and concerns. If the breasts are too large and sagging, a breast reduction and lift can be performed. If there is sufficient breast tissue but sagging is present, a breast lift is done. If sagging is accompanied by loss of volume, implants may be used for augmentation. For abdominal sagging, looseness, and stretch marks, a full or mini tummy tuck is performed. If there is fat accumulation in the upper abdomen, waist, or back, liposuction is added. If there is volume loss and sagging in the buttocks, the harvested fat can be injected into the buttocks to perform a buttock augmentation.
What Should Be Considered Before Surgery?
As with most surgeries, smoking should be stopped 3-4 weeks before the procedure. Except for paracetamol, painkillers should be avoided. Blood-thinning medications should be discontinued at least one week before surgery. Additionally, foods that cause constipation should be avoided 4-5 days before surgery, and a fiber-rich diet should be adopted. Since breast surgery may also be performed, mammography and breast ultrasound evaluations should be conducted beforehand. For optimal results, the patient should be close to their ideal weight. High body mass index (BMI) increases both surgical and anesthesia-related risks and may make it difficult to achieve the best aesthetic outcome.
Is Anesthesia Required for This Surgery and How Long Does It Take?
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the number of surgeries performed. To minimize the risk of embolism, the surgery duration is carefully kept under 6 hours.
Is There Pain After the Surgery?
Due to strong painkillers administered during and after surgery, pain is usually minimal. Many patients report not feeling much discomfort, especially in the breasts. While tension and mild pain may be felt in the abdomen for the first few days, prescribed pain relievers are generally sufficient. The pain experienced is not as intense as a bone fracture.
What is the Post-Surgery Recovery Process Like?
At the end of the surgery, the incision lines are covered with waterproof yet breathable special dressings, and a compression garment is applied. A urinary catheter is placed, and drains are inserted into the surgical areas. Compression stockings are also worn. The patient is fed within four hours post-surgery and encouraged to walk shortly afterward. The next morning, the urinary catheter is removed, and if the drainage is minimal, the drains are also removed. If the patient can walk comfortably, they may be discharged. Generally, breast drains are removed the next day, while abdominal drains may remain for a few more days. Once the drains are removed, the patient can take a shower the next day. Since all sutures are placed under the skin and are absorbable, there is no need for suture removal or dressing changes.
When Can a Patient Return to Social Life and Feel Comfortable?
The patient can walk independently and take care of personal needs the day after surgery. However, even if they feel well, it is recommended to rest and avoid any strenuous activities for the first 3-4 days. Patients can sleep on their side the day after surgery. Most individuals can return to their daily lives and social activities within a week. Heavy lifting, carrying children, and strenuous activities should be avoided for the first month. Light exercises such as walking can be resumed after two weeks. More intense exercises like sit-ups, squats, or reformer Pilates should be postponed until at least six weeks after surgery. Ignoring these precautions may lead to bleeding and swelling in the surgical areas.
What Should the Diet Be Like After Surgery?
No strict diet is required for the first ten days, but gas-producing or constipating foods should be avoided. After one month, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding excessive weight gain, and engaging in exercise are recommended to ensure long-lasting results.
Are There Major Surgical Risks Involved?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia and the procedure itself. These include bleeding, infection, embolism (blood clot formation), wound dehiscence, delayed wound healing, swelling, and fluid accumulation. Therefore, preoperative evaluation is crucial, especially for patients with uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension. Patients with excessive weight should be advised to lose weight beforehand. Blood sugar and blood pressure must be well managed before proceeding with surgery.
Are the Results of This Surgery Permanent?
This procedure is a body contouring surgery, and since excess tissues are removed, the results are generally permanent. However, patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid excessive food and alcohol consumption to preserve their results.
Can Pregnancy Occur After This Surgery?
Yes, there is no medical restriction against pregnancy after this surgery. However, pregnancy can lead to new sagging in the abdomen and breasts, so it is not ideal. The human skin is quite elastic, so it can gradually expand under pressure and accommodate pregnancy. If necessary, a repeat surgery can be performed after childbirth to restore the previous aesthetic outcome.
What Are the Advantages of This Surgery?
Since all concerns in the abdomen, breasts, waist, and back are addressed holistically, the patient can achieve their desired body shape in a single operation. The post-surgery recovery period is only experienced once, and patients undergo a single surgical process to resolve all their aesthetic concerns at once.
Op. Dr. Nazlı TOSUN
Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist
