Tummy Tuck as a Foundation to Mommy Makeover

Tummy tuck is the surgical procedure at the center of nearly every mommy makeover. The reason for that is not surprising: It is the abdomen that undergoes the greatest transformation during a pregnancy, as skin, muscles and internal organs strain to accommodate the incredible growth that occurs from conception to birth.

Here, experienced San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Chacon reviews the basics of mommy makeover, as well as key variables to consider as you schedule your surgery.

Pressure and Volume

During pregnancy, a woman’s body takes on an average 25 to 35 extra pounds, much of it in the hips, thighs, breasts, buttocks and abdomen. Abdominal muscles expand and sometimes separate. If separation occurs, the stomach can develop a bulge that is largely resistant to diet and exercise.

This expansion also affects the skin, creating abdominal stretch marks. With breasts, eventual weight loss can have the opposite effect, creating a sagging profile that is sometimes referred to as a “pancake” look.

Customized Contouring

Mommy makeover is the broad term for a group of customized body contouring surgeries that target these prenatal changes to a woman’s body. The customization aspect is important, because every woman has her own set of needs and expectations, and relies on her plastic surgeon to achieve very specific results.

For mommy makeover, women typically choose two or more of the following procedures: tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift and sometimes breast augmentation. Tummy tuck repairs the breach in the abdominal wall and restores muscle integrity. Liposuction targets stubborn pockets of fat. Breast lift restores a youthful profile to breasts that have just experienced wide fluctuations in volume.

Timing Your Procedure

The key to timing your mommy makeover is patience, allowing your body time to recover after pregnancy. It is recommended that women wait six months or more after giving birth to see how much healing will occur naturally. During this time, your skin, muscles and uterus may begin to return to a normal size and consistency.

With a few exceptions, it is also recommended that women wait until after their final pregnancy before undergoing mommy makeover. Pregnancy can undo the results of an earlier tummy tuck or other mommy makeover procedure. With a new pregnancy, the muscles that were repaired can separate once again, and the tightened skin can loosen.

To learn more about tummy tuck and mommy makeover, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Carlos Chacon at his San Diego-area office in Bonita by contacting Divino Plastic Surgery today.