Everything You Want to Know About Mommy Makeovers

Dr. Elan Reisin from Star Plastic Surgery in Novi tells SEEN everything you want to know but are too afraid to ask about mommy makeovers.

By Cassie Kunze

Photography by Sacred Overstreet-Amos

Sponsored by Star Plastic Surgery

We get it, plastic surgery can be an uncomfortable topic. So, SEEN spoke with Dr. Elan Reisin from Star Plastic Surgery to find out everything you want to know about “mommy makeovers” but are too afraid to ask.

What is included in a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is a general term that comprises cosmetic surgery of the abdomen and breast after changes from weight gain and loss, or pregnancy. A surgical plan is created based on the patient’s needs. The breasts may need an augmentation alone, augmentation with a lift, a lift alone or a reduction. The abdomen may need liposuction alone or liposuction of the flanks with abdominoplasty. Additional procedures may be added.

Will my body be the same as my pre-baby body after the makeover?

Our goal is to re-establish your pre-baby body; however, our expectation is that you will look even better than you have ever looked before.

Who should get a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is indicated when diet and exercise will not be able to re-establish your pre-baby body. Restoration to pre-baby shape and form is impossible without surgery for skin laxity (looseness of the abdominal skin), rectus diastasis (stretching of the abdominal muscle), breast ptosis (breast sagging), loss of breast volume breast asymmetry (uneven breast) from breastfeeding.

When should I get the makeover?

Whenever you feel ready for a change, you should see a board-certified plastic surgeon to talk about your options. Surgery of the breasts can be performed six months after the cessation of breastfeeding, and surgery of the abdomen can be performed six months after giving birth. A thorough exam is important to confirm when the tissue is appropriate to tolerate surgery.

Should I wait to get the makeover until I’m done having kids?

A mommy makeover can be done if you are planning on having more children. However, future pregnancies may cause new tissue to change, which may result in the need for touch-up surgery. If you know you’re having more children, the surgeon can adjust the surgical plan so it will not burn bridges for a future mommy makeover.

Will it affect future pregnancies if I decide to have more children?

A mommy makeover should not affect future pregnancies; however, leaving a mark. We position the incisions strategically to give you the best scar possible and recommend scar products to improve the appearance of your incision. Liposuction requires small 3 to 4 mm incisions, while an abdominoplasty requires an incision below the bikini line from anterior hip to hip. A breast augmentation requires a 4 cm incision along the inferior areolar margin or under the breast in the fold, while a breast lift may require a periareolar incision, lollipop incision or anchor incision depending on the amount of laxity of the breast.

How long is recovery from a mommy makeover?

Recovery depends on the executed surgical plan and should be discussed with your doctor. I typically tell patients it will take seven to 14 days to return to a sedentary job, and two to three weeks for a more active job that doesn’t require heavy lifting. I allow patients to walk on a treadmill at two weeks, do light resistance exercise at four weeks and squats and core exercises at six weeks.

Will I have any scars after the makeover?

It is impossible to make an incision in the skin without leaving a mark. We position the incisions strategically to give you the best scar possible and recommend scar products to improve the appearance of your incision. Liposuction requires small 3 to 4 mm incisions, while an abdominoplasty requires an incision below the bikini line from anterior hip to hip. A breast augmentation requires a 4 cm incision along the inferior areolar margin or under the breast in the fold, while a breast lift may require a periareolar incision, lollipop incision or anchor incision depending on the amount of laxity of the breast.

How much does it cost?

Can I make payments?Mommy makeovers can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 all inclusive. We offer multiple financing options.

Are results immediate?

Depending on the procedure, you will see some changes right away. However, there is a healing period during which swelling and bruising resolve. Results get better and better as time goes by. Future pregnancies can alter results of your previous surgery.

Star Plastic Surgery

44050 West 12 Mile Road, Novi

248-735-3800

mystardr.com

Mention ‘SEEN’ at Star Plastic Surgery in Novi to get $2,000 off your mommy makeover.