THE MOMMY MAKEOVER

Within the past decade, a term has been invented to describe a very complex set of surgical procedures. This term, mommy makeover doesn’t really do justice to the complexity of the surgical procedures necessary to attempt to reclaim the changes created by multiple pregnancies.

These changes occur also in patients who have had massive weight transformations. This term “mommy makeover” doesn’t really do justice to the knowledge, experience, skill training and talent required of the surgeon to reclaim that prepregnancy or more streamlined body after weight loss.

Starting at the top, the breasts especially if the mother has breast-fed will show definite changes in size and shape. Redesigning and reclaiming, and possibly even exceeding the pre-pregnancy condition of these breasts requires a level of training, vision, and artistry best occurring in the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon. Personally I have performed thousands of these cases and find it very fulfilling and rewarding.

The attractive breast has very identifiable mathematical dimensions. However, the plastic surgeon must be able to envision what would be the most attractive breasts on this particular patient. For example, a 100 petite woman would not do well with 600 ml implants. Furthermore, this young petite mom who most likely has had areolar expansion from breast-feeding will look more aesthetic with areola half that size or perhaps no more than 45 mm in diameter. Often times breast-feeding can elongate the nipple. A nipple reduction procedure may be required.

The abdomen, through its stretching of multiple pregnancies, carried to term will also sustain stretching and resultant laxity or hanging of the loose skin below the belly button. The amount of excess can be variable from minor to profoundly excessive. All the exercising in the world will not tighten and flatten this abdomen. Furthermore, the abdominal musculature will be stretched and loose and will be tightened during the operation. This muscle tightening, along with the removal of the excess skin, will produce a flat abdomen with greater shape.

This transformation requires a great degree of expertise on the part of the surgeon. Also, I recommend that the procedure be performed in an outpatient facility adjacent to a hospital. Only in this facility will the patient receive consistently the highest level of expertise and experienced adjunctive personnel. Furthermore, the costs involved including the fee for the highly talented, experienced and well-trained surgeon will be significant. In addition to the cost for a surgeon, a well-trained anesthesia provider must be compensated in as well as the facility nurses and support staff.

The recovery nurse is essential to the team and the safety of the patient. Costs for combo procedures can start at $25,000 and go up depending on the complexity of the case as well as what specific procedures are performed. Keep in mind that this is a self-pay situation most likely not covered by any insurance.

THOMAS P. TREVISANI MD

BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

MEMBER  OF THE AESTHETIC SOCIETY