A mommy makeover is the term used for a package of procedures that women may wish to undergo following pregnancy. When combined into one procedure, they restore and rejuvenate the face, body and self-esteem of women who have delivered children (as an experienced mommy makeover surgeon in Hawaii who has performed this procedure on countless women, I can’t think of a group more deserving; for Heaven’s sake, they are our mothers!).
The mommy makeover has five basic elements, which we will address here. But first, let’s be clear: Not every cosmetic surgeon is qualified to be a mommy makeover surgeon. While many talented surgeons can perform these elements separately, few can effectively combine them into the mommy makeover procedure because the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. At Oahu Plastic Surgery Center, you can benefit from a Honolulu mommy makeover surgeon who knows how to put the following procedures together:
Tummy tuck surgery. This procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, is the primary component of any mommy makeover. It includes repair of separated abdominal muscles, improvement of the appearance of the belly button, elimination of some excess fat and the removal of stretch marks.
Breast enhancement. This may include breast lift surgery, breast augmentation or some combination of the two. In some rare instances, my Honolulu mommy makeover patients have requested breast reduction.
Liposuction. A woman’s post pregnancy body often develops fatty deposits in areas one never anticipated and often, these are very difficult to get rid of without surgery. As a Hawaii mommy makeover surgeon, I can eliminate those unwanted fat deposits to help patients enjoy slimmer figures.
Labiaplasty. Some women opt to include this vaginal component of the mommy makeover. Pregnancy and the delivery process often stretch out and deform the internal labia (labia minora), and always dilates (opens up) the vaginal opening (introitus). Labiaplasty can reverse both of these effects.
Mask of pregnancy treatment. Following pregnancy, some women are predisposed to develop hyperpigmentation of the face (Malasma). This is thought to be secondary to the interaction of pregnancy hormones or sometimes, birth control pills, and the individual skin type. And, as I tell my Honolulu mommy makeover patients, this hyperpigmentation is often exacerbated by our constant exposure to the sun here in Hawaii.
What does pregnancy do to a young woman’s body?
- The skin of the abdomen gets stretched out. The skin itself often has stretch marks on it. The abdominal muscles, which normally go straight up and down the abdomen, now become separated, allowing one’s bowels to come forward and cause a pooch. Since all the skin of the abdomen is stretched out, the vulva tends to move downward which leads, at times, to urinary track incontinence – you laugh, you pee, you cough, you pee
- Breasts either shrink up or stretch out
- Pregnancy often deposits fat in unusual places that never were fat prior to the pregnancy
- The internal labia of the vagina often gets stretched out as does the vaginal opening
- Melasma (the mask of pregnancy) often develops in various locations on a woman’s face after delivering children.
Who Is a Candidate for the Mommy Makeover?
Many women who have experienced one or more pregnancies and who are dissatisfied with the changes pregnancy has brought to the face, body and self-esteem may be candidates for part or all of the mommy makeover. However, it is often recommended that women postpone tummy tuck surgery until they have completed all childbearing. Women who are thrilled with their new babies are not always thrilled with the changes in their bodies and faces. One of my patients told me her reason for doing the mommy makeover was not to attain perfection, but to attain freedom from debilitating insecurities – and this captures the essence of the procedure perfectly.
Absolutely wonderful experience! Dr Schlesinger and his staff provided the best care throughout my entire procedure. The post op care was outstanding! I have my pre-baby body back as well as my confidence. My stomach is flat and I have the most perfect belly button now, best of all....no more stretch marks!
Selecting a Mommy Makeover Surgeon in Hawaii
A mommy makeover surgeon should be a board certified plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). He or she should be experienced in all five areas of the mommy makeover. Your surgeon should be knowledgeable, experienced, a good listener, someone with technical skill but also artistry – and most important, caring. Caring means that your surgeon wants you to be happy with the surgical results and has a personal need to do his or her best in every surgery on every patient.
It is also highly recommended that your surgeon should be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and/or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Finally, he or she should show you before and after mommy makeover pictures of his or her work. Here, as in most aspects of life, you have to go with your gut feelings.
To discuss undergoing a mommy makeover in Hawaii, contact Oahu Plastic Surgery Center today to schedule an initial consultation at our office in Honolulu. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS will be glad to speak with potential Oahu mommy makeover patients during that time.
