There are certain temporary changes you must prepare for when you learn you’re pregnant, such as a large belly and enlarged breasts. But many women aren’t prepared for the permanent changes to their figure that can come with pregnancy, like a loose and saggy tummy and deflated breasts. What makes these changes even more difficult is that there’s not much you can do on your own to address them.
At Somenek+PittmanMD, we offer a way for mothers to restore the beautiful appearance of their bodies and comfort with their appearance: our mommy makeover surgery in Washington, DC. Performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Troy Pittman, this amazing body sculpting package caters to your unique needs.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
A Washington, DC, mommy makeover is a combination of surgical procedures designed to restore the appearance of the areas of the body that have been changed by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some of the main areas heavily affected by pregnancy include the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs, and flanks.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Pittman will listen to your reasons for pursuing a mommy makeover and learn which specific aesthetic issues you want to address through surgery. He’ll examine the areas of your body you are unhappy with and identify any other areas that may require care. Dr. Pittman will then use that information to determine your surgical package.
It’s important to understand that this isn’t a “cookie-cutter” surgery. The cornerstone of our practice is couture care, where each surgical plan is tailor-made.
Procedures that are commonly performed as part of a mommy makeover package include the following:
- Breast augmentation: This surgical procedure involves using implants or fat transfer to increase the size and enhance the shape of the breasts. It can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.
- Breast lift: A breast lift involves removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue to raise and firm the breasts, correcting drooping and improving contour without necessarily changing the overall size.
- Tummy tuck: This surgery removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal wall muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile.
- Liposuction: Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body using a suction technique, helping to contour and reshape areas like the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, arms, and neck.
- BodyTite: BodyTite is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production while also contouring the body by removing unwanted fat.
Non-Surgical Options
In addition to body and breast surgeries, you could include other rejuvenation procedures in your mommy makeover. Though the results are less dramatic than those of surgical options, there will still be a noticeable enhancement without the extended downtime. Here are some of the minimally invasive options you could add to your mommy makeover:
- Dermal Fillers: These injectable treatments can help restore volume to areas like the cheeks and lips, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and provide a more youthful facial contour.
- Cellulite Reduction: There are several non-surgical techniques to reduce cellulite, such as laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments, and massage-based therapies.
- Skin Tightening Treatments: Non-surgical skin tightening procedures utilize modalities like ultrasound, radiofrequency, or infrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen production, leading to firmer and smoother skin over time. These treatments are commonly used on the face, neck, and body.
- Skin Resurfacing Treatments: These include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing that remove the outer layers of skin to promote new skin growth with improved surface texture and appearance. They can address issues like fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and mild scarring.
- Non-Surgical Fat Reduction: Techniques such as CoolSculpting or laser fat reduction target and destroy fat cells in specific areas like the abdomen, thighs, and arms. The body then naturally eliminates these cells, resulting in subtle fat loss and contouring without surgery.
What to Expect During Your Mommy Makeover Procedure
A mommy makeover is a highly personalized set of procedures tailored to the specific goals and physical circumstances of each patient. Understanding the process can help alleviate anxiety and prepare you for the journey to reclaiming your pre-pregnancy body. Here's an in-depth look at what you can expect during your mommy makeover procedure:
Consultation and Planning
The process begins with a comprehensive consultation where you discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns with Dr. Pittman. This is your opportunity to be open and honest about your expectations.
Following this, Dr. Pittman will conduct a physical examination to assess skin quality, muscle tone, and overall body structure, which aids in crafting a customized surgical plan. This plan may include procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction, along with any beneficial non-surgical treatments. He’ll also give you detailed pre-operative instructions for a safe procedure and optimal recovery.
Day of the Procedure
Here’s what you’ll experience when it’s time to have your surgery:
- Arrival: On the day of surgery, arrive at the hospital or surgical center at the scheduled time. It is important to have someone with you who can drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night post-surgery.
- Preparation: You will be prepped for surgery, which includes changing into surgical attire and undergoing basic pre-operative procedures, such as an IV line setup for fluid and medication administration.
- Anesthesia: We’ll use general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. The anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs continuously to ensure your safety.
- The Surgery: The duration of the surgery depends on the specific procedures involved. It can last anywhere from three to seven hours. Dr. Pittman will perform the discussed procedures, focusing on precision and the agreed-upon aesthetic goals.
Immediate Post-Operative Phase
After surgery, you can expect the following:
- Recovery Room: After the surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room where nurses will monitor your recovery from anesthesia and initial post-operative condition. You will likely feel groggy and tired, and you may have drains in place to prevent fluid accumulation in the surgical sites.
- Pain Management: We’ll give you pain relief options to manage discomfort. It's important to communicate your pain levels effectively to adjust medications accordingly.
- First Few Hours: You will gradually regain awareness and, under supervision, begin to drink liquids and take light food.
Some patients may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two, especially if their surgery is extensive. However, those who undergo outpatient procedures might be allowed to return home on the same day.
Recovering After a Mommy Makeover
Recovery and follow-up care after a mommy makeover can vary depending on the complexity and extent of the procedures performed.
After the surgery, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing process. Additionally, you may be required to wear special post-surgery garments that support the treated areas and help minimize swelling.
Expect to be in recovery for as long as your most extensive procedure requires. In most cases, a tummy tuck is the most extensive surgery a patient undergoes, which requires around eight weeks of recovery. During this time, it's important to follow Dr. Pittman’s advice on lifestyle, including avoiding strenuous activities and ensuring proper wound care.
You’ll also want to make sure you have someone to help you with child care while you recover. Most surgeries restrict lifting and physical movements during recovery, which could impact childcare. It is best to plan a mommy makeover when help is available.
Similarly, mommy makeover results will be finalized at different times depending on what surgeries you have. Most patients fully recover and return to wearing swimsuits after three months of recovery.
Other Benefits of a Mommy Makeover
In addition to deflated breasts and sagging stomachs, a local mommy makeover could improve several other cosmetic concerns a mother may have. The surgeries for the breasts could improve breast symmetry and repair enlarged or stretched areolas and nipples. Furthermore, the surgeries could restore breast volume and reduce sagging to rejuvenate the chest’s appearance.
This procedure can also reduce fat that’s been resistant to diet and exercise. Many women find that swimsuits and clothing fit much better after these procedures.
Why Choose Somenek+PittmanMD – Advanced Plastic Surgery?
Choosing Somenek+PittmanMD for your plastic surgery needs means opting for a premier experience in one of Washington, DC’s most prestigious practices. Dr. Troy A. Pittman, MD, FACS, is renowned for his expertise in breast and body aesthetics, particularly specializing in mommy makeover-related procedures.
Dr. Pittman has been recognized as the Face of Cosmetic Breast Surgery by Washingtonian for six consecutive years (2019-2024) and named one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons by the Consumer’s Research Council of America for nine consecutive years. Dr. Pittman has received the Compassionate Doctor Recognition and the Patients’ Choice Award for six consecutive years, highlighting his dedication to patient care and attention to detail.
Dr. Pittman and Dr. Somenek, a leading expert in facial aesthetics, provide a holistic approach to cosmetic surgery. Their practice stands out not only for its cutting-edge surgical techniques and outstanding results but also for its unwavering commitment to patient satisfaction and safety.
Our practice’s philosophy of “couture care” ensures that each surgical plan is custom-designed to meet the specific desires and anatomical needs of the patient. We aim to promote natural-looking results that enhance both appearance and confidence.
Watch Dr. Pittman discuss Mommy Makeover on Good Morning Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Mommy Makeover Right for Me?
Deciding to get a mommy makeover is a personal decision. If your pregnancy has left you feeling unhappy with the appearance of your body, you are a good candidate for a mommy makeover. If your abdomen has sagging skin and pockets of stubborn fat, or if you’re suffering from diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy), a tummy tuck may be necessary, but perhaps not the full mommy makeover.
Loose skin and excess fat can also be a problem in areas like your upper arms, flanks, and thighs. These issues can be addressed by including BodyTite treatments in your mommy makeover.
It is important to note that you should not undergo a mommy makeover if you plan on having more children after your procedure. Becoming pregnant can negatively affect your results and can make additional surgery necessary. The same issues may occur if you gain or lose significant weight gain after your procedure, so it is important that you’re at your goal weight and are able to maintain it.
Is the Mommy Makeover Done All at One Time?
In most cases, we perform the procedures at one time. During your consultation, Dr. Pittman will listen to your goals and will recommend the techniques that can help you achieve them with as little disruption to your life as possible.
How Should I Manage Pain and Discomfort After Surgery?
You’ll be able to manage pain and discomfort with prescribed pain medications and, in some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers. FollowDr. Pittman’s instructions on rest, ice application, and the use of compression garments to help with discomfort and swelling.
Can I Have More Kids After My Mommy Makeover?
Medically speaking, you can still have children after your mommy makeover, but it is not preferred nor recommended. We generally encourage patients to hold off on scheduling their makeover until they have completed their families.
How Can I Best Prepare for My Mommy Makeover Surgery?
If you are already in good health, do not smoke, and are at your ideal weight, you may have little to do to prepare for your mommy makeover. You will want to think about your body’s capacity to heal as well as your schedule so you can plan ahead.
We want your surgical experience to go as smoothly as possible, so we’ll be thorough in our medical history review and pre-treatment recommendations. If you follow your pre-surgical instructions, you can expect to have a safe, smooth, rewarding procedure.
For scheduling, you need to arrange at least two to three weeks off work and other responsibilities. This includes housework, childcare, cooking, pet care, and the many “little” things you take care of as a mother. So that you may heal efficiently and without stress, you need a strong support system of friends and loved ones who can pick up the slack for a short time. With these aspects of your journey in mind, you can determine the best steps to ensure you are fully prepared well in advance of your body contouring surgery.
When Can I Return to Normal Activities After a Mommy Makeover?
Your return to normal activities will occur in stages. You might be able to return to work after one to two weeks if your surgical process includes just a few minor adjustments. If your transformation is more extensive and includes abdominoplasty, you may need up to three weeks off work.
You’ll be up and walking on the day of surgery, and although you’ll be slightly bent forward for a few weeks, you’ll need to walk every day. Your ability to stand and cook, do dishes, and resume normal household chores will gradually occur after a week or two. You can typically start to exercise and engage in more strenuous activities six to eight weeks after surgery.
Does Mommy Makeover Surgery Leave Any Scarring?
All surgical procedures incur scars where there are incisions. For your mommy makeover, you can trust that we’ll minimize the length of each incision as much as possible. It can take several months for your post-surgical scars to fully mature and start to fade.
To facilitate proper healing, follow our aftercare instructions. Once your incisions are closed completely, you can discuss beneficial scar treatments. Common options include scar creams, silicone sheets, and professional treatments. During your final post-op visit, we can discuss your scar healing and how to maximize tissue recovery.
Is There an Ideal Time for a Mommy Makeover?
Deciding when the best time to get a mommy makeover is unique to each patient, but there are certain things to consider before moving forward. First, you should be fully recovered after childbirth, and to avoid reversing enhancements, you should be done having children. It’s best to have breast surgery once your breasts have returned to a stable size and shape several months after breastfeeding.
Non-surgical injectable treatments may not be best if you are still breastfeeding. You’ll also have physical limitations during recovery. You can’t lift any item over ten pounds for several weeks, which may interfere with childcare.
Ultimately, the best time to have this surgery depends on your personal preference, but you’ll want to consider the above factors.
What Are the Risks Associated With a Mommy Makeover?
The risks associated with a mommy makeover can include infection, bleeding, scarring, and complications from anesthesia. Each specific procedure carries its own risks, such as asymmetry in breast augmentation or lift, numbness or changes in sensation after a tummy tuck, and irregular contours or fluid accumulation with liposuction.
Can I Combine Non-Surgical Treatments With My Surgical Procedures?
Non-surgical treatments can often be combined with surgical procedures, depending on the patient's overall health and the specifics of the treatments planned. It's common to add dermal fillers, Botox, or skin resurfacing treatments either during the same operative session or as part of the overall treatment plan, scheduled at different times.
How Long Do the Results of a Mommy Makeover Last?
The results can be long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Changes due to aging and gravity will naturally occur over time, but the improvements from surgeries like tummy tucks and breast lifts typically endure for many years. Non-surgical treatments may require periodic maintenance sessions.
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Schedule a Consultation for a Mommy Makeover Surgery in Washington, DC
Motherhood is a wonderful experience, but some women are disappointed with how they look after childbirth and breastfeeding. Fortunately, Somenek+PittmanMD has an answer for you. If you want to feel good about the way your body looks, call 202-933-5934 to schedule a consultation for your mommy makeover surgery in Washington, DC. Our team is dedicated to providing outstanding personalized care and can help you achieve natural-looking results.
