Art in Form
Understanding Tummy Tuck Surgery
Pregnancy and childbirth are beautiful, life-altering events. And while the joys of having a baby are welcomed, the body contour changes are often not. There’s no denying that pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations do a number on a woman’s physique, and these adjustments are not easily remedied through diet and exercise.
Mommy Makeover surgery is a collective term for a combination of breast and body contouring surgeries that target the areas most affected by pregnancy and weight loss. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Kim performs Mommy Makeover surgery for women in Denver, Colorado.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
The term “Mommy Makeover” was coined to describe a tailored combination of cosmetic surgeries that target the breasts, abdomen, and midsection — the areas most changed by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. However, these areas are also impacted by significant weight loss, making the “mommy” part of the title less of a requirement. In fact, this surgery can be chosen by any woman who wants to revamp their physique!
This is a comprehensive procedure that takes several hours to perform. Some extensive Mommy Makeovers may need to be split into two separate surgeries.
Why Choose a Mommy Makeover?
Women experience significant changes as they go through life. A Mommy Makeover can address the following:
- Sagging, deflated breasts
- Loose abdominal skin
- Stomach “pooch” due to excess fat or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Diet and exercise-resistant fat pockets in the midsection, thighs, or back
- Confidence and self-esteem issues that stem from body contour changes
Before
After
Before
After
What Are My Mommy Makeover Options?
Breast Augmentation
Pregnancy and weight loss often result in volume deflation. Breast augmentation is performed to increase the size and fullness of post-pregnancy or post-weight loss breasts. This is usually done using saline or silicone implants; however, some women looking for subtle increases (or simply a better shape) can undergo natural breast augmentation using fat grafting.
Breast Lift
The rapid increase in breast size during pregnancy, the stress of breastfeeding, and the subsequent decrease in volume following childbirth often leave women with sagging, drooping breasts that cannot be corrected with an implant. Breast lift surgery raises sagging breasts by tightening internal tissues and eliminating excess skin. This procedure can also reduce the size of stretched areolas and reposition the nipples to a more central area on the breast.
Breast Reduction
While many women lose breast volume after pregnancy, others gain it. Breast reduction is the answer for women who wish to decrease the size and weight of their breasts. This surgery is performed alongside a breast lift to eliminate unwanted tissue (glandular tissue and fat) and create better-proportioned breasts.
Tummy Tuck
The abdomen undoubtedly changes during pregnancy as the uterus expands and then quickly contracts. Many women develop loose skin, excess fat pockets, and weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). These conditions can all be solved with a tummy tuck. Tummy tuck surgery makes an incision across the lower abdomen to tighten tissues and muscles, remove localized fat pockets, and trim stretched skin.
Liposuction
Women tend to develop fat in entirely new places during pregnancy, and these areas are often challenging to treat with a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction targets localized fat pockets that remain following pregnancy or weight loss. This minimally invasive surgery requires small incisions through which a cannula suctions away unwanted fat cells. Liposuction can be performed in nearly any area of the body, including the hips, waist, thighs, arms, back, chest, knees, and more.
Am I a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
Women considering a Mommy Makeover should be:
- In good overall health
- Free of medical-related complications that can complicate the process or impair healing
- Fairly sure they will not become pregnant again
- Finished breastfeeding
- Realistic in their expectations
- Those wanting the surgery for themselves and not to please someone else
everything is under one roof
How Is a Mommy Makeover Performed?
The Mommy Makeover is often an outpatient procedure. This is a customizable operation, and every Mommy Makeover is unique. That being said, you can anticipate the following:
- You will have a final opportunity to discuss your Colorado plastic surgery with Dr. Kim and ask any remaining questions.
- Incisions will be marked on your breasts, abdomen, and any other areas being operated on.
- You will be given general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and safe. Your vitals will be monitored consistently by our board-certified anesthesiologist.
- Dr. Kim will work on one area at a time before moving to the next.
- Dr. Kim will perform each individual surgery based on the techniques used for that particular procedure.
- Incisions will be closed with sutures or skin adhesives.
- You will be taken to a recovery area, where you will be monitored for several hours.
Our patients are patients for life. We love to hear their stories.
Read Testimonials“Dr Kim and his staff was amazing throughout the whole process! They really took good care of me. My results are amazing. I have so much more confidence now thanks to dr Kim! Thank you!”
Cathy M.
Google Review“This was my first ever surgery, so I was obviously very nervous. However, the whole team was absolutely amazing in making me feel comfortable and eased my nerves. I’m one month post and I’m so happy with my results!”
K. S.
Google Review“I had the most amazing experience with Dr. Geoffrey Kim and his team. From the front desk , to the operating everyone on board for your surgery is there for you every step of the way .”
Angela T.
Google Review“Wonderful experience, I did breast augmentation. Dr. Kim did amazing and he listened to my wants and needs. Litzy the medical assistant was also amazing with any questions and with caring for your needs. and their anesthesiologist made me feel so comfortable and relaxed.”
Johanna L.
Google Review
What Will My Mommy Makeover Recovery Be Like?
Following your surgery, you will be bruised, swollen, tender, and somewhat uncomfortable. Any discomfort can be alleviated with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications. Additionally, you may be given antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Your surgical sites will be bandaged and dressed, and you will likely have compression garments around your breasts and abdomen. These garments will help to reduce swelling, promote circulation, and protect the incisions. You should wear these around the clock for the instructed period, usually six weeks or longer.
Most women require at least one week off from work and normal activities. Strenuous exercise and movement must be avoided for at least six to eight weeks or until cleared by Dr. Kim. If you have young children at home, you will need to ensure you have help around the house.
When Will I See My Mommy Makeover Results?
Your initial results will be visible immediately; however, they will be masked by the bruising and swelling. While your results will improve significantly over the following six weeks, it may take up to six months or longer for your final results to show.
While the results of your Mommy Makeover are long lasting, they require maintenance. No plastic surgery can prevent additional weight gain or stop the aging process. Be sure to maintain a stable weight, eat a healthy diet, and follow healthy lifestyle tips. Additionally, future pregnancies will impact or negate your Mommy Makeover results.
Schedule a ConsultationHave More Questions About the Mommy Makeover?
How much is a Mommy Makeover in Denver, CO?
Because this is a personalized procedure, there is no set price for a Mommy Makeover. The total cost for your procedure depends on the surgeries selected, the extent of those surgeries, and additional fees like anesthesia, facility, and surgeon’s fees. Because you are undergoing these procedures simultaneously, you will save on the anesthesia and facilities fees.
You will receive an accurate cost estimate during your consultation, and financing options are available.
Do I need to undergo all the “traditional” Mommy Makeover techniques?
The beauty of the Mommy Makeover is that it is tailored to your needs. While some women undergo all of the “traditional” procedures listed above, others do not need to. Some women undergo just a breast augmentation and liposuction; others choose a tummy tuck and breast lift. The choice is yours.
How should I prepare for my Mommy Makeover?
Before your Mommy Makeover, you may be asked to:
- Get a blood test
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can increase bleeding
What happens if I get pregnant after a Mommy Makeover?
We suggest postponing your Mommy Makeover until you are reasonably sure you will not get pregnant; however, this recommendation is simply for cosmetic reasons. This surgery will not affect the health of your pregnancy in any way. Another pregnancy will simply impact the quality of your results.
Is a Mommy Makeover safe?
Advancements in surgical techniques have made plastic surgery very safe; however, surgical risks remain. This includes but is not limited to the following:
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor wound healing
- Seroma
- Implant complications (for breast augmentation)
- Blood clots
- Prolonged pain
- Changes in skin sensation
Want to Learn More About a Mommy Makeover With Dr. Kim?
For more information about Mommy Makeover surgery in Denver, Colorado, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim, call our offices at (303) 741-3131 or complete our online contact form.