Mommy Makeover in Washington D.C.
Many of our patients that visit our practice in Washington, D.C. that are considering a Mommy Makeover want a personal transformation to address unwanted physical changes after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Our Mommy Makeover patients span a lot of age groups, but they share a common goal of wanting to reclaim confidence in their bodies.
It’s simply a term that refers to a specialized combination of body contouring procedures, performed together to improve the physical changes that linger long after pregnancy. A Mommy Makeover has no set components; each procedure is custom-tailored to fit the individual patient's unique needs. However, the surgical approach generally starts with a breast and abdomen contouring procedure, then adding additional elements as needed, like vaginal rejuvenation.
Motherhood is perhaps an obvious prerequisite, but the procedure — combining cosmetic breast surgery with body contouring procedures — can benefit patients who haven’t been pregnant. This is because many of the same changes seen after having children, such as lost breast volume and sagging abdominal skin, can also occur as you age. A Mommy Makeover can reshape your breasts and restore their volume, and create a flatter tummy. A good candidate is in good overall health and is unsatisfied with the appearance of her body. Many of our patients say they want to feel comfortable wearing tight clothes or bikinis.
Some women suffer from diastasis recti (separation of the 6-pack muscles) after pregnancy which is almost impossible to repair without surgery. It's a common occurrence after pregnancies when the abdomen has to expand to accommodate pregnancy. Because the tissue between the muscles has been permanently stretched, no amount of exercise will restore the shape of the abdomen. The separation can make a person's belly stick out or bulge. During a Tummy Tuck, the muscles of the abdomen are tightening while also removing excess skin and fat for more comprehensive aesthetic rejuvenation. This results in a smoother, flatter, and more toned abdomen.
Diastasis recti presents in a variety of different ways and this is a particularly severe case. The patient also had an umbilical hernia after having two children. She had a Mommy Makeover which consisted of a Tummy Tuck with Liposuction & a Breast Implant Exchange. The patient is many years postpartum.
1 of 12
We’re as thrilled with our patients’ results as they are. Check out our before-and-after photo gallery and see for yourself the kind of work our talented surgeons do.
Discussing aesthetic concerns about your body is very personal. Our surgeons strive to help patients feel relaxed during the consultation. Establishing a patient-surgeon relationship based on trust and honesty is one of the keys to getting results that meet and exceed his patients’ expectations.
During the consultation, your surgeon asks about your specific cosmetic goals and he performs a thorough physical exam. This is a great time for you to ask questions about the procedures involved in a Mommy Makeover.
Your surgeon and their team will do several things during your visit:
You will be asked to provide the following:
The cost of a Mommy Makeover starts at around $18,500. The price will vary depending on the extent of treatment necessary to deliver your desired results.
During your consultation, our surgeons will assess your cosmetic goals and develop a treatment plan tailored to meet them. The starting price is provided for your convenience, and it is important to note that it does not encompass facility or anesthesia fees. The comprehensive cost, inclusive of all potential fees, will be confirmed during your visit.
We also offer financing options, including CareCredit® and Alphaeon®, to help you with the cost of your cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Ruff, Dr. Arsalan, and our team of surgeons create a customized surgical plan for your Mommy Makeover based on the concerns you describe during your consultation and physical examination.
The most common procedures involved in a Mommy Makeover include breast augmentation (with or without a breast lift), a tummy tuck, and liposuction. Many patients are also now asking about having surgical or nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation (using ThermiVa®) as part of a Mommy Makeover.
Women who breastfeed often want breast implants to restore the lost breast volume. In many cases, implants can create the perky, more youthful breast shape desired. When breast sagging is significant, though, the best approach is likely to combine a breast lift with augmentation. Dr. Ruff and Dr. Arsalan expertise in cosmetic breast surgery helps patients make the decisions associated with the procedure.
Silicone gel implants are chosen by most patients because they tend to look and feel more like natural breast tissue. Both silicone gel and saline implants are safe, and the choice is primarily based on patient preference.
Dr. Ruff, Dr. Arsalan, or your surgeon customizes each procedure based on the preferred incision location. Incisions can be made at the base of the breast (inframammary incision), on the lower edge of the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit area (transaxillary). He explains the benefits and limitations of each choice to help you make a decision.
During the procedure, your surgeon creates small pockets where he inserts the implants. Those pockets can be either above or under the pectoral muscles, and you’ll discuss which one is your best option during your consultation. Women with very little existing breast tissue typically get better results by having implants placed under the muscle to help prevent visible rippling or wrinkling.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and can repair muscles separated by pregnancy. In many cases, it can minimize the appearance of stretch marks and result in a more cosmetically pleasing belly button. Your surgeon makes a horizontal incision just above the pubic area that stretches from hip to hip. Some women whose concerns are limited to the area below the navel may be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck, which involves a much shorter incision.
As a body contouring specialist, Dr. Ruff, Dr. Arsalan, and their team use liposuction not only to remove excess fat but to sculpt smooth, contoured results. For women who need just a little liposuction to trim thighs, back fat, or love handles, VASER® LipoSelection is another option that can be done alone or as part of the Mommy Makeover.
Each patient at our practice receives detailed postoperative instructions to help promote a quick healing process and minimize any risks of complications. One of the benefits of combining procedures in a Mommy Makeover is not having to make arrangements for multiple recoveries.
For most patients, the abdomen requires the most time to heal. It’s important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions to avoid lifting anything heavy, including small children, during your recovery.
Depending on the extent of the surgery, recovery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually resolve during this time, and the results of your Mommy Makeover will slowly emerge. However, it can be several more months before the final results are apparent.
It isn’t a good idea to get a Mommy Makeover until you’re finished having children.
A pregnancy and childbirth will likely undo all the work that’s performed. There are alternative treatments, including VASERlipo, which can be used to reduce fat in targeted areas, even when you’re still planning to have more children.
If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. who specializes in Mommy Makeover procedures.
Request a consultation online or call our office at (202) 785-4187 to schedule an appointment. West End Plastic Surgery serves Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas.
No. In fact, having your Mommy Makeover might improve the appearance of your previous surgical scar. The scar that results from a cesarean section or hysterectomy often involves an overhang of loose tissue. This can worsen with age and become a bothersome cosmetic complaint. The abdominoplasty part of your Mommy Makeover can eliminate the overhang of tissue and restore a flat, taut tummy. The new surgical scar may be made over the old one, where it will be hidden beneath underwear or a bathing suit.
Our first priority in preparing you for your Mommy Makeover is to ensure you are healthy enough to safely undergo your chosen procedures. In that, you're also getting your body ready for optimal recovery. A full physical examination will confirm that you do not have any unmanaged health conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes. If you smoke or use nicotine, you must quit at least several weeks before your procedure. This can significantly decrease the chances of surgical complications and poor wound healing.
Additional aspects of preparing for your Mommy Makeover include taking enough time off work (usually at least two weeks) and readying your home life for your early recovery period. It is advisable to arrange to have someone in your home who can take over your normal childcare and pet care duties, as well as someone who can help you take care of yourself as you recover.
Your Mommy Makeover incisions will be unique to the procedures you select. The most common breast and tummy procedures included in this treatment require a circular incision around the areola and a hip-to-hip incision. Additional incisions may be made down the front of the breasts to the inframammary crease. This is referred to as a "lollipop" incision. Depending on the extent of your breast procedure, your surgeon may create what's called an "anchor" incision, which also has a horizontal line at the inframammary crease. Well before your Mommy Makeover, your surgeon will discuss your incision patterns, scarring, and how to manage optimal healing.
It's important to eat right and exercise after having a Mommy Makeover. Doing so will support enduring results. That said, there is no value in rushing back to the gym. You'll start walking several times a day right away after surgery. The purpose of this is solely to facilitate good circulation and prevent blood clot formation. For full-intensity cardio and strength training, you'll need to allow yourself six to 10 weeks of rest and gradually increased movement. Light activity leads to better gains in the long run. Keep in mind that your recovery will occur on your body's timeline. It cannot be rushed.
Some of the aspects of your Mommy Makeover are considered permanent, yes. However, there are points that must be considered. The first is that your body will change as you age. Your skin and superficial tissue could become weak and loose. Your results are also susceptible to changes related to future pregnancies and your lifestyle choices. If you have liposuction as part of your Mommy Makeover, you'll always have fewer fat cells in the area we've treated. Your tightened abdominal muscles shouldn't change in a significant manner unless you become pregnant or gain a substantial amount of weight. Your breast surgery results may not be permanent but they are expected to last 10 years or longer before a repeat procedure may be needed.
One common myth is that a mommy makeover is a one-size-fits-all procedure. Each makeover is customized to fit the individual's needs and goals. It’s also often believed that mommy makeovers are only for recent mothers, but mothers of any age can benefit from these procedures, provided they meet the health criteria.
There is no specific "ideal" age for a mommy makeover. The right time largely depends on individual circumstances and physical health. Most importantly, candidates should be done having children, as future pregnancies can alter the results of the makeover. It's also essential that candidates have reached a stable weight and are not planning significant weight changes in the future.
Individuals in Washington, D.C., who are not good candidates for a mommy makeover include those who are not in good overall health, who smoke, or who have severe medical conditions that impair healing or increase the risk of surgery. Women who plan to have more children should also postpone undergoing a mommy makeover, as additional pregnancies can compromise the surgical results.
After a mommy makeover, it’s crucial to have a comfortable recovery area prepared at home. Essential items include:
Like any surgical procedure, a mommy makeover comes with risks. These can include infection, bleeding, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific risks related to the procedures involved, such as breast augmentation or tummy tuck, include potential loss of nipple sensitivity or asymmetry. At West End Plastic Surgery, we discuss all possible risks with you in detail during the consultation process to ensure you are fully informed and prepared.
While you may notice immediate changes after your surgery, true results unfold as swelling and bruising subside. This process can take several months. Most patients see optimal results six months to a year post-surgery, with ongoing improvements as the body fully heals.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial for ensuring the highest standards of care and safety in a mommy makeover. Board certification means that the surgeon has undergone rigorous training and exams, demonstrating expertise in plastic surgery. Board-certified surgeons are required to adhere to strict ethical standards and continuously update their skills through ongoing education. Dr. Ruff and Dr. Arsalan are a double board-certified plastic surgeon who excels at both breast and body surgeries, making him the ideal choice for mommy makeover.
