Mommy Makeover

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.

What Is A Mommy Makeover?

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.

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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.

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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.

What To Expect During Your Mommy Makeover Consultation

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:

  • Clearly discuss the potential risks of the procedure
  • Outline, in detail, how the surgery is performed and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure
  • Provide detailed cost and payment information
  • Explain current FDA regulations governing the use of implants (if breast augmentation is part of your Mommy Makeover)

You will be asked to provide the following:

  • Details about your medical history
  • A list of all medications you currently take, including over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements
  • Information regarding your tobacco and alcohol use

How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost in Washington, DC?

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.

This is a video of Dr. Ruff performing a Mommy Makeover: Gull Wing Butt Lift, Breast Lift, Renuvion, and CO2 Laser:
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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.

What Procedures Are Involved In a Mommy Makeover?

Dr. Ruff 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.

mommymakeover-diagram

Breast Augmentation

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 expertise in cosmetic breast surgery helps patients make the decisions associated with the procedure.

Silicone Gel vs Saline Implants

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.

Incision Location

Dr. Ruff 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.

Implant Location

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.

Mommy Makeover Surgery with Dr. Paul Ruff

Tummy Tuck

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.

Liposuction

As a body contouring specialist, Dr. Ruff and his 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.

Mommy Makeover | Washington DC

Will a Hysterectomy or Cesarean section affect Mommy Makeover Results?

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.

What Must I do to Prepare for My Mommy Makeover?

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.

Where are Mommy Makeover Incisions Made?

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.

When Can I Expect to be able to Exercise After My Mommy Makeover?

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.

Are Mommy Makeover Results Permanent?

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.

Mommy Makeover Recovery

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.

Cost Of Mommy Makeover Surgery

As with all aesthetic surgery procedures, the cost of a Mommy Makeover is difficult to pinpoint until you’ve had a thorough consultation. The price depends on several different factors, including the combination of procedures involved, the extent of each procedure, and the type of implants used (if you’re getting breast augmentation). We provide a specific price quote at the end of the consultation.

Can I Get a Mommy Makeover If I Want More Children?

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.

Mommy Makeover Patient Testimonial

"I can't say enough about my experience with Dr. Ruff and his team at West End. I chose him as my surgeon because he was able to answer all of my questions about lipo and tummy tuck. He took his time and was very assuring to me, explaining in depth of what to expect with having the procedures. I consulted with several surgeons but Dr Ruff was definitely the best! My results are awesome. I am a new woman and feel 100% better about my body. Thank you so much."

- Wanda

Wanda, Google Reviews

Schedule a Consultation

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.

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