Mommy Makeover

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Having children is an amazing experience and one of the true joys in life. Women make the ultimate sacrifices of their bodies when it comes to having children. The many rigors of pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on the physical appearance of a women’s body. Diet and exercise can help but often due to the challenges of motherhood these modalities alone are not always enough. Sagginess of the breasts, stretching of the abdominal skin, laxity of the abdominal wall (tummy bulge), and premature aging of the face are some of the most common aesthetic concerns brought on by pregnancy and child-rearing. For many reasons these physical changes can gradually affect a women’s self confidence. A mommy makeover typically refers to operations that involve rejuvenation of the abdominal wall and breasts in the form of a breast lift and tummy-tuck.

What is a Breast Lift?

This procedure reverses the effects of age, gravity, after effects of pregnancy, breastfeeding or massive weight loss. A breast lift involves removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue to create a more youthful appearance as a part of the larger mommy makeover procedure.

How is a breast lift performed?

A breast lift is performed in our Reno outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia. It involves an incision around the areola, and depending on the extent of lift needed, may require an anchor shaped incision between the areola and horizontally under the breasts. Silicone or saline implants are often placed either under the muscle or breast gland to improve the overall breast shape. During your consultation with Dr. Janiga all of these options will be discussed.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck or Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that creates a smoother looking abdomen. Dr. Timothy Janiga will surgically remove extra skin and fat that comes with drastic changes in weight, pregnancy, age and other factors. Women who have had children often have stretching of the abdominal wall. This tissue can fail to return to its “pre-pregnancy” appearance, despite exercise and dieting. With pregnancy the abdominal wall is stretched to such a degree that even after delivery its elasticity is permanently damaged and cannot retract. Patient’s that have lost a significant amount of weight often have similar findings in this area because of the long-standing stretching that took place before their weight loss.

How is a tummy tuck performed?

This procedure is also performed in our Reno outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia. It generally involves a hip-to-hip incision that allows for muscle and skin tightening and fat removal. Occasionally liposuction is used in conjunction with the tummy-tuck to help contour the hip and flank region. Dr. Janiga will consult with you to determine your personal desired results.

How long does a mommy makeover take?

The combination of both a breast lift and tummy tuck usually takes between 3-4 hours with another two hours of recovery time before leaving the surgery center.

How much recovery time should I expect?

Depending on your obligations and profession your return to work can be expected within 2-6 weeks. Full results are expected within 3 to 6 months. Dr. Janiga will examine you during your post op visit, and advise you when you can return to work. Dr. Janiga typically does not want patients to lift more than 10 pounds for the first 6 weeks postoperatively due to the abdominal wall surgery. Full results are expected within 3-6 months.

What are the typical results that I can expect?

With a mommy makeover you can expect more youthful and shapely breasts and a tighter, slimmer waistline and abdomen. During your consultation with Dr. Janiga he will give you a realistic expectation of your personal outcome, show you pictures of previously completed surgeries and address any questions or concerns you may have.