Total Body Transformation: Mommy Makeover Gainesville, FL

It is common and advisable to combine surgical procedures into one day if possible. This can often reduce the cost of surgery and reduces the time spent recovering. To that end, Gaines Plastic Surgery offers the Mommy Makeover in Gainesville, FL. Mommy Makeover is one of the most common procedure combinations because it pairs a breast lift or augmentation with a tummy tuck.

Pregnancy takes a toll on the body, which is sometimes evidenced by loose or hanging skin, stretch marks, and the presence of a diastasis (separation of abdominal wall muscles). The Mommy Makeover addresses all of the above postpartum concerns in one operation. Combining a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with a breast lift is a popular procedure because rather than taking the time to recover from two separate surgeries or undergo anesthesia twice, you will only have to fully “experience” surgery once.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover is most commonly a breast lift and tummy tuck performed on the same day. During a breast lift, Dr. Gaines will reposition your breast tissue higher on the chest wall, as well as elevating your areolar position on your breasts. Breast lifts are typically a less difficult surgery to recover from, but we do ask that you refrain from pushing or pulling for at least 2 weeks, with further restrictions on vigorous activity for at least 6 weeks. We will be able to provide more in-depth post-operative instructions at your consultation and pre-operative appointments.

Who is the ideal candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy Makeover surgery is an individualized treatment plan that may combine various procedures to improve the body’s shape. The results of a personalized Mommy Makeover can be life-changing. The physical improvements achieved often translate into higher self-esteem and body confidence.

The ideal candidates for a Mommy Makeover in Gainesville, FL are:

  • Generally healthy
  • At a stable weight
  • Finished having children
  • Non-smokers and conservative drinkers only
  • Fully aware of the potential and limitations of plastic surgery
Mother holding baby and considering Mommy Makeover surgery

Good candidates will also have loose or hanging skin on their breasts and abdomen that they would like removed and may have a diastasis, or loosening of the abdominal wall tissue, present as a result of the abdomen expanding during pregnancy. The best way to know if you are a candidate for a Mommy Makeover is to book a consultation with Dr. Gaines so he can do a physical examination and determine what cosmetic plan would be best for your unique aesthetic goals.

What are the risks of a Mommy Makeover?

There are a few surgical risks associated with a Mommy Makeover, as well as cosmetic risks. Fortunately, complications are rare and the success rate of the procedures involved in Mommy Makeovers are high in comparison. Risks that patients should be aware of include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Hematoma or seroma, the accumulation of blood or fluid beneath the skin
  • Prolonged numbness or tingling around the operated areas
  • Unsatisfactory cosmetic results requiring further surgical intervention

What procedures are included in a Mommy Makeover?

The procedures that are commonly associated with a Mommy Makeover include:

Additionally, some women choose to include liposuction in their treatment plan. Another popular treatment that is performed is nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation. This treatment is not conducted at the same time as surgical procedures but may be performed before or after surgery to address the laxity of tissue in the vaginal canal.

Before photo prior to Mommy Makeover
After photo for Mommy Makeover

How is a Mommy Makeover performed?

Mommy Makeovers are customized procedures that differ from woman to woman. The series of techniques is conducted on an outpatient basis at our Gainesville facility. Deep sedation is administered to put the patient into an unconscious state where they will feel no discomfort. This twilight sedation also creates amnesia, so patients do not remember their surgery. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist oversees vital signs throughout the procedure.

Steps to a Mommy Makeover may include breast augmentation, lifting, liposuction, abdominoplasty, and several other techniques as selected by the patient. We discuss the details of surgery during your consultation and pre-operative visits, and also immediately before surgery when we conduct a “briefing” at the surgery center. We can answer any questions you may have at any of these appointments.

What other procedures can be performed during a Mommy Makeover?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is the other procedure that is typically performed during a Mommy Makeover. A tummy tuck involves both muscle repair and removal of excess skin. Dr. Gaines will check for the presence of muscle separation due to pregnancy and evaluate whether you have enough skin overhang to warrant excision. Recovery from a tummy tuck is similar to a breast lift in that it is recommended that you refrain from vigorous activity for at least 6 weeks following this procedure.

Mommy Makeover Recovery Time

The time it takes to recover from a Mommy Makeover is largely dependent on the procedures that are performed. The average Mommy Makeover is all-encompassing, treating at least two different areas of the body. This can incur an initial recovery time of 7 to 10 days. Additionally, the level of care patients receive from caregivers at home and the level of care they give to themselves during their postoperative period will influence recovery time.

Mother holding child after Mommy Makeover

A general timeline of recovery follows:

  • 1 to 3 days of prescription pain medication. After 72 hours, many patients find that they can switch to Extra-Strength Tylenol for adequate pain relief.
  • 1 to 3 days of complete rest. Patients may think of their home as their personal recovery center. For a few days, the patient will rely on a caregiver for meals, help to the bathroom, medication, and all other forms of care.
  • Bruising subsides gradually over 1 to 3 weeks.
  • Swelling subsides over 2 to 8 weeks.
  • Patients may return to work in 5 to 10 days, depending on how many procedures they’ve had.
  • Stitches may be removed approximately 7-10 days after surgery.
  • Light walking may resume a few days after surgery.
  • Regular exercise may resume 6 weeks after surgery.
  • Alcohol must be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery. Cigarettes must be avoided for 4 weeks after surgery.
  • No swimming or submersion in standing water for at least 3 weeks following surgery.
  • Compression garments must be worn 24/7 for 6 weeks.
  • Patients may begin using scar cream 6 weeks after surgery.

Does insurance cover a Mommy Makeover?

Insurance coverage is typically not available for a Mommy Makeover. Some parts of the process, such as abdominoplasty, may be covered if there is a valid health reason for tissue removal. Without insurance coverage, women may consider various financing options to help them obtain the results they want from plastic surgery.

Schedule Your Consultation for a Mommy Makeover in Gainesville, FL

To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our Mommy Makeover procedures, contact us today at (352) 333-9600. Our practice serves Gainesville, FL, and the surrounding areas.

Schedule A Consultation

Please fill out the form below or give us a call to schedule your appointment.

What happens in a consultation?

01. Get to know Dr. Gaines and our aesthetics team.
02. Discuss your personal concerns and goals.
03. Receive a personalized procedure plan.

“From consultation to recovery Dr. Gaines and his staff were fantastic! My surgery was a breast reduction with a lift and I am beyond happy with my results. The surgery changed my life!”

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