Mommy Makeover
The “mommy makeover” typically refers to a tummy tuck and breast enhancement performed at the same time. The overall goal of the mommy makeover is to remove excess, streched skin in the abdomen and restore sagging breasts to a more youthful appearance. Although this combined surgery is often called a “mommy makeover”, many patients who have never had children can benefit from the technique. Massive weight loss patients often have sagging breasts and abdominal tissues that can be addressed in the exact same way. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr Matthew C Camp performs the mommy makeover procedure in Minnetonka, Edina, and Burnsville.
There are three typical scenarios for a mommy makeover and the difference comes down to how much breast tissue you have and the extent to which it sags.
Tummy Tuck with Breast Augmentation involves placing implants only without reshaping the breast tissue. The implant can correct very minor sagging to restore the breasts to a fuller shape. Generally a breast augmentation is a good approach for mildly deflated breasts without excess sagging skin.
Tummy Tuck with Breast Lift (Mastopexy) rearranges the breast tissue to lift and shape breasts. Patients with adequate breast tissue that sags to a significant extent are good candidates for a breast lift. A breast lift alone can restore a natural shape to the breasts.
Tummy Tuck with Breast Lift and Implants (Mastopexy Augmentation) is a breast lift combined with implants. This is the best option for patients who have both deflated breasts and excess skin. The implants restores volume in the breast and the breast is then lifted by re-draping and sculpting the breast tissue to create a more youthful shape.
Often Asked
How do I know which procedure is right for me?
During your complimentary consultation, we will discuss your personal desires for breast enhancement and examine your breasts to determine the amount of breast tissue and take measurements to establish the extent of sagging. Your goals combined with measurements and observations from your exam will guide which procedure is the best one for you.
If my breasts sag, can I lift the sagging tissue with implants alone?
Yes, within limits. This is a desirable option for some patients due to the lower cost, and reduced scar tissue involved. However, your body dictates whether this is an option. If there is too much sagging skin, there is no choice but to have a lift.
What happens if I have very deflated breasts, but just want a lift without implants?
This can be done. However, keep in mind that the upper aspect of the breast will continue to appear very flat, and you will only have cleavage with the assistance of a bra. Due to the high baseline price of the lift, the cost of implants does not greatly affect the overall expense of restoring the breasts. Most patients elect to have implants due to this factor.
Is liposuction included in a tummy tuck procedure?
Yes. It is part of our standard protocol for abdominal sculpting.
What areas are treated with liposuction?
The flank (love handles) and midline area above the belly button are treated.
Can the mons pubis be liposuctioned at the same time?
Although this is possible, we do not perform liposuction of the mons pubis at the same time as a tummy tuck. Many patients do not require work to be done on the mons to achieve an excellent tummy tuck result. Additionally, a liposuctioned mons acts as a collection pocket for body fluid. The result is tremendous swelling that takes weeks to resolve. For patients who are concerned about mons fullness, we will assess the situation at 6 weeks after the tummy tuck procedure. Generally this can be treated as a separate procedure under local anesthesia with minor liposuction and skin tuck after the tummy tuck has healed. There is an additional fee for mons fullness treatment and pricing varies depending on the extent of liposuction and skin involved.
What is the downtime?
We suggest taking a minimum of one week off if you have a low physical exertion desk job. If your job involves heavy lifting or you work in a less-sterile environment (such as a day care, nursing home, industrial, et al), you need to take more time off to promote optimal healing of your incisions. We will have a conversation about the nature of your work and make a recommendation based on that. Usually patients have the surgery on a Thursday, take the rest of the week off, then take the next week off, and return to work Monday. So this generally adds up to 7 work days, and 4 weekend days to recover. We will see you for important followup appointments at one day, one week, three weeks, and six weeks after surgery.
Where can I find more information on the individual procedures?
How much does this procedure cost?
Due to the breast-related factors mentioned above, there is a range. The least expensive technique is a tummy tuck and placement of breast implants (breast augmentation). This is due to the relatively short time required to place the implants. The more expensive procedure is the tummy tuck and breast lift (mastopexy). Breast lifting takes much more time, thus the cost differential. The costliest option is tummy tuck and breast lift with implant placement (mastopexy augmentation). This is due to the cost of implants and the technical nature of the procedure.
Generally, a tummy tuck with breast augmentation (implants) costs $13,000. A tummy tuck with breast lift (mastopexy) costs $15,500. A tummy tuck with breast lift and implants (mastopexy augmentation) costs $18,500.