A growing baby needs space and leads to a stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin. The natural elasticity of the skin is overpowered by the expanding belly and collagen breakage results in stretch marks.

Mommy makeover – A transformation for your figure.

While many mothers are able to lose the baby weight, they are often left with excess skin, sagging skin, stretched or split abdominal muscles, and stretch marks. A mommy makeover performed by Dr. Michelle Cabret in Austin, TX, can transform your post-baby appearance. She is one of the few female cosmetic surgeons in the area, has a uniquely female perspective, understanding of the challenges women face, and dedication to helping her patients achieve the body they most desire.

Why choose Austin Cosmetic Surgery for a mommy makeover?

When you are under the care of Dr. Michelle Cabret, you can expect caring, concierge style service from a female cosmetic surgeon with a profound understanding of how women feel about their bodies, and the loss of confidence they may experience due to changes in the figure resulting from pregnancy and breastfeeding. Dr. Cabret brings over two decades of experience to every mommy makeover, and takes a holistic approach to wellness, understanding that beauty and wellness go hand in hand.

You can expect your journey to be positive and empowering. Beyond her exceptional skills as a surgeon, Dr. Cabret is very hands-on in post-operative care, and will see you two to four times in the first two weeks after your procedures and will be monitoring your progress throughout your recovery.

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What procedures are included in a mommy makeover?

At Austin Cosmetic Surgery, a mommy makeover includes a customized combination of procedures performed to achieve a patient’s desired shape. The combination of body sculpting procedures that are performed can be further discussed in a private consultation with Dr. Cabret. Generally, a mommy makeover often includes:

Liposuction

The liposuction procedure is performed to remove stubborn pockets of fat on the flank, hip, abdomen, or other areas of the body. Unwanted, excess subcutaneous fat is broken up and then gently suctioned through a small cannula that is attached to a vacuum compressor. The technique doesn’t just remove fat; it sculpts the body based on natural curves and contouring.

Liposuction is an excellent choice for women who have unwanted pockets of fat that just do not go away despite them being close to their ideal body weight and want to maximize their makeover. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Cabret performs liposuction in our state-of-the-art Lakeway offices, equipped with a gleaming, onsite outpatient surgery center – your mommy makeover will be performed in privacy, in an exclusive setting, rather than a busy, impersonal surgery center or hospital.

Tummy tuck

This surgery, medically called an “abdominoplasty,” is usually an integral part of the mommy makeover because it addresses one of the primary effects of pregnancy: muscle and skin stretch and distortion. A tummy tuck involves an incision along the supra-pubic line (just below your pubic bone), between the hips, with multiple variations. The incisions recommended to address your specific issues can be discussed at your private consultation. The incision allows access for our cosmetic surgeon to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall that may have separated or stretched beyond their capacity to recover during pregnancy. A tummy tuck can be designed to remove an existing C-section skin scar if one exists. Also, this procedure can remove stretch marks or soft tissue irregularities from previous fat reduction procedures on the lower abdomen. Dr. Cabret performs tummy tuck procedures with precision, meticulous care, and the most advanced surgical techniques for beautiful outcomes – slim, firm, and sculpted.

Breast procedures

Mommy makeovers address the various changes to breast tissue through augmentation and lifting. Most women breastfeed after having children which alters the fullness and lift of the breasts. This is why breast procedures are very common in mommy makeover transformations.

  • Breast augmentation with carefully selected saline or silicone implants can reinstate the desired amount of fullness and shape to the breasts.
  • Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, may be performed independently or along with breast augmentation to further enhance the body by correcting ptosis (drooping) or asymmetry that may have resulted from breastfeeding, weight swings, or natural aging.

Dr. Michelle Cabret is widely recognized as being among the most talented cosmetic surgeons in the area and is one of the few female cosmetic surgeons practicing in Texas. Her uniquely feminine perspective allows her to work closely with her female patients to restore, lift and enhance breasts that have suffered changes due to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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Mommy Makeover FAQ

What is a mommy makeover?

Why is it best to have these procedures at one time instead of individually?

Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?

How long is a mommy makeover procedure?

How do I prepare for mommy makeover surgery?

What should I expect during recovery after mommy makeover surgery?

What is the recovery period for a mommy makeover?

Are there any risks associated with mommy makeover surgery?

When can I return to work after a mommy makeover?

When can I resume exercise after a mommy makeover?

Will I have any scarring after a mommy makeover?

Is a mommy makeover safe?

If I still plan to have children, should I consider a mommy makeover now?

How long after having my last baby should I wait to have a mommy makeover?

What is a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is a series of body contouring procedures that are performed to reverse the changes that affect a woman’s sense of confidence in her body after pregnancy and breastfeeding. The procedures that are chosen to target the areas that pregnancy affects the most, the breasts, abdomen, and buttocks. The common procedures involved in a mommy makeover include a breast lift, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and liposuction.

Why is it best to have these procedures at one time instead of individually?

The combining of procedures into one surgery day is advantageous because that is only one time under anesthesia, versus undergoing multiple surgeries. One surgery day also means one short sabbatical from work and family obligations, which is easier for most women to manage than several recovery periods. Additionally, our surgeon is so proficient at combining a breast lift and augmentation in a single surgery – an extremely rewarding surgery, leading to plump, lifted, youthful breasts that last.

Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?

Women who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations of what is possible with a mommy makeover are typically excellent candidates for treatment. Some of the common characteristics shared by mommy makeover patients include stable weight, deflated or sagging breasts, persistent fatty tissue or extreme laxity in the abdominal area, or excess fat and skin around the hips and thighs.

How long is a mommy makeover procedure?

Every mommy makeover surgery is carefully planned to address a patient’s concerns. Each treatment plan is unique, affecting the number of hours to complete the procedures. A mommy makeover can take approximately four hours but could take more or less time depending on the procedures being done. Our patients are informed of the estimated surgery time during their consultation. Surgery details are also briefly reviewed at our surgery center before the procedure begins.

How do I prepare for mommy makeover surgery?

Once you have decided to have a mommy makeover at Austin Cosmetic Surgery, it is time to prepare for the procedure and recovery. Patients are advised to:

  • Stop smoking, if applicable
  • Avoid alcohol consumption
  • Stop taking certain medications. A general list is provided in preoperative instructions.
  • Arrange time off work.
  • Arrange childcare and pet care, if applicable.
  • Fill prescriptions.
  • Prepare a quiet, comfortable space at home.
  • Consider making meals that can be easily heated or gathering take-out menus.
  • Compile an array of entertainment, such as music, podcasts, books, coloring books, and movies.

What should I expect during recovery after mommy makeover surgery?

Recovery from a Mommy Makeover is initially all about rest. Patients can expect:

  • 24-72 hours of pain medication. After 72 hours, many patients can switch to an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever. If you’re unsure what you can take for pain, contact our office.
  • Bruising, which lasts about three weeks.
  • Swelling, which gradually decreases over several weeks.
  • Numbness, tingling, or tenderness in areas where liposuction is performed.
  • If a breast procedure is performed, tenderness decreases over two to three weeks.
  • Stitches are typically removed approximately one week after surgery.
  • Certain activity limitations. For example, patients cannot swim for three weeks after surgery. Smoking and alcohol consumption must also be avoided for at least two weeks.
  • Exercise should be avoided for about six weeks.
  • Compression garments, such as a surgical bra or other compression garment could be required for three to six weeks.
  • Scar treatments can begin after about six weeks, with scar cream applied, or other scar treatment to help the skin heal more quickly.

What is the recovery period for a mommy makeover?

Because a Mommy Makeover combines procedures, the recovery period is slightly more extended than an individual procedure. The typical full recovery time for a full makeover that includes breast augmentation and/or lifts, abdominoplasty, and liposuction is about six-twelve weeks with incisions being ‘mature’ at 12-18 months.

Our cosmetic surgeon encourages early activity as most of our patients are walking one to two miles by day 10, comfort is significantly improving over the first seven to ten days, with most of our moms off all pain meds within five days, and off muscle relaxers within ten to fourteen days. Our cosmetic surgeon will closely monitor your recovery and give you the individual care and guidance you need.

Are there any risks associated with mommy makeover surgery?

Surgical procedures have inherent risks that include:

  • Infection
  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • Bleeding
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Capsular Contracture of Breast Implants
  • Asymmetry
  • Blood clots
  • Hematoma or other fluid accumulation
  • Lingering numbness or tingling
  • Changes in skin pigmentation
  • Need for revision surgery

When can I return to work after a mommy makeover?

Patients should expect to do very little moving around the first week after a Mommy Makeover. Some walking or movement is necessary to maintain optimal circulation and prevent blood clots. However, this is minimal. Depending on the nature of a woman’s job, it may be possible to return to work sometime during the second week of recovery. We do not advise rushing back to work. While physical comfort may be significantly improved, the body may still need more rest than normal to continue tissue recovery.

When can I resume exercise after a mommy makeover?

Your timeline to return to your normal exercise routine depends on what that routine is and what procedures were performed. Since a Mommy Makeover may include a variety of different procedures, including liposuction of the stomach, buttocks, hips, or other areas, a tummy tuck, and breast procedures, every patient will receive specific instructions for the post-recovery exercise. Generally, patients must avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities that elevate the heart rate for at least 4 weeks. Patients may walk or, over time, ride a bicycle so long as they keep the intensity low.

Will I have any scarring after a mommy makeover?

Yes. Patients can expect scars in the operative areas. An abdominoplasty scar typically sits below the panty-line and runs from hip to hip. Breast surgery scars are dependent on the procedure. Some breast scars are limited to the areola area, whereas others may run from the areola down to the breast crease. Our patients are told of their incision patterns during their consultation, so they know what to expect.

Is a mommy makeover safe?

The procedures involved in a mommy makeover are generally considered safe, even when performed together. Multiple surgeries do increase the amount of time a patient is under anesthesia. However, breast and body procedures are less physiologically impactful on the body than procedures such as liver or heart surgery. No manipulation of internal organs occurs, so a mommy makeover is much less complicated than many other medical procedures.

Our cosmetic surgeon will conduct a thorough consultation, review your medical history, and perform an examination to confirm you are in good health before planning a mommy makeover. It is necessary to be completely honest with your surgeon about your health and also your lifestyle habits, as this also influences the degree of risk posed by surgery.

If I still plan to have children, should I consider a mommy makeover now?

If you are planning to have more children, we will encourage you to postpone at least the tummy tuck portion of the process; not due to safety concerns (abdominoplasty does not inhibit a healthy pregnancy) but due to the way the midsection will change again during gestation.

How long after having my last baby should I wait to have a mommy makeover?

One of the recommendations that doctors make is to give the body time to “bounce back” as much as it will naturally. It is also advantageous to schedule a mommy makeover after returning to within 10% of your ideal body weight. Our doctors request that you be completely done breastfeeding and having not lactated for upwards of a month.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Michelle Cabret

For any woman that has had a baby and wants to restore their pre-baby body, a mommy makeover can enhance your appearance. Call our office or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve the communities of Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Barton Creek, and Spicewood. Dr. Cabret is also honored to serve patients in and beyond Scottsdale, AZ.

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