Mommy Makeover
Combined operations that address sagging of the breast and abdomen after pregnancy are known as a mommy makeover. The combination is used not only after childbirth but also for laxity that follows substantial weight loss. The aim is to lift and reshape the breast and abdominal tissue.
What Is Combined?
The breast may be addressed with a lift alone, a lift with implants, or — where there is excess breast tissue — a reduction combined with a lift. For detail, see the Breast Lift section.
The abdomen may be treated with a tummy tuck, with liposuction, or with a combination of the two. For detail, see the Abdominoplasty section.
Timing
To get the most out of a mommy makeover you should be at your ideal weight. For the breast procedures, you must have stopped breastfeeding completely, with at least six months having passed since you last did so.
Anaesthesia and Planning
Combined procedures are performed under general anaesthetic. If you have any health condition that makes a long anaesthetic or a long operation inadvisable, planning the procedures as separate sessions matters for your safety.
Breast Imaging
Breast imaging is required before any breast operation. For patients under 35, a breast ultrasound taken within the last six months is sufficient; from 35 onwards, a mammogram and a breast ultrasound from within the last six months must be assessed together. Family history of breast cancer should be reviewed before every breast operation, gynecomastia included.
Pre-operative imaging matters both for checking that nothing suspicious is present beforehand, and for helping interpret changes seen in the breast after surgery.