Frequently Asked Questions About Mommy Makeover

The Mommy Makeover is a unique type of procedure that addresses many of the aesthetic body concerns of women who have recently given birth. The Mommy Makeover is typically done in a single session, and usually includes the following procedures: Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation or Lift, and Liposuction. The goal of the Mommy Makeover is to return a woman’s body to its pre-pregnancy shape or improve it all together. A Mommy Makeover is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.  The outcomes of the Mommy Makeover can be significantly influenced by weight fluctuations.  Women who are planning to be pregnant again should not undergo the Mommy Makeover.

The Mommy Makeover is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. The Mommy Makeover is a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
• You are a non-smoker
• You are not planning on getting pregnant again

The success and safety of your Minneapolis-St. Paul tummy tuck procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss:

• Why you want the surgery, your expectations, and desired outcome
• Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
• Previous surgeries

Dr. Rocheford may also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Take photographs for your medical record
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of the Mommy Makeover and any risks or potential complications

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your Mommy Makeover
• Post-operative care and follow-up

The decision to have Mommy Makeover surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Dr. Rocheford and her staff will explain, in detail, the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications. Possible risks of Mommy Makeover include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss
• Blood clots
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Anesthesia risks
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Major wound separation
• Asymmetry
• The recurrent looseness of skin
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Nerve damage
• The possibility of revisional surgery
• Suboptimal aesthetic result

If your Mommy Makeover is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Use this checklist as a guide during your consultation:

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Were you specifically trained in the field of plastic surgery?
• How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
• Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure?
• If so, at which hospitals?
• Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• What surgical technique is recommended for me?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• How can I expect my stomach/breasts to look over time?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my Mommy Makeover?
• Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?