Following childbirth (especially after multiple pregnancies), the breasts tend to sag and the abdominal skin and muscles have stretched out. In many cases, there is a bit of excess fat around the hips. Women frequently desire to have these changes reversed — the combination of a breast enhancement procedure and a tummy tightening procedure is commonly referred to as a “Mommy Makeover”. In some cases, patients will have breast implants to make up for the lost volume that occurs after nursing a baby.
TUMMY-TUCK
Tummy-tucks are performed to remove unwanted skin and fat from the abdomen, while simultaneously tightening the abdominal muscles. The typical patient considering a full tummy-tuck (abdominoplasty) has stretch marks (stria) and loose skin below (or up to) the level of the belly-button (umbilicus). Because the skin and muscles have been stretched due to pregnancy or significant weight change, no amount of exercise can repair the damage – the abdominoplasty procedure will repair these changes. Patients with stria above the umbilicus will have a significant improvement, but some stria may remain.
A variation of the procedure (a “mini” tummy-tuck) is sometimes all that is required to achieve the desired result. In this case, loose abdominal skin below or around the umbilicus is tightened through a smaller incision and fat is removed.
Mini tummy-tucks tend to cost around $6,800 and patients are typically able to return to full activities within a couple of days. Major tummy-tucks cost around $9,800 and patients usually return to routine light activities within 3-4 days. Heavy lifting and exercising the abdomen is avoided for 1 month.
By the way, if you have strong abdominal muscles and just some loose skin around the belly-button, I may be able to tighten the skin without surgery! Our skin tightening laser (the Cutera Titan) and our Thermacool Thermage unit are providing many patients with good results. This can be combined with liposuction to give an improvement in both contour and skin tone. These skin tightening devices result in no downtime (you can resume normal activities right away) and the procedure cost is less than surgery. Give us a call to learn more…
LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction is commonly performed to remove unwanted fat from areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. As a matter of fact, liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. Most patients have a high level of satisfaction.
Liposuction recovery depends on the amount of liposuction performed. In general, most patients are able to return to desk work and light social activities within 3-4 days. More aggressive activity or exercise should be avoided for about one month. Although you will notice a dramatic improvement in your body contour within 6 weeks, some swelling may may be present up to 6 months following the procedure.
The cost of the procedure is quite variable and depends on a number of factors, including: area(s) to be treated, type of anesthetic, facility usage. Small areas may be done under a local anesthesia. Larger or multiple areas are typically done under either IV sedation or a general anesthetic. Most patients end up spending between $3,000 – $7,000 on their procedure.
BREAST LIFT
I perform many different types of breast enhancement procedures, including augmentation, reduction and breast lift procedures. The specific type of procedure (and cost) would be determined at the time of your consultation. Prices range from $3,500 – $8,500. In many cases, a breast reduction or breast lift procedure may be safely combined with liposuction and/or an abdominplasty. Whenever possible, a minimally invasive (mimimal incision) procedure is performed.
For example, you may be interested to learn that, in appropriately selected patients, I have been doing a “minimally invasive” / “minimal scar” breast lift procedure. This involves removal of excess fat via lipolysis (ultrasonic or laser assisted) followed by a periareolar lift. The result is a smaller, “perkier” breast with nipples placed back in the position they were in youth. Adjustments can even be made to correct for asymmetric breasts.
DISCOUNTS and FINANCING
Multi-procedure discounts are available. For example, when patients have a “Mommy Makeover” and combine a tummy-tuck procedure with a breast lift and some liposuction, the entire fee is much less than if the procedures were performed separately.
We have financing plans available that can help make even more expensive procedures become very affordable.
We provide an incredible experience for individuals seeking cosmetic surgery. Our Plastic Surgery Center is truly “state-of-the-art” and the atmosphere is more like a spa than a doctor’s office. We specialize in non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures. And when a surgical procedure is required, we have a certified and accredited operating room on-site. Best of all, the techniques we use enable most patients to quickly return to their daily routine with minimal discomfort! We have many satisfied customers that we can provide as referrals.
To learn more about your options, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
