Mommy Makeover Portland, OR

Who Makes a Good Candidate for the Mommy Makeover?

Mothers who have noticed unwanted changes in their bodies after having children might wonder whether a mommy makeover is right for them. While the rewards of having children are wonderful, the impact pregnancy and childbirth can have on the body can be quite significant, affecting not only the breasts and abdomen but other areas as well.

Candidates for a mommy makeover are women who have noticed deflated, sagging breasts, stubborn pockets of fat, weakened abdominal muscles, stretch marks, cellulite, loose skin or other concerns after becoming a mother. Candidates for a mommy makeover want help to return their body to its pre-baby appearance.

You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you meet the following qualifications:

• You are at or close to your ideal weight. A mommy makeover can trim, sculpt, and tone your body, but it is not designed to be a weight loss procedure.
• You are a nonsmoker in good health. Smoking or other health concerns can cause complications or make the procedure unsafe.
• You are done having children. Another pregnancy and childbirth could affect the benefits of the procedure and require further procedures.
• You gave birth six months or more ago. It’s important that your body has time to heal after your pregnancy and childbirth. The healing process is important so that you’re strong enough to have the procedure and recover well.
• You are no longer breastfeeding and have not been breastfeeding for at least six months. Nursing changes the shape and size of breasts. They need time to settle back into their size and shape, which is often different after the changes of pregnancy and breastfeeding
• You had a C-section. A C-section often leaves a significant surgical scar on the abdomen. During your mommy makeover, your scar can be revised.
• You are experiencing unwanted changes from pregnancy and childbirth, such as sagging breasts, loss of breast volume, vaginal changes, stretch marks or scarring, loose skin, cellulite, and stubborn fat pockets in the abdomen, hips, thighs, and other areas.

The best way to know for sure if you’re an ideal candidate for a mommy makeover is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gabriel. He will give you a physical exam, review your medical history, and discuss your concerns and goals. From there, he will be able to advise you on whether you’re a candidate for this procedure.

Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline

• The first 24 hours – After your mommy makeover, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you temporarily to help with basic chores and childcare. You will receive prescriptions for pain medications and antibiotics, along with compression garments, which are worn to minimize postoperative swelling and keep your new, improved contours intact. You will need to sleep on your back or side at night with your head elevated. Some patients choose to sleep in a recliner.
• The first week – After about 7 days, you can start taking NSAIDs (Motrin or Advil) rather than prescription painkillers. Once you are no longer taking narcotic pain medications, you can resume driving. You can also resume light activities around the house, but you should not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for at least 6 weeks. Sutures will be removed after one week.
• Weeks 2 and 3—Swelling, bruising, and soreness will all be present for several weeks following your surgery. You will need to continue to wear your compression garments and avoid swimming for about three weeks to minimize the risk of infection. You will attend a follow-up visit with the doctor to make sure your recovery is progressing smoothly.
• 6 weeks post-op – After 6 weeks, you can start returning to your normal activities, including exercise. Swelling should have substantially decreased, and you will be enjoying the beautiful benefits of your surgery.