Imagine having your pre-baby body back! Pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding cause the body to go through tremendous changes and strain. A mommy makeover works to improve all of those areas that were exposed to the significant physical stressors of having children. The procedures performed in this total body makeover may include breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, body sculpting with liposuction, and more, all custom-tailored to correct the changes your body underwent from pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The Modern Manhattan Mommy Makeover
As a New York City native, Dr. Darren Smith knows that if you ask 20 different citizens of Manhattan what they would consider a perfect result after a mommy makeover, you would get 20 different answers. At least in terms of aesthetics. There would, however, likely be some desires in common regarding the procedure:
- A result that is designed to achieve an individual aesthetic
- An experience that is private, bespoke, and above all else safe
- A partnership with the surgeon that ensures clear communication to realize a common goal
- A strategy that minimizes scars, invasiveness, and downtime
- An uncompromising dedication to the highest standards of plastic surgery
Dr. Darren Smith’s Modern Manhattan Mommy Makeover is not simply an operation. It is a collection of curated procedures designed through extensive consultation with Dr. Smith that will deliver a stunning result that is just right for you.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover aims to restore the shape and appearance of a woman’s body after undergoing the changes associated with pregnancy, giving birth, and breastfeeding children. Typical areas of the body the mommy makeover addresses include:
- Breasts
- Abdomen
- Waist
- Genitalia
- Buttocks
This procedure is an efficient way to address multiple issues in a single surgery. Every woman experiences unique changes during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Each custom mommy makeover is individually-tailored to meet your specific body image goals.
Who is a good candidate for a mommy makeover in NYC?
An ideal candidate for a NYC mommy makeover is:
- In good medical health
- At their ideal body weight
- Has a positive outlook and realistic expectations
- Is finished with childbearing
- is 6 months post-delivery (or breastfeeding)
Dr. Smith will work closely with you during a private consultation to address all of your specific needs, as well as to review your medical history, medications, previous surgeries, and other pertinent information. This will help him to design a custom-tailored surgical plan for a mommy makeover that addresses your specific needs.
What can I expect during the surgery
The procedures performed as part of a mommy makeover at our luxury private practice in Manhattan may include one or more of the following:
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Reduction
- Tummy Tuck
- Liposuction
- Breast Lift (“mastopexy”)
- Nipple and Areola Reshaping
- Buttock Augmentation
- Vaginal Rejuvenation
Dr. Smith is experienced in each of these procedures and can expertly explain their respective nuances, expected results, and recovery process.
Customized NYC Mommy Makeover Treatment Plans
Pregnancy is a unique experience for every woman, and its effects on each woman’s body are different as well. This is why every consultation with Dr. Smith begins with a thorough conversation where he will look to gain an understanding of how your body changed in your eyes and how you would like to see it reimagined into what it was before childbearing, and maybe even beyond. Dr. Smith will use cutting edge 3D imaging technology to scan your body as it is now, and work with you to design your ideal aesthetic result. As one of New York City’s most highly trained plastic surgeons, and with an exclusive suite of technologies available, Dr. Smith is uniquely positioned to deliver unsurpassed mommy makeover results that are customized for you.
Restoring the Breasts with a Mommy Makeover: Size, Shape, and Position
Breasts might change in size, shape, or position as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding. While the breasts almost always initially increase in size as they fill with milk, they may retain that volume increase or lose volume after the process is complete. The distribution of breast tissue above and below the areola may also change with pregnancy and breastfeeding, giving way to changes in breast shape. One common change in breast shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding is the “deflated” breast, in which the upper pole, or top part of the breast, has lost volume. This is also referred to as “upper pole hypoplasia” (see diagram below). A decrease in breast volume can be treated with breast augmentation . If the breasts are larger than desired, a breast reduction may be appropriate. Changes in shape might be treated with fat grafting. When evaluating the position of the breasts, we use a grading system to determine the amount of drooping, or “ptosis” that is present. The diagram below outlines the different degrees of ptosis as well as other changes in the breasts we frequently see after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In the youthful breast without ptosis, the areola is above the level of the fold (dotted line) under the breast (the “inframammary fold”). With grade 1 ptosis, the areola is at the level of the fold, in grade 2 ptosis, it is below the fold, and in grade 3 ptosis, the areola becomes the lowest point on the breast. In “pseudoptosis”, the areola remains above the level of the fold, but a significant portion of the breast tissue sags below the fold. In “upper pole hypoplasia”, the breast loses volume from the top of the breast. Different degrees of breast ptosis are treated with one of a few kinds of breast lift, or mastopexy, as shown here.
This diagram shows different incision patterns that are used to treat different degrees of breast ptosis. In many cases, the best treatment is often a combination of a breast lift, a breast augmentation, or some of the other techniques mentioned above. While breast rejuvenation may seem like a complex undertaking, Dr. Smith is an expert in the field and will guide you through the process.
Abdominal Contouring in Mommy Makeover: An Individualized Approach
Dr. Smith approaches abdominal contouring after pregnancy by asking three questions:
- What is the anatomical problem?
- What techniques are available to solve that problem?
- What is the best match between the problems and the available techniques for this particular patient?
In terms of the anatomical problem, there are three layers of tissue that might be causing an undesirable appearance after pregnancy: there may be extra skin, there may be extra fat, and there might be a separation between the “six-pack muscles” (rectus abdominis muscles) known as a “rectus diastasis.”
The six-pack muscles (rectus abdominis) are shown before pregnancy on the left. They are continuous in the midline without any intervening space. On the right, the rectus muscles are shown after pregnancy. They have separated, causing the appearance of a bulge in the abdomen. During a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), we repair the diastasis and bring the rectus muscles back together, treating the abdominal bulge. There is more information on rectus diastasis here.
Fat may also accumulate in the abdomen as a result of pregnancy, and this can contribute to the appearance of an abdominal bulge. Dr. Smith will examine you as part of your mommy makeover consultation to determine if your abdominal bulge is due to muscle separation, excess fat, or both.
Finally, extra skin may be present after pregnancy if the skin of the abdomen had to stretch more than it was able to snap back as a result of the expanding uterus. While skin has a great deal of elasticity and can recover a significant percentage of its original shape after it was stretched, this may not be enough after the degree of expansion seen with pregnancy. Extra skin can cause a “deflated” or “pruney” appearance, or lead to a shelf or ledge of overhanging lower abdominal skin.
For each anatomical problem (separated muscles, extra fat, and loose skin), there are different treatment options available ranging from minimally or non-invasive to open surgery. Mild muscle separation, mild-to-moderate extra fat, and mild skin laxity could be addressed with a noninvasive treatment like Emsculpt Neo, for example. Moderate excess fat and skin excess might be more appropriately addressed with liposuction and various minimally invasive tissue tightening technologies like VASER and BodyTite . More severe muscle separation, fat accumulation, and skin excess might be best treated with a combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). A tummy tuck is the gold standard for abdominal restoration after pregnancy, but in many instances a patient might chose the decreased downtime and scarring of less invasive techniques even if the result is not quite as dramatic. Dr. Smith Will work with you to plan the best approach for your specific case.
Advanced Techniques and Technology for the Modern Mommy Makeover
Skin tightening technologies that use energy instead of scalpels. Minimally invasive fat removal methods with stunning results. Non-invasive intimate wellness treatments that are performed while you are fully clothed . It is clear why Dr. Smith’s clinic in New York City’s exclusive Ritz Tower has gained a reputation as one of our region’s most sought after destinations for post-pregnancy rejuvenation. This breadth of available advanced modalities compliments Dr. Smith’s extensive expertise in body contouring and breast surgery to offer an unsurpassed mommy makeover experience.
Dr. Smith: A Widely Published Mommy Makeover Expert
Dr. Darren Smith has lectured about body contouring techniques to plastic surgeons from around the world. He is especially proud of two publications he co-authored about achieving excellent mommy makeover results in the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Abstract:
Statistics reflect that pregnancies are occurring at a later age, multiple births are becoming more common, and a sizeable population–with a keen interest in nutrition, fitness, and a continued desire to retain a youthful figure–is aging. Consequently, postpartum reshaping is a priority for many women, enough so that the phrase “mommy makeover” has entered the vernacular. In this article, the senior author’s practice was evaluated to explore patient goals, methods, and outcomes in reshaping the postpartum abdomen. Link to the publication.
Abstract:
Abdominoplasty and breast surgery are frequently appealing to patients as combined procedures. The practice of combining abdominoplasty with other procedures originates from abdominoplasty performed in conjunction with intraabdominal or gynecologic surgery. Link to the publication.
In these papers, Dr. Smith addressed the key elements of success in mommy makeovers. He also reviewed essential strategies to ensure safety that should be taken before, during, and after these complex but extremely rewarding procedures.
The Ultimate Mommy Makeover Experience: Safety, Luxury and Discretion
You will know you are in the right place for your mommy makeover as soon as you enter our serene offices and aesthetic surgery center in one of New York City’s most rarefied buildings: the Ritz Tower in the heart of Manhattan’s famed “Billionaire’s Row.” From the moment you arrive you will be greeted by a team of professionals dedicated to your safety, your comfort, and your stunning surgical results. All of our procedures are performed in our AAAASF accredited surgical facility outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment and staffed exclusively with operating room veterans that specialize in aesthetic surgery excellence. The unrivaled mommy makeover experience you will enjoy with Dr. Smith extends beyond the clinic and through the postoperative period, with 24/7 access to the team to ensure your comfort and safety every step of the way.
Example 1: Before and After Mommy Makeover
The woman shown below came to see us after pregnancy and breastfeeding with several issues that she wanted to address: breasts that had lost volume and “drooped,” excess loose abdominal skin and fat, and a rectus diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles leading to the appearance of a bulge. She desired a natural but refreshed appearance. She is shown before and after a mommy makeover by Dr. Smith including conservatively sized breast implants, a breast lift with a scar limited to the border of the areola, and an abdominoplasty with liposuction to remove excess skin and fat and restore her core musculature to its pre-pregnancy state. She is shown just a few months after her procedure and her scars will continue to fade over time.
Example 2: Before and After Breast Lift
The woman shown below had more significant ptosis, or breast drooping, than the previous case shown. She was treated with a “lollipop” mastopexy, where the incision goes around the areola and down the front of the breast. She was happy with her breast volume, so no implant was used. This procedure took approximately 2.5 hours to complete under general anesthesia. Return to work after 5-7 days is a reasonable expectation for most patients.
Example 3: Before and After Mommy Makeover
This woman had loose skin and excess fat, as well as a rectus diastasis after pregnancy. She is shown before (left) and after (right) an abdominoplasty designed to repair her rectus diastasis, remove excess abdominal fat, and tighten the skin of the abdomen. This procedure took approximately 3 hours to complete under general anesthesia. We advise most patients to plan on two weeks off of work to recover from abdominoplasty.
Example 4: Before and After Mommy Makeover
The woman shown below maintained good breast position after pregnancy and just wanted to regain some of the volume that she lost during the process. Dr. Smith performed a breast augmentation with silicone gel implants placed under the muscle to achieve a result that ensured a natural look and feel. The patient also wanted to recover the waist that she had prior to pregnancy, and Dr. Smith performed liposuction to restore the contour of her torso, seen here as more space between the patient’s elbow and body.
Example 5: Before & After Love Handle Liposuction
Mommy makeovers go beyond the breasts and abdomen. This woman has excess fat around her waist, or “love handles” that she did not like. This result was achieved with liposuction. Dr. Smith will frequently combine liposuction of the waist with a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty to ensure a proportionate result.
NYC Mommy Makeover FAQ’s
How long does mommy makeover recovery take?
After your mommy makeover surgery in NYC, you will be wearing compression and support garments appropriate for the specific procedures you had. In general, you should allow two weeks before returning to an office job, and approximately five to six weeks before returning to full activity levels. This will depend on the number and type of procedures you have.
While you will see a very nice change immediately after surgery, it will take a few months for the swelling of your breasts, abdomen, genitalia, or buttocks to resolve to the point that your final results are achieved.
Since every mommy makeover is tailored specifically to the patient, Dr. Smith will ensure you have full and complete postoperative instructions, along with an exceptional level of post-operative care and attention.
What can I expect from the results?
A mommy makeover is designed to return your body as closely as possible to its pre-pregnancy appearance – or better. For example, if your breasts lost volume and sagged as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding, they will be lifted and volumized; if your abdomen developed a bulge and became soft, it will once again be youthful, tight, and flat.
Will I have many scars after a mommy makeover?
The restoration of your pre-baby body will require incisions that leave scars, but they will be placed in the most discreet locations possible. Dr. Smith is highly skilled at expertly placing the smallest possible incisions in the least noticeable areas. You will be free to wear revealing clothing with no concerns about visible scars.
Will all the procedures be performed in one surgery?
Having multiple procedures in one surgical appointment can be a transformative experience. It offers a savings in time (one recovery for several operations) and cost (one set of anesthesia and operating room fees for several operations). Some patients will be better served by having two surgeries. Every case is unique, and Dr. Smith will work with you to develop a surgical plan most appropriate for your goals.
Why choose Dr. Darren Smith for my mommy makeover in NYC?
Dr. Smith performs all of his surgeries in a fully-accredited private facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology that follows the most stringent safety protocols. Not only does Dr. Smith have an outstanding reputation as a plastic surgeon as shown by his stellar reviews, but he has also published scholarly papers in the leading plastic surgery literature trusted by plastic surgeons around the globe on his advanced techniques for safe, effective, multi-procedure mommy makeovers.
Dr. Smith stands out from the crowd of plastic surgeons. His education and training are far above and beyond that of most surgeons, and this extensive training
and resulting finely honed skillset produce superb results. His background includes one of the top aesthetic surgery fellowships in the world, where he became expert at the most advanced cosmetic surgery techniques. This experience has, in turn, lead to truly superior surgical outcomes.
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