Will My Mommy Makeover Scar?

Becoming a mother is considered one of the most rewarding parts of life, but it also comes with a lot of sacrifice, particularly physically.

Your breasts might not look as firm and perky. Your tummy might have excess skin, fat, and stretch marks. But luckily, these new markings of motherhood can be easily remedied with a Chicago mommy makeover.

While mommy makeovers are often life changing, some women also wonder if they will be left with mommy makeover scars. As with other types of surgical procedures, there is always a risk of scarring. However, with a skilled plastic surgeon and plenty of scar treatment options, there are many ways to minimize scars. Here’s what you need to know about mommy makeover scars and how to reduce them.

Will My Mommy Makeover Scar?

Yes, mommy makeover surgery involves incisions, and incisions create scars. These scars are created because of the body’s natural healing process. As the incisions heal, they will form into scar tissue on the skin. While scarring is inevitable, with a skilled board certified plastic surgeons and state-of-the-art technology, your mommy makeover scar will heal flawlessly and blend into the surrounding skin.

What procedures are included in a mommy makeover?

First things first, let’s briefly go over what a mommy makeover is. A mommy makeover can consist of one or more procedures that helps to “turn back the clock” on your body and give you a more youthful appearance. There are many common mommy makeover procedures that help to reduce the affects of childbirth.

These plastic surgery procedures include:

• breast implant
• tummy tuck
• breast lift
• liposuction
• thigh lift
• body contouring
• vaginal rejuvenation surgery

The most popular combination of cosmetic procedures for a mommy makeover, is to get a tummy tuck and breast augmentations.

Where are mommy makeover scars located?

Mommy makeover scars are located in different places depending on the type of surgery that was elected. Tummy tucks, breast implants, and breast lifts all result in a mommy makeover scar. However, skilled plastic surgeons can make sure your wounds heal faster and produce have minimal scarring.

Here are the possible locations of scarring based on the type of plastic surgery procedures.

Tummy tuck scars

Tummy tuck surgery typically need two incisions that result in one horizontal scar. There is normally one tummy tuck incision made around your bully button, which is called an umbilical incision, and another one that goes from one side of your hip to the other, which is called a horizontal incision. The umbilical incisions is made so that the position of the belly button can be fixed after removing excess skin from the upper abdomen.

Breast augmentation scars

The placement of breast augmentations depend on the type of surgical technique used by the plastic surgeon. Common incisions take place in the breast crease. Because of the placement, the natural creases hide the scars. Other locations include around the areola and in the armpit. Regardless of the scars location, the plastic surgeon will ensure that the incision placement is blended into the natural contours of your body.

Breast lift scars

Breast lift scars result from incisions made during the procedure. These incisions include the periareolar incision, vertical incision, and inverted T or Anchor lift. All of these breast procedure incisions are located around the areola and they tend to fade more over time.

Liposuction Scars

Incision placement for liposuction is typically done in locations that naturally disguise the appearance of scars. For instance, they might be placed around the belly button or bikini line when removing excess fat from the stomach. The incisions for thigh liposuction can be placed by the groin or buttocks. The incision placement is typically strategically located to be hidden among natural creases.

Do mommy makeover scars go away over time?

Mommy makeover scars are permanent, but their appearance can improve significantly over time. The visibility of these scars can change over time and they are influenced by factors such as genetics, post-operative care, and the body’s natural healing abilities. For instance, some mommy makeover patients develop keloid scars, which are raised and more visible scars, while others heal with thinner scars.

How to Improve Scar Healing and Recovery Time

Mommy makeover scar healing time can be significantly reduced with a healthy diet, proper wound care, and the use of various treatments and products. The following are some tips to help you improve your mommy makeover scar.

1. Follow post-op instructions

Your plastic surgeons will give you detailed postoperative instructions. These instructions will include how to take care of your incisions and when you should change your dressing. This will help your incisions heal faster and prevent significant scarring.

2. Keep your scar clean

Be sure to keep the scar clean and well moisturized to reduce the appearance of the scars. Keeping the scar clean will help to prevent infections.

3. Use silicone gel sheets

Silicone sheets are commonly used to reduce scarring. They provide a protective layer that hydrates the scar. It will also prevent collagen from building up and creating a thick scar.

4. Gently massage your scar

Once your incision is fully healed, you can give yourself a gentle scar massage. A scar massage can help to break down the collagen that forms scar tissue.

5. Use scar cream

Use a silicone-based scar cream to keep your scar hydrated. A silicone-based scar cream will improve the color of your scar and reduce its texture. You can use silicon in gel form or as sheets.

FAQ About the Mommy Makeover Experience

How much does a mommy makeover cost?

The cost of a mommy makeover can vary depending on the type of procedures and the surgeon’s experience. It can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000 for a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift, and liposuction. You can also get plastic surgery financing to pay for your mommy makeover.

How much weight is lost with a mommy makeover?

While a mommy makeover isn’t primarily designed for weight loss, you will likely loose a few pounds after procedures such as liposuction. If you are getting liposuction as part of your mommy makeover, you can loose anywhere from 5-10 pounds depending on the extent of the procedure.

Are tummy tuck scars permanent?

Tummy tuck scars are permanent, but their visibility can vary based on the surgical technique used, the skill of the surgeon, how well your body heals, and post-operative care.

Schedule your consultation today!

If you are interested in getting a mommy makeover, certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice and her expert team are available!

Contact us today and we can help you schedule a consultation to answer any questions you might have and discuss which mommy makeover procedures are best for you to get back to your pre-pregnancy body!

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-will-your-mommy-makeover-scars-look-like

https://med.stanford.edu/cosmeticsurgery/aestheticservices/body/mommy-makeover.html