Having a child is one of life’s greatest gifts, but can often take a toll on a woman’s body. Many women opt for a “mommy makeover” after pregnancy to get back their pre-baby bodies and reduce the unwanted effects of childbearing to improve their confidence. Mommy makeovers typically combine a number of procedures, such as a tummy tuck, breast lift, breast augmentation, and
liposuction with the goal of tightening and reshaping the body.
Given that mommy makeovers often involve multiple surgical procedures, it is important to be aware of the scarring that will occur after surgery. Understanding and accepting the scar patterns associated with the surgeries you are interested in will help you get a better image of what you will look like after surgery.
Why do we get scars?
Scars form in response to cuts, incisions, or injuries to the surface of the skin.
Minor cuts or scratches are often able to heal with no obvious or visible
scarring, but deep cuts and surgical incisions can sometimes leave noticeable
scars. With modern surgical techniques and strict adherence to scar treatment
methods and postsurgical instructions, patients are able to improve and
minimize the appearance of scars
Where will my scars be?
The location of your scars will be determined by the position of the incisions
involved in the surgeries you select. Using modern techniques to reduce the
appearance of scarring, board-certified plastic surgeons strategically place
incisions in areas that can be hidden. When pursuing a mommy makeover, you
should be aware of the incision placement for common procedures:
• Breast Augmentation: After pregnancy and breastfeeding, many women
experience a loss of volume in their breasts. Breast implants can help to
restore some of this volume. The scarring pattern from a breast
augmentation typically involves a short scar hidden in the crease
underneath your breast, which is easily covered by a bra or bathing suit
top.
- Breast Lift: Along with a loss of volume, women often experience drooping of their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, involves incisions around the areola which extend downward and under the crease of the breast. This incision type results in “anchor”-like scars.
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): A tummy tuck surgery can remove loose, excess skin. This procedure typically involves a long, low incision from hip to hip just above the pubic area. The scar can be hidden in underwear or a swimsuit bottom.
How can I minimize my scarring?
After surgery, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions for incision care and scar management to optimize wound healing and reduce the size and appearance of scars. Scars will continue to heal and improve over the course of a year, but for optimal wound healing, there are some easy steps you can take after your surgery:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol will help your body with wound healing and reduce your risk of poor scarring.
- Take care of your incisions. Be sure to keep the incision clean, hydrated, and out of the sun. Massaging the area with silicone gel and Vitamin E oil will also hydrate the skin to reduce the risk of poor scarring.
- Using silicone scar sheets as directed by your plastic surgeon can help to flatten and minimize the appearance of your scar.
Over time and with proper care, your scars will continue to fade. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other factors which can influence scarring, including a patient’s age, health, and genetics. Overall, understanding what to expect for scars and how to take care of your scars after surgery will allow you to focus on the benefits of your mommy makeover and enjoy your results.
