If you’ve been considering a mommy makeover but are concerned about the mommy makeover scar or scars that will result, this article is for you.
Below, we’ll help potential mommy makeover patients understand which mommy makeover procedures produce what types of scars and where. We know that the more you learn about the type of scar mommy makeover procedures produce, the more you’ll feel ready to move forward with this transformational surgery.
Before we can take a deep dive into mommy makeover scars, however, we must first establish the specific procedures that this combination surgery can include.
What’s Included in a Mommy Makeover?
Because mommy makeovers are catered to the individual, you can choose which procedures are right for you. Talking to your plastic surgeon about your desired results at your initial consultation appointment will help narrow down your choices. Most mommy makeovers include at least two or more of the following procedures.
Breast Enhancement
Breast enhancement surgery aims to refine the size and shape of the breasts. Patients typically choose between a breast lift or breast augmentation with breast implants or a fat transfer.
Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is designed to address excess abdominal skin and loose abdominal muscles. The procedure often includes liposuction to take care of excess fat.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that focuses on removing stubborn fat deposits. Lipo can be performed almost anywhere on the body, from the ankles and inner knees to the thighs, abdomen, arms, or chin.
Brazilian Butt Lift
Brazilian butt lift surgery combines liposuction and a fat transfer process to augment the size and shape of the hips and buttocks. It can change a patient’s overall figure and provides natural-looking results.
Mommy Makeover Scars
Now that we’ve covered which surgeries a mommy makeover can include, let’s discuss where each of these procedures tend to produce scars.
Breast Enhancement Scars
Scars from breast enhancement surgery typically include either breast lift scars or breast augmentation scars. Sometimes, a combination breast lift with implants will be performed.
Breast lift incisions may be around the areolae only. Or, there may be an additional incision made from each areola straight down to the breast crease (lollipop incision). Or, an additional third incision may be made along each breast crease (anchor incision).
Breast augmentation incisions (where the breast implants will be inserted) can be made around the areolae or along the breast creases. Alternatively, some patients may qualify for incisions to be made in the armpits.
Your surgeon will help you decide which placement is best for you. Taking care of your incisions and using silicone sheets or creams will help them fade and flatten so they are hard to see with time.
Tummy Tuck Scars
Tummy tuck scars are placed laterally along the lower abdomen, usually extending from hip to hip. The size of the scar depends on the extent of the procedure, but skilled surgeons aim for low visibility, ensuring they can be concealed by underwear or swimwear.
In some cases, an additional tummy tuck incision will be made between the lower scar and the belly button. This would be the most noticeable scar if it is required.
While tummy tuck scars tend to be some of the longest types of scars, they will still fade and flatten out as time goes on. With proper wound care (careful incision treatment and use of silicone scar sheets or creams), wounds heal faster after surgery. So, take care of your incisions, and their visibility can be significantly reduced.
Liposuction Scars
Liposuction scars are minimal, typically measuring only a few millimeters in length. These incisions are strategically placed in inconspicuous areas, minimizing the risk of visible scarring. As they heal, they usually look like small dots and are sometimes actually hard to find.
Brazilian Butt Lift Scars
Scarring from a Brazilian butt lift is generally minimal because the only lasting scars will be from the liposuction portion of the procedure. Liposuction entry points are small incisions and will usually heal as only inconspicuous dots.
FAQ: Mommy Makeover Scars
Does mommy makeover leave a scar on the stomach?
Mommy makeovers, which often include procedures like tummy tucks, can leave a scar on the stomach. However, a board certified plastic surgeon will use their skill and advanced techniques to minimize visible scars.
How much does a mommy makeover cost?
The cost of a mommy makeover varies depending on factors such as the specific procedures included, your surgeon’s expertise, and the timing and geographic location of your surgery. Always schedule a consultation appointment to know for sure what the cost of your procedure will be.
What does a mommy makeover tummy tuck scar look like after 6 months?
After six months, a tummy tuck scar from a mommy makeover typically begins to fade and flatten. While every patient’s experience will be different, with proper care and healing, your scars should start to blend in with your surrounding skin and become less prominent.
How much weight is typically lost with a mommy makeover?
Mommy makeover surgery is not a weight loss procedure. While the removal of excess skin and fat during the procedure may result in some weight reduction, the focus is more on enhancing the overall shape and contours of your body.
What is a mommy makeover scar tattoo?
Some patients seeking a mommy makeover scar treatment will turn to tattoos. A tattoo can be placed on top of and around a mommy makeover scar to basically camouflage it and help it blend in with the surrounding skin. Others may choose to camouflage their scar with a tattoo depicting an image or word that is meaningful to them.
Call and Request Your Mommy Makeover Appointment
While all invasive plastic surgery procedures result in scars, remember that from breast augmentation scars to tummy tuck scars, if you choose the right surgeon, they should be well-hidden and as inconspicuous as possible.
Dr. Matthew Schulman is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring and mommy makeovers in NYC. To schedule a consultation to discuss mommy makeover scars and which procedures would be best for you, please call our office today.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-will-your-mommy-makeover-scars-look-like
