Plastic Surgery Insights from Dr. Slack

/in /by

 

 

What, No Drains with a Tummy Tuck????

Drains are a necessary evil after many different surgical procedures . They are placed to prevent the complication of seroma from developing. A seroma is the collection of fluid beneath the skin within the surgical site. It forms due to the normal leakage of fluid, serum and blood , from the raw surfaces of freshly cut tissue. Serum is the clear yellow fluid that you see oozing from a scrape after the bleeding stops. In plastic surgery there are many procedures that separate the skin from the underlying tissue so that it can be tightened . This creates a space , known as “dead space, ” that can fill up with fluid. This dead space is particularly large after a tummy tuck ; hence, the collection can be significant.

In general , seroma’s are not dangerous; however, they often produce an undesirable fullness beneath the surgical site and in rare instances can become infected. Further the presence of fluid between the skin and the underlying tissue prevents them from healing together. Therefore, it would be advantageous to prevent them from forming.

For many years, JP drains have been the staple for preventing seroma formation. These tubes , placed under the skin, drain the fluid out of the area so the raw surgical surfaces can heal. They are left in place until the fluid output falls below a certain amount (typically 30cc’s in 24 hrs) . For a tummy tuck they are usually in for at least a week. JP drains are excellent at preventing seromas but not 100 % and most would tell you they are no fun to have hanging out of your body for a week.

Another solution is to close the dead space created by surgery so there is no room for fluid to accumulate. This “drain free” option uses a suturing technique known as “progressive tension sutures” to prevent seromas. Studies have shown progressive tension sutures to be as effective if not more effective at preventing seromas then JP drains. They also result in less tension on the incision which can make for a finer scar. Downsides are the potential for the sutures to cause subtle indentations under the skin where they are placed. Since the sutures are dissolvable these indentations are generally temporary.

Seroma is the most common complication after a tummy tuck and is seen frequently with other cosmetic surgery procedures as well. It is important for your doctor to explain this to you and to go over the options that he or she will utilize to try and prevent it from developing. If you are interested in learning more about tummy tucks in or near Allen, TX and specifically drain free tummy tucks, please call to set up an appointment with Dr. Slack or connect with us online here.

Dr. Slack is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the communities of Allen, McKinney, Frisco and Plano since 2001.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

Our team would be happy to go over your options and create an individualized plan for you through an in-person cosmetic consultation. To schedule a consultation, contact us.

Plastic Surgery Insights from Dr. Slack   

/in /by

 

No narcotics after a tummy tuck, are you crazy?

In response to the opioid crisis in America, the US government asked physicians to consider prescribing less narcotic medication. This ask included reducing the number of narcotics patients were given after surgery. Some even went as far as suggesting no narcotics after surgery. I felt trying to reduce the number of pills prescribed was a good idea, but I didn’t feel that I gave that many pills out to begin with. No narcotics after surgery seemed unreasonable because there is pain after surgery, just ask anyone who has had surgery.

While Opioid pain medications are great for pain relief, they frequently have side effects that are not so great. Constipation is one of the most common ones and can be quite severe. Other issues range from a vague sensation of feeling “weird” while taking them to more concrete problems like nausea, dizziness, itching and in some cases inability to sleep due to feeling “wired”. Beyond these side effects, there are some individuals who can become physically addicted after their first exposure to opioids. All the more reason to limit opioid use or to avoid their use all together if possible.

Over the years, I had attended several lectures on non-narcotic recovery after surgery but found it hard to believe that anyone could recover without narcotics given the type of procedures I perform. Withholding a narcotic after surgery seemed like cruel and unusual punishment and a misuse of modern medicine even if the goal was noble. I was specifically concerned about how my tummy tuck patients would do. Then, as fate would have it, soon after one of these lectures I saw a patient for a tummy tuck who had a family history of addiction and did not want to have any narcotics after surgery. I told her I was concerned that she might not do well but that there were non-narcotic regimens we could try.

These regimens involve taking multiple medications several hours before surgery and then taking them regularly for 3- 5 days after surgery whether you are hurting or not. Each medication works to block different pain pathways. Working in concert they can provide very effective pain relief. This was indeed the case with my patient as she did remarkably well on this regimen. I subsequently started using it on more of my tummy tuck patients with similar success and then started using it for other typically less painful surgical procedures. Although I have found it works well in the majority of patients it does not work in everyone. At times I do have to prescribe an opioid for a few days but generally the amount I am giving is much less.

It is important to understand that each of us has a unique way in which we experience and deal with pain. The type of procedure you are having, your previous experiences with pain and your medical history all factor into what you may feel and consequently what medications you may need after surgery to control your pain. Given so many variables it is difficult to accurately predict what you specifically will experience after a particular procedure. As a consequence, it is incumbent on you and your surgeon to have an open discussion about what to typically expect and what options for pain control you are comfortable with. This is just a starting point.

Flexibility after surgery is critical if pain control is not adequate or the side effects of pain medications are not tolerable. The expectation of having no pain after surgery in not a reasonable expectation. Your pain level should be manageable with the proper medication; hence, the concept of pain management.

Our team would be happy to go over your options and create an individualized plan for you through an in-person cosmetic consultation. To schedule a consultation, contact us.

Loose Skin after Weight Loss. Now What?

/in /by

After weight loss, especially substantial weight loss, loose skin often remains no matter how much diet and exercise you do. Your options to reduce loose skin vary depending on how much loose skin you have. Board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Charles Slack, will discuss with you the best options for your specific body contouring needs.

Body lift procedures are offered as part of Dr. Slack’s body contouring options. A “body lift” may involve multiple cosmetic surgeries of the upper or lower torso. Post-bariatric patients often desire a total body lift to address the loose skin of the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms, and breasts. A combination of procedures can provide body contouring to achieve a slimmer silhouette and a healthier physique by removing excess or sagging skin on multiple body areas.

As a mother, you may desire a mommy makeover to restore your pre-pregnancy body with a combination of cosmetic surgery procedures that can transform your body’s appearance and improve your confidence. A mommy makeover can include some form of a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction or a combination of these surgeries and can effectively reverse stretch marks, laxity of the abdominal skin, loss of abdominal muscle tone, breast droopiness with loss of firmness, fullness and overall volume. The benefits of a mommy makeover can provide improved appearance of the breasts and tone of the body.

Who is a Candidate for a Body Lift or Mommy Makeover?

A body lift or mommy makeover may be appropriate for the following healthy individuals for whom diet and exercise have been ineffective for sufficiently toning the body:

  • significant weight loss
  • multiple pregnancies
  • genetic predisposition
  • loss of skin elasticity with age

If you would like to learn more about which body contouring options are right for you, schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Slack. Contact us today!

Dr. Slack’s photo gallery of his patients’ before and after cosmetic surgery photos may be helpful for you to review prior to your consultation with him.

Tummy Tuck, Liposuction or Something Else?

/in /by

If you are frustrated by the excess fat and skin around your tummy, there are surgical (tummy tuck and liposuction) and non-invasive (Venus Freeze) body contouring options for you to consider. Despite exercise and healthy eating, many women and men desire a more trim, toned, and tighter abdomen. Pregnancy, for many women, also creates changes that make it difficult, if not impossible, to regain their pre-baby shape with diet and exercise.

Board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Charles Slack and Licensed Esthetician, Devan Jesmer, will work together to tailor a body-contouring treatment plan designed to help you achieve your desired look.

Tummy Tuck Removes Excess Skin and Fat

Abdominoplasty, more casually known as a “Tummy Tuck”, surgically addresses three common problem areas of the abdomen: excess skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity or separation (rectus diastasis). This cosmetic surgery is performed to make the tummy flatter, tighter, and more youthful in appearance. Dr. Slack offers a range of tummy tuck procedures from mini, modified, to full abdominoplasty. A mini or modified abdominoplasty removes a smaller amount of skin and fat from the lower abdomen well below the navel. With a full abdominoplasty, much of the skin and underlying fat from just above the navel down to the pubic area are removed. Dr. Slack offers a “drainless” tummy tuck which means your downtime and recovery will be faster.

After pregnancy, you may need to add muscle repair to your tummy tuck. During your consultation, Dr. Slack can assess your abdominal muscles and if indicated, recommend tightening them (muscle plication) as part of your tummy tuck procedure. Muscle plication can be performed with any type of tummy tuck and is often needed to achieve as flat a result as possible. There are limits as to how much the muscles can be plicated. As a result, some patients may still have some residual fullness. This is usually due to poor abdominal muscle tone because the diastasis makes it difficult to effectively do core exercises. Plication repositions the muscles more centrally so that core exercises can be done to improve overall tone thus flattening the tummy even more.

Liposuction Just Removes Fat

Liposuction removes only fat; it does not remove or tighten skin. Many people, despite a healthy diet and a good exercise routine, still have localized fatty deposits that are out of proportion to the rest of their body. Liposuction is a good option in these types of patients but not so much in patients that are not living a healthy lifestyle. It is not for weight loss. These patients may see fat accumulate in other areas of their body after liposuction and ultimately may see the areas they had liposuction in become full again if they are not leading a more healthy lifestyle.

For the best body-contouring result, Dr. Slack may recommend combining a tummy tuck with liposuction to remove both the excess skin and fat. To have Dr. Slack help you determine your best treatment plan, schedule a cosmetic consultation with him.

Non-Invasive Skin Tightening

For a non-invasive skin tightening treatment, consider The Venus Freeze® with Devan Jesmer, L.E. at our med spa, Skin Remedy, MD. The Venus Freeze® uses radio frequency and pulsed electromagnetic fields to tighten collagen fibers as well as increases collagen production within the skin, yielding tighter, firmer skin. The Venus Freeze® softens facial lines; firms loose skin and fat pockets on the face, arms, and around the bra strap; contours the abdomen; and lifts the buttocks.

Contact us online or call us at 214-495-6464 to schedule a cosmetic consultation.

What You Should Know About Plastic Surgery Videos on YouTube

/in , , , , /by

Everyday people watch more than a billion hours of YouTube. Increasingly, those hours include some time searching for health information and watching plastic surgery related videos in particular. Unfortunately, many of these videos are low quality and should be watched with caution, says new research published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Researchers graded over 500 videos on subjects like breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, eyelid surgery, face lift, and tummy tuck. The videos analyzed came from a variety of sources, mainly physicians, patients, and product companies.

The videos were rated using the EQIP (Ensuring Quality Information for Patients) scale, scoring on a wide variety of criteria including:

  • Quality and accuracy of information presented
  • Clarity of video sponsorship or funding
  • Disclosure of risks, potential complications, and alternative treatments

With the average video scoring 13 out of 27 on the EQIP, the results of the study were not encouraging.

“Patients should be aware that the information contained in aesthetic surgery videos could be of low-quality and has the potential to be inaccurate,” said Ash Patel, MBChB, senior author of the study in this press release. “It involves a little research from the viewer, but they should check if the video is produced by a board-certified plastic surgeon.”

YouTube is a social media and entertainment platform, never intended as a gatekeeper for high quality medical information. Nonetheless it is a place where people seek this kind of information, and what they find often influences their health care making decisions.

That is why we urge all our patients to use a critical eye whenever viewing plastic surgery information on social media platforms like YouTube. Here are some questions to ask yourself the next time you view one of these kinds of videos:

Who produced the video?

Anyone can upload a video to YouTube and say nearly anything they want, but, according to the study, videos created by physicians tended to be of higher quality. Make sure the video you are watching is produced by a legitimate medical center, government entity, plastic surgery society, or board certified plastic surgeon. Look for logos and links to websites for verification.

Is the language general or product specific?

No one product, medication, or surgical procedure is perfect for everyone. Watch out for videos that appear biased toward one brand, as they are likely sponsored and created primarily to sell you a specific product. Language should be clear with limited use of jargon, and products should be presented using generic names. Not all sponsored videos are bad, but this information should be clearly disclosed.

Are risks, complications, or alternative treatments mentioned?

A well trained board-certified plastic surgeon is trained to put the patient first, and sometimes this means saying no to certain procedures. A careful balance of risks versus benefits should be part of every treatment decision. Pre-existing medical conditions and lifestyle choices are among the many considerations that come into play. A high quality video will address issues like risks, complications, and treatment alternatives to some degree.

Here, at North Texas Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we encourage you to do your homework when it comes to medical procedures and choosing a plastic surgeon. The internet, YouTube, and other social media can be terrific sources of information, as long as you use a critical eye. Always back up any information you learn there by talking to an actual board-certified plastic surgeon who knows you specifically, like Dr. Slack. And be on the look out for Dr. Slack’s new YouTube channel coming soon.

If you have questions about something you’ve seen on the internet, contact our Allen, TX office. You can make an appointment for a consultation today. 

After Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair

/in , , /by

Not all tummy tucks are alike. Some involve more extensive surgery than others, and for this reason, what to expect during recovery can vary from person to person. The aim of the tummy tuck is to slim and tighten the waist for a more shapely and youthful appearance, but the surgical route to get you there (and into some cute new clothes) can vary quite a bit.

Depending on the amount of excess skin and fat to be removed, incisions can be shorter or more extensive, including the repositioning of the belly button. But one of the biggest factors to impact recovery from a tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is whether or not a muscle repair is included.

Why the muscle sometimes needs a repair

If you have seen the abs on even one superhero you will know the muscle we are talking about. It is called the rectus abdominis and it runs vertically from your sternum to your pubic bone. It has a left and right side separated down the middle by a band of tissue called the linea alba.

The linea alba can become over stretched, usually during pregnancy but also due to extreme weight gain or a lifting injury. When this happens the two sides of the muscle move further apart, resulting in an outward bulging of the belly that doesn’t go away, even when weight (baby or otherwise) is gone. This condition is called diastasis recti.

Besides being a cosmetic issue for some people, this condition can affect posture and trunk strength. It can cause pain in the abdomen, hips, and back, as well as bowel and bladder issues, all of which can have a huge impact on quality of life.

Why the muscle sometimes doesn’t need a repair

Not all tummy tucks include a muscle repair because not all bellies that can benefit from a tummy tuck have a diastasis recti. Even when the linea alba is stretched out, it can sometimes return to its normal size on its own. Furthermore, if a woman has had a cesarean section, a repair will likely have already been completed at that time.

How the muscle is repaired

Diastasis recti can be corrected by a general surgeon, but plastic surgeons routinely do this as part of their tummy tuck procedure. The surgery involves folding over the stretched tissue of the linea alba and suturing the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle together. Though you can’t see it from the outside of the body, this involves suturing up and down the whole length of the abdomen.

Why a muscle repair impacts tummy tuck recovery

The difference in recovery between a tummy tuck with muscle repair versus one without has to do with the fact that muscles contract. Unlike the skin and fatty tissue that cover the abdomen, the muscles underneath (and the rectus abdominis is a big one) are prime movers and stabilizers of the whole trunk. This means that they contract nearly any time you move your body. Even simple movements like lifting your arms when sitting upright or rolling over in bed can engage these muscles — and then there’s coughing and sneezing.

When the muscle is repaired it needs time to rest so that it can heal up. Over exerting yourself too early can compromise your results and will certainly be painful.

How a muscle repair impacts recovery

When a muscle repair is included with your tummy tuck, you will be required to be more careful and your recovery will take a bit longer — from three to four weeks longer.

Symptoms
After a muscle repair patients often experience feeling more full quickly when eating and the sensation of not being able to take as deep a breath as they used to. This is due to a decrease in the amount of room inside the abdominal cavity caused by tightening the muscles. The stomach has less room to expand and the diaphragm meets more resistance as it moves down to allow you to take a breath. Both of these issues, if they occur, typically resolve within four to six weeks.

Abdominal Binder
Shortly after surgery you will be given an abdominal binder to help support the repaired muscle and to reduce overall swelling. You will be given instructions on how to put it on and will be told to wear it regularly. You will probably need help putting it on and taking it off in the first few days.

Lifting restrictions
After surgery, your doctor will restrict you to lifting no more than about 10-15 pounds. You will be prohibited from lifting anything heavier for a full six to eight weeks after surgery. You will also not be allowed to do any core strengthening exercises, such as sit-ups, to avoid stressing and potentially tearing the repair.

Posture
It is typical of all patients after a tummy tuck to have slightly hunched over posture. This is normal and it is important not to force an upright position and put undue strain while your incision heals. This becomes even more important after a muscle repair. You may even be given a walker to get around the first week after surgery.

You still have to get out of bed
Even with a muscle repair, your surgeon will require that you begin moving about within a day of your surgery. This includes getting up to go to the bathroom and with some restrictions, taking a shower. This is important for your overall health and healing and the prevention of blood clots. Many patients opt to sleep in a recliner to make these movements easier. Have someone at home to help you, especially during the first couple of weeks.

Though the muscle repair does add some challenges to your recovery, the long term benefits can far outweigh them. A study published last fall (2019), showed postpartum women who underwent a rectus abdominis repair had significant improvements in trunk function, urinary incontinence, and overall quality of life.

If you are considering a tummy tuck and want to know more about muscle repair, Dr. Slack would be pleased to offer a consultation in his office near McKinney, TX. Please contact us now to schedule your appointment.

The Belly Bulge that Won’t Budge: Diastasis Recti

/in , /by

Mom holding here daughter with her legs: Can't do this with Diastasis Recti

You have a couple of kids, you’ve gotten a bit older, and despite diet and exercise, that belly pooch won’t seem to go away. Sound familiar? Sometimes it is just a cosmetic issue (which can be bad enough), but other times that belly bulge is a sign of damage to underlying muscles. More specifically, it can be a sign of a condition called diastasis recti.

To understand this condition, it will help to break down its name: Diastasis is the Greek word for “separation” and recti refers to large abdominal muscles called the rectus abdominis. These muscles run from the rib cage down the center of the abdomen to the pubic bone. There are two of these muscles on the left side and on the right side. They are responsible for the “six pack” abs you see in magazines. The two sides of the muscles meet in the middle of your abdomen and are held together with a strip of connective tissue called the linea alba.

Diastasis recti is a condition where the linea alba has widened and become weak. As a result, the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscles have moved farther apart and the weight of the internal organs causes the tummy to “pooch” out. This is not a hernia, as the tissue is still intact, but it can essentially function like one in extreme cases.

Diastasis recti sometimes occurs in newborn babies who typically grow out of it. It can also happen in people who develop a large beer gut or overwork their abdominal muscles, but it is most common in women following pregnancy. During the second and third trimester the growing uterus puts increased pressure on the linea alba, stretching it out.

For many women, the condition goes away after pregnancy, but for some the diastasis recti remains. The problem is more likely to occur as a woman ages and has more children, especially if the pregnancies are close together.

Though you might not like the way it looks, diastasis recti is not an inherently dangerous or painful condition. However, the more severe it is, the more the rectus abdominis muscle can be compromised. This muscle plays a large role in protecting the internal organs, supporting posture, and facilitating movement. When it is not working properly, it can cause problems like,

  • low back pain,
  • constipation,
  • difficulty breathing,
  • and difficulty lifting, sitting, or standing.

So, what can you do about it?

When the condition is mild, it is quite common for women to just chalk it up to pregnancy or age and move on with their lives. However, when it causes symptoms or its appearance is overly bothersome, the first line of treatment is usually physical therapy. The American Physical Therapy Association has a comprehensive guide that explains the problem and their treatment approach in detail.

When this doesn’t work or the problem is too severe to be corrected with exercise, surgery may be the best solution. Here, a surgeon folds over the loosened connective tissue (linea alba) and sutures the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscles back together, into a more normal position. The reason you are reading about this on a plastic surgery website is because this procedure is often done as part of a tummy tuck or a mommy makeover.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of tummy tucks in the United States has more than doubled since 2000. Though fixing a diastasis recti can be a component, the tummy tuck may or may not also include liposuction and skin removal. Below is a photo of a woman with a diastasis recti before and after a tummy tuck procedure with Dr. Slack.

Before and after of a mommy makeover.

It is not uncommon for women to need more than just a muscle repair to regain a more youthful appearance to their belly. That decision is best made following a physical exam by a qualified plastic surgeon.

Only an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can truly confirm which procedure would best achieve your goals – and for this, there are key variables we assess to formulate an individualized surgical plan — American Society of Plastic Surgeons

If you are concerned about the appearance of your abdomen or have questions about diastasis recti, contact our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Slack today.

Patient Story: Laura’s* Tummy Tuck

/in /by

Love your tummy - try reading this tummy tuck patient story.Laura’s body had worked hard for her and her family. So, after giving birth to two children, she was planning to have a breast lift and implants. But she also realized that, after the breast surgery, her tummy would not match her new breasts. Even after working hard to lose the baby weight, there was loose skin she couldn’t seem to diet or exercise away.

That’s why Laura decided to add a tummy tuck to her breast surgery. We asked Laura to tell us about her tummy tuck experience, and she offered some sage advice.

Finding the Right Surgeon for a Tummy Tuck

Once Laura decided she wanted to have the surgery, she got recommendations from friends for a surgeon. The surgeon they suggested had a lot of accolades, but Laura felt uncomfortable with him. This surgeon wanted to use a procedure for her breasts that she felt was too new, and there wasn’t enough data to support using it.

Laura, explains, “I found Dr. Slack online and read all the reviews. After the consultation with him I felt he was more thorough and cautious of any new things where he didn’t have a ten-year outcome and research. I liked that he was more careful and cautious, and also he took a lot of time in the consultation to explain all the complications and considerations, not just trying to tell me, ‘Yeah, we can fix this for you.’”

Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Once Laura found her surgeon, she focused on preparing for the surgery and recovery ahead. As the mother of two young children, there were quite a few preparations to make. She made sure to have help lined up for them, and that her husband understood that she wouldn’t be able to manage her usual tasks during her recovery.

She spent time reading online patient stories and talking to friends who had had tummy tuck surgery previously. This gave her an idea of what to expect from the patient’s perspective.

“I had a good friend who had just had it, so she was able to help me get some ideas of how much time for recovery and what was needed. So researching helped and asking friends helped.”

Laura is a healthcare professional, so she was already living a healthy lifestyle. But she made extra efforts in this area as she prepared for surgery. “Before the surgery I was extremely clean on my diet, making sure I didn’t have too much caffeine or any red wine for two weeks prior. Things like that, just to make sure I was just very healthy before I went in.”

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After surgery, Laura saw immediately just how great her results were going to be. “You could immediately say it was awesome. It was so flat and so perfect, so I could tell that it would be good.” But she was a bit surprised at the level of pain immediately after her tummy tuck. “Everybody told me it was really tough, and [Dr. Slack] even was honest that it was extremely difficult. And it was extremely difficult for the first three or four days.

“I just want people to know the first three days are going to be really, really tough. But it’s amazing, because you feel like you’re never going to get there, and every day is a little better. And then in six weeks you’re like, “Oh, wow, I did it!”

Tummy Tuck Results

Laura was very pleased with her tummy tuck results, and her good first impression was confirmed by those around her.

“Of course I had a friend with me, supporting me there, and she said, ‘Oh my gosh, your abs are amazing.’ And even with me scrunched over and all bandaged up… my husband is like, “Wow, you look amazing.’”

Now that nine months have passed since her surgery, Laura is even more pleased.

“I mean I love it. I’m very glad that I did it. I would do it again, even with all the recovery and time. I just feel more… I guess more confident in how I look, you know? I’m more confident with my husband, being intimate, because I feel more comfortable about myself.”

Final Words of Wisdom

Laura wants people considering a tummy tuck to be prepared for the difficult few days after surgery. She compared it to waiting at a restaurant. If you have to wait for less time than the host tells you, you are pleasantly surprised. So when you go into surgery, “you want to expect it might be really hard. Then when it’s not so bad, it’s a pleasant surprise.”

Finally, Laura explains that tummy tuck surgery is worth the investment in yourself, if you are living with a tummy that bothers you.

“I would just say if someone feels that’s bothersome to them … It’s totally worth it. It’s totally worth the recovery and the time that you’re going to put into it, not to live with that.”

*The patient’s name has be changed to protect her privacy.

When You Need a Tummy Tuck and a Breast Augmentation

/in , /by

Mother and baby - considering a tummy tuck with breast augmentationYour body has done a wonderful thing—grown and nurtured a brand new human being or three. But as much as you love motherhood, you may not care for the effect pregnancy has had on your body.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, addresses issues that are common after pregnancy or significant weight loss, such as separated abdominal muscles and excess loose skin. But you may have noticed that the tummy isn’t the only body part left with residual effects of pregnancy.

Breasts also take a hit. Between pregnancy hormones, weight gain, breastfeeding and weight loss, breasts are workhorses when it comes to nurturing new life. It’s no wonder they don’t look the same after pregnancy.

This is why many women who are considering a tummy tuck often decide to go ahead and have a Mommy Makeover. By combining a tummy tuck with breast augmentation, lift, or reduction (depending on the circumstances) and possibly some liposuction, they are able to address concerns about their breasts at the same time they deal with their tummy.

If you know you will want breast surgery at some point, there are some real advantages to pursuing the Mommy Makeover.

One surgery means going under anesthesia only once. While the risk associated with anesthesia is small, it is still a risk. One surgery instead of two can minimize those concerns.

The flipside: a combined surgery will take a bit longer, which means more time under anesthesia in one surgery. For healthy women, this shouldn’t pose a problem, but it’s worth discussing the pros and cons with your surgeon.

One recovery – recovery from a cosmetic surgery can be difficult. Plus, it requires time off work. You can minimize the number of vacation days you need and consolidate the recoveries by combining surgeries.

The flipside: it may feel overwhelming to consider recovering from both surgeries at once. If so, multiple surgeries might be the right solution for you.

One reveal of your brand new body! Having everything done at once definitely offers a big WOW factor – and you deserve it after all you’ve done for your babies.

The flipside: you might feel a little shy about having plastic surgery; choosing to have individual procedures will allow for a more gradual and less obvious change.

How you choose to approach these two procedures is up to you. Consider your personal circumstances and make the decision that works best for you. As long as it is medically safe, there isn’t really a wrong way to approach this. Dr. Slack is available to discuss all of your options during a consultation. Please get in touch to have your questions answered.