What Type of Scars Should I Expect After a Mommy Makeover?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave the stomach and breasts stretched out, causing many mothers to lament the loss of their pre-baby bodies. A mommy makeover can restore the figure through a combination of plastic surgery procedures.
Anyone considering a mommy makeover should be aware that they will have several scars after surgery. Dr. Ken Smart carefully places incisions to help minimize the visibility of mommy makeover scars for his patients in Frisco and Plano, TX, and surrounding North Texas areas. Below are some basic answers to patient questions about scarring after a mommy makeover.
Mommy Makeover Scars Vary Based on Treatment Plan
Mommy makeovers are customized to the needs and goals of each woman to help her reverse physical changes after having a baby. This includes sagging breasts and loose abdominal skin caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding.
A mommy makeover may consist of any number of procedures, such as:
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Breast lift
- Breast augmentation
- Liposuction
Scarring will vary depending on which procedures are performed and the techniques used for each procedure. For example, women who undergo breast augmentation or a breast lift can expect scarring around the breasts. Those who undergo a tummy tuck will have some scars around the abdomen.
Let's take a closer look at what type of scarring to expect with each mommy makeover procedure.
Tummy Tuck Scars
Tummy tuck incisions are generally made across the lower abdomen, extending from hip to hip. This allows for the removal of sagging skin and the tightening of abdominal muscles.
Tummy tuck scars are made low so that they may be easily hidden beneath underwear or a bikini.
Breast Lift Scars
The placement of breast lift scars will vary based on the technique used to remove sagging tissue as well as the amount of tissue removed.
A common technique used in a breast lift is the lollipop incision. This incision is made around the areola and then down the middle of the underside of the breast. Scarring forms a lollipop shape but is hidden by the natural change in tissue color between the areola and breast.
Women who want more tissue removed in their breast lift may require a different incision that forms an anchor shape beneath the breast. In this case, part of the scar is hidden within the crease beneath the breast.
Breast Augmentation Scars
Incisions can be placed in a number of ways to insert breast implants. Breast augmentation scars are generally hidden by placing incisions under the areola or under the breast in the fold where the breast meets the torso.
Women who want to avoid having any visible scars on their breasts may opt for implants to be placed through an incision in their underarm or through their navel.
Liposuction Scars
Liposuction requires very small incisions to remove unwanted fat, often under an inch long. Incisions are typically placed in areas that will either be covered with underwear, a swimsuit, or clothing, or along natural creases where a scar may blend more easily.
Liposuction scars can be minimized when combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck, as the incisions made for other procedures can also be used for liposuction.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Smart
Dr. Smart takes every effort to keep the visibility of scars at a minimum after mommy makeovers. To discuss which mommy makeover treatments are right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation online or by call (972) 334-0400.
