Monthly Archives:

A mommy makeover plastic surgery is a comprehensive solution to restoring a woman’s pre-pregnancy body. The procedure is a combination of various surgical procedures, as well as specific non-invasive treatments if required. But similar to any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with a mommy makeover.

At the time of the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will explain the potential risks and complications to the patient to enable them to make an enlightened decision. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides mommy makeover to patients in Las Vegas, NV, and surrounding communities. 

Common Risks

Some of the risks related to mommy makeover are common to almost any major surgical procedure. These risks can be reduced if the patient works with a well-qualified and experienced plastic surgeon at an advanced practice for this procedure.

The mommy makeover cosmetic surgery procedure is associated with the following risks: 

• Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery
• Asymmetrical results
• Bacterial infection
• Altered skin pigmentation
• Blood clots
• Poor response to anesthesia
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Nerve damage leading to numbness 
• Undesirable scarring
• Accumulation of fluid beneath the skin in the incision sites
• Risk of revision surgery

Scarring Risks

A skilled surgeon will develop an individualized plan for a mommy makeover surgery to make the procedure more targeted and less invasive. They will make use of common incisions as far as possible to undertake various procedures as a part of the mommy makeover surgery plan.

While scarring can be minimized through advanced surgical capabilities, it cannot be entirely avoided. Certain visible marks may remain, especially if the surgery includes a breast lift, abdominoplasty, or another major procedure. Certain surgeons may prescribe a post-op topical ointment, depending on the patient’s skin type, to reduce the scars. 

Emotional Effects

A mommy makeover surgery can be a life-changing event for a woman. Some patients may undergo a temporary period of mild depression following the surgery. Post-op inflammation, pain, and physical restrictions during the recovery phase could also impact the patient’s self-confidence or mood. 

But, over a span of a few days or weeks, as the post-op swelling resolves and the complete outcomes of the procedure manifest, the patient will begin to admire and appreciate her new body. At this stage, the feelings of depression and anxiety will rapidly resolve.

Minimizing the Risks

It is crucial for the patient to work with a skilled and experienced surgeon for a major procedure such as a mommy makeover. On their part, the patient should be willing to follow the surgeon’s pre and post-op care instructions carefully.

This will enable her to prepare thoroughly for the mommy makeover procedure as well as make sure that she enjoys a safe and quick recovery. The patient should not smoke, get adequate rest, take her antibiotics and other medications as prescribed, and wear the compression garments full-time for a rapid recovery. 

She should remain active and take gentle walks around the home during the early recovery period to mitigate the risk of blood clots. The patient must not undertake aggressive exercises and vigorous activities for a minimum of one month following the procedure to enable the incisions to heal properly. 

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, NV, and nearby areas for mommy makeover.  

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City,  Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.

A woman should decide on a significant plastic surgery procedure such as mommy makeover only after careful consideration. 

At the time of the pre-operative consultation with the surgeon, she will have an opportunity to ask questions and clarify any concerns that she may have.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides mommy makeover to patients in Las Vegas, NV, and surrounding locations. 

Is a mommy makeover appropriate for me?

Good candidates for a mommy makeover are women who have been successful in losing weight after their pregnancy but have not been able to resolve stubborn fatty pockets and sagging skin.

Which procedure should I undergo initially?

Many surgeons prefer to combine various surgeries in the mommy makeover procedure. For instance, if a patient requires breast enhancement as well as abdominoplasty, the surgeon will recommend undergoing both surgeries at the same time. Some surgeons may recommend receiving two or more individual procedures due to medical reasons or personal preferences. 

Can I undergo a mommy makeover if I intend to lose weight?

If the patient intends to lose only a few pounds, she can undergo a mommy makeover cosmetic surgery. But if the patient is considering major weight loss, she should postpone her mommy makeover plans. Significant weight loss can cause sagging skin and muscles that can be made tauter during the treatment. 

What if I become pregnant again?

The patient should wait to undergo a mommy makeover plastic surgery procedure if she intends to get pregnant in the future. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can re-stretch the skin and compromise the results of the procedure. 

However, if a patient has an unplanned pregnancy, their earlier mommy makeover procedure will not adversely affect their health or their baby’s well-being. It will also not make childbirth more challenging.

Will I have drainage tubes? How long will I have them?

The surgeon may place drainage tubes right beneath the patient’s skin, depending on their preferences and the procedures undertaken. These pipes will need to be changed and cleaned regularly after a specific amount of fluid accumulates inside. Generally, the drainage tubes will remain in place for almost a week. They will need to visit the surgeon to have them removed. 

Will I have to wear a compression garment?

Following the surgery, most surgeons will ask the patient to wear bandages or a compression garment — this offers support to the treated areas and enables the patient to move around more comfortably. Compression garments can also help prevent the collection of fluid and allow the skin to mold to the newly-contoured muscles.

Will a mommy makeover affect my menstrual cycle?

For the first few months after the mommy makeover, the menstrual cycle may be irregular. Anesthesia and surgery typically cause the menstrual cycle to be late by one or two days. However, this procedure should not cause any chronic or prolonged irregularity.

Questions Related to the Plastic Surgeon’s Background

• Are you board certified in plastic surgery? If yes, which board has certified you?

• What number of years of surgical training and experience do you have in similar procedures?

• Have you undertaken mommy makeover procedures in the past? What is the rate of success for these procedures?

• If I am dissatisfied with my mommy makeover results, will you perform revision surgery? Will I have to pay for this revision procedure again?

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, NV, and nearby areas for mommy makeover surgery.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City,  Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.

If a person is considering undergoing any type of plastic surgery procedure, one of their prime concerns will be the duration of the recovery period and the expected aesthetic outcomes. However, the longevity or sustainability of the results should also be a key consideration.

This will enable the patient to choose a procedure that not only meets their immediate post-operative expectations, but also their long-term cosmetic needs. Choosing the right time in the patient’s life to have specific procedures is equally vital in making their plastic surgery decision.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides cosmetic surgery procedures to patients in Las Vegas, NV, and surrounding locations. 

Factors that will Impact the Longevity of Results

Some key factors to know about are as follows:

Implants need replacement

During their initial consultation, many women request bigger breast implants. But an experienced surgeon will let patients know if their choice may not be appropriate for their body type. While breast implants do not ‘expire,’ they are not guaranteed to last a lifetime.

The average silicone or saline implants may last anywhere between 10 to 20 years. Therefore, women considering breast enhancement will need to account for their future need to have their implants replaced.

A healthy lifestyle is vital for body contouring

Regardless of the age a person chooses to undergo plastic surgery, some procedures require permanent lifestyle changes for sustainable results. Tummy tucks and liposuction must be combined with a healthy diet and active lifestyle to maintain best outcomes. In case a person is not committed to keeping the weight off, they might regain it in other areas. 

Fat transfer breast augmentation or a breast reduction is permanent. However, weight gain or loss can impact the breast size. Therefore, the patient will need to maintain a stable, healthy weight after the procedure.

Surgery cannot stop the aging process

Gravity is omnipresent, and will still exist after a procedure. It will continue to push down on the skin and over time, soft tissues will be susceptible to that pressure. A facelift will never appear as ‘fresh’ as it did the initial month after the procedure. Nearly 20 percent of facelift patients return around seven years after a procedure requesting a revision procedure or further tightening. 

The effects of aging manifest initially around the eyes, and even after an eye lift, they will continue to age. For this reason, upper eyelid surgery needs to be repeated after five to seven years.

A patient can ensure that the results of facial rejuvenation surgery sustain for longer by remaining hydrated and using a high SPF sunscreen on a daily basis. They should also avoid alcohol and cigarettes, which can also cause premature aging. 

Does the Patient’s Age Make a Difference?

Age is not a determining factor, and if the patient is healthy and does not suffer from conditions such as increased blood pressure, osteoporosis, or diabetes, they could still be a suitable surgery candidate. There are some procedures, which is not undertaken before a specific age, will not offer the best or most sustainable outcomes. 

For instance, the later in life a person undergoes a facelift, the less elasticity their skin will have. Therefore, the outcome is not going to as good when compared to an individual who undergoes a facelift in their forties and fifties. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards receives patients for various plastic surgery procedures from in Las Vegas, NV, and nearby areas.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City,  Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.