Mommy Makeover | C-Section Scar Revision

Mommy Makeover San Francisco, CA | Ethos Plastic Surgery

Mommy makeover refers to a customized, comprehensive set of surgical procedures aimed at restoring and rejuvenating the appearance of a woman’s body after childbirth, pregnancy, aging, or weight loss. 

All mommy makeovers are personalized to each woman’s particular needs and goals and typically involve a tummy tuck combined with cosmetic breast surgery (breast lift, breast augmentation, etc.), liposuction, post-weight loss body contouring, buttock augmentation, C-section revision, and/or facial rejuvenation procedures. By restoring their physical appearance, women often rediscover themselves, leading them to feel more empowered and fulfilled in their personal and professional lives. 

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Ginger Xu creates highly individualized plans for each mommy makeover she performs, drawing upon her extensive technical training, artistic nature, and deep understanding of aesthetics. Her approach ensures that each patient’s results align with their unique identity and inner values.

Dr. Xu recognizes the important role she plays in helping women transform their appearance and reclaim a sense of confidence and self-assurance. Her goal is to create natural-looking results that not only enhance a woman’s physical appearance but also bring emotional comfort and relief. She takes her responsibility to each patient very seriously and is dedicated to helping women feel confident and proud of their bodies.

Learn more about mommy makeover surgery in San Francisco, CA, by contacting us online or calling (415) 506-4300 today. 

What is Mommy Makeover Surgery?

“Mommy makeover” is a catch-all term for a combination of procedures designed to address common physical issues faced by women after pregnancy and breastfeeding. A mommy makeover offers a comprehensive solution to the physical changes brought on by pregnancy and motherhood (or, for those who are not mothers, aging and weight fluctuations), providing you with a transformative experience that goes beyond what diet and exercise can achieve.

While your mommy makeover surgical plan will be unique to you, here are some procedures commonly included in mommy makeover plans:

  • C-section scar revision
  • Tummy tuck surgery
  • Scar revision – to address other / additional abdominal scars
  • Breast surgery – breast augmentation, breast lift surgery or breast reduction surgery, or cosmetic nipple surgery
  • Liposuction
  • Additional options – e.g., post-weight loss body contouring, buttock augmentation, and facial rejuvenation

Dr. Xu’s Approach to Mommy Makeover Surgery

Dr. Xu finds performing mommy makeover procedures to be a profoundly fulfilling and transformative experience. She acknowledges that while pregnancy can bring about physical changes that some women may embrace, others may experience distress and feel disconnected from their bodies.

At Ethos Plastic Surgery, we take a personalized approach to each mommy makeover procedure, understanding that every woman’s body is unique and has different post-pregnancy changes, goals, and limitations for surgery. Dr. Xu will work with you to develop a custom surgical plan that addresses your specific concerns and aims to bring balance and beauty to your figure.

Safety is always a top priority for Dr. Xu, and she considers various factors, such as body type, medical history, scar tolerance, implant maintenance, lifestyle, and activity restrictions, when determining the best approach for your procedure. Her aesthetic philosophy is centered on creating natural and aesthetically pleasing results.

Dr. Xu acknowledges that the decision to pursue a mommy makeover can be complex and often emotionally charged. She encourages women to listen to their own instincts and seek what is right for them. Aesthetic plastic surgery can be a powerful act of self-expression and self-care.

board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ginger Xu

Meet Dr. Ginger Xu

Dr. Xu embraces the responsibility and transformative opportunity to alter a patient’s appearance in a way that is congruent with their own values and matches a more cohesive sense of self; to realign the external with the internal; to create an improved emotional landscape and a better life. These ideals captivate and inspire her every day.

Why Consider A Mommy Makeover?

Women may want a mommy makeover for a variety of reasons, such as:

  • Excess skin from weight gain and loss
  • Loose abdominal skin that doesn’t “snap back” after pregnancy 
  • Stretching of internal support structures in the abdomen
  • Weakening and separation of abdominal muscles
  • Breast droop (ptosis)
  • Excess or sagging breast skin, which can cause rubbing and irritation under the breast folds
  • Deflation of breasts – loss of breast volume or fullness and firmness
  • Stretching of areolas and nipples
  • Larger or heavier breasts due to growth during pregnancy or after breastfeeding 
  • Extra weight or heaviness around the hips, arms, thighs, buttocks, etc.
  • Loss of volume or projection of buttocks
  • Facial aging – loss of youthful volume in cheeks and midface, sagging and descent of previously tight structures, appearance of jowls and heaviness in the face

What Procedures are Most Commonly Included in Mommy Makeover Surgery?

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at shaping and toning the abdominal area. It addresses excess skin that may be caused by factors such as pregnancy or weight changes, as well as stretched abdominal muscles. With her expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Xu can assist you in attaining the desired muscle definition and waistline that may be difficult to achieve through exercise and diet alone. The tummy tuck procedure can also offer a number of additional benefits, such as strengthened core muscles, reduced back pain, and improved posture.

For those who are suitable candidates, a mini-abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck) offers a less invasive option. This modified procedure leaves the navel and surrounding tissue untouched, making it an ideal choice for individuals who do not have excess skin above their belly button. With a mini tummy tuck, patients can expect a quicker recovery time with minimal scarring around the navel area.

Learn more about a tummy tuck here

Breast Augmentation

Women choose breast augmentation surgery to enhance their breasts in various ways, including increasing fullness, restoring shape, achieving body proportion, and improving their overall confidence and self-image. The result of a breast augmentation procedure is often a greater sense of femininity and satisfaction with one’s figure. After breast augmentation, we include peace of mind implant surveillance and long-term, high-resolution ultrasound follow-up.

At Ethos Plastic Surgery, we believe in a modern approach to breast aesthetics, focusing on “small breast beauty,” in which shape is just as important as size. A well-done breast augmentation should give a natural and enhanced appearance that matches the rest of the body. Smaller breast implants and fat transfer are options for those looking for a subtle enhancement. 

A natural breast augmentation using your own fat can also be performed “awake,” using local anesthesia, which minimizes risks, has a quicker recovery period, and is a safer option for those who cannot undergo general anesthesia. 

Learn more about breast augmentation here

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at shaping and toning the abdominal area. It addresses excess skin that may be caused by factors such as pregnancy or weight changes, as well as stretched abdominal muscles. With her expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Xu can assist you in attaining the desired muscle definition and waistline that may be difficult to achieve through exercise and diet alone. The tummy tuck procedure can also offer a number of additional benefits, such as strengthened core muscles, reduced back pain, and improved posture.

For those who are suitable candidates, a mini-abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck) offers a less invasive option. This modified procedure leaves the navel and surrounding tissue untouched, making it an ideal choice for individuals who do not have excess skin above their belly button. With a mini tummy tuck, patients can expect a quicker recovery time with minimal scarring around the navel area.

Learn more about a tummy tuck here

Breast Reduction

Women with disproportionately large breasts may experience discomfort, posture issues, physical pain, and limitations in their activities and clothing choices. A breast reduction surgery performed by skilled surgeon Dr. Xu can provide relief by removing excess skin and tissue to create smaller, more shapely breasts that are better suited to the patient’s frame and lifestyle goals. Patients often report feeling lighter and more confident after the surgery. Some of the issues that women opt for a breast reduction for include activity restrictions, shoulder, neck, and back pain, postural problems, difficulty sleeping, chafing, bra strap grooves, and enlarged areolas.

Learn more about breast reduction here

C-Section Scar Revision

C-section scar revision is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of a cesarean delivery scar. This procedure can address issues such as raised or widened scars, puckered or unsmooth scars that create an indent or bulge making it visible through clothing, or scars that cause discomfort or pain. The revision surgery typically involves removing the original scar and reconstructing the area to create a smoother, less noticeable scar. The procedure can be done either as a standalone procedure or in combination with other cosmetic surgeries. It is also always incorporated into a tummy tuck. The goal of c-section scar revision is to improve the appearance of the scar and restore the patient’s confidence in their appearance.

Body Contouring Procedures

Body contouring encompasses a range of surgical procedures aimed at reshaping various areas of the body. These can involve the removal of skin and/or the use of liposuction to target unwanted fat. Liposuction also has the added benefit of allowing excess fat to be transferred to other areas, such as the breasts or buttocks, through a technique known as fat grafting or fat transfer. This can enhance the shape and fullness of these areas and provide an ideal option with double benefits: remove fat where you don’t want it and add it back where you do want it. Butt augmentation, including the popular Brazilian Butt Lift, uses fat transfer to achieve a fuller, rounder buttocks. Hip reshaping or hourglass contouring reshapes the waistline and hips with fat grafting into “hip dips.” 

Other body contouring procedures involve the removal of excess skin and include arm lifts, which tighten and reshape the upper arm, thigh lifts, which reshape the upper thigh, and body lifts to address loose and sagging skin for those who have undergone massive weight loss.

Learn more about body contouring here

Facial Rejuvenation

Facial plastic surgery involves procedures for the face and neck (facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty etc.) tailored to meet the unique needs of each woman. A mini facelift and facial fat grafting are popular options for women in their 30s – 40s, as these patients typically do not require a full facelift to improve the appearance of mild facial aging. A significant advantage of undergoing facial surgery in conjunction with body contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, is the opportunity to have simultaneous facial fat grafting, where Dr. Xu can transfer harvested fat to the face to enhance volume in areas that may have become deflated due to aging or weight loss. This allows your own fat to be used to restore youthful contours to the face. With these options, women can enjoy a refreshed and revitalized appearance of both the face and body.

Learn more about facial plastic surgery here

Who is a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

Women who are considering a mommy makeover are ideal candidates if they have a clear understanding of their motivations for undergoing surgery, as well as a realistic vision of the results they hope to achieve with cosmetic surgical procedures. Additionally, it is important that they have a thorough understanding of the surgical procedures involved and the necessary preparation and recovery process. 

To ensure optimal outcomes, it is also essential that they are non-smokers or have abstained from smoking for a minimum of six weeks, as smoking can negatively impact wound healing. Dr. Xu will work with you to evaluate your individual circumstances and determine if a mommy makeover is the right choice for you.

Mommy Makeover Recovery

Recovering from a mommy makeover can be different for each patient as it will depend on several factors, such as the combination and number of procedures performed, age, and overall health before surgery. Dr. Xu can provide guidance on the recovery process for each procedure performed.

To ensure the best results, it is important to follow some recovery tips during the early stages. These include wearing compression garments as instructed, walking and taking deep breaths, following activity and positioning precautions, taking pain medication as directed, avoiding showers or submerging incisions, abstaining from strenuous exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, protecting scars from sun exposure, and using recommended skincare and scar treatments.

By following these guidelines and following Dr. Xu’s instructions, patients can optimize their recovery and achieve the best possible outcome.

Bay Area Female Plastic Surgeon

Being a female plastic surgeon allows Dr. Xu to relate to and empathize with her patients on a more personal level, especially when it comes to mommy makeover surgery.

“As a woman, I understand what it’s like to navigate societal expectations while staying true to your goals and desires regardless of other people’s opinions. Ultimately, doing what’s right for you is the greatest act of self-care.”     

Dr. Xu firmly believes that plastic surgery is an expression of self-love, body positivity, and emphasizing natural beauty. She can relate to why you may want to have a cosmetic procedure done and advise you on the best ways to reach your desired results.

Schedule Your Mommy Makeover Consultation with Dr. Ginger Xu Today

If you’re considering a mommy makeover, connect with us today by scheduling a consultation online or by calling (415) 506-4300. Ivy-league-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Xu will guide you through all the options available to you and help determine if this procedure can help you achieve your desired outcome. Dr. Xu and the Ethos Plastic Surgery team look forward to hearing from you!

FAQs

Mommy Makeover

The convenience and time saved by having a number of procedures at the same time must be balanced with any increased risks caused by prolonged surgery times. Dr. Xu will advise you on how long your surgery will take and if there is an increased risk of complications. She will help you choose the particular combination of techniques to make the most visual impact on your body. Your procedures can also be staged into separate surgical sessions if you prefer that approach.

Dr. Xu recommends women wait until they have reached their goal weight and have maintained that weight for at least one year before considering surgery. Weight gain and loss after a mommy makeover may negatively affect the results and final appearance of your body.

Absolutely. “Mommy makeover” is simply a term to describe a combination of aesthetic plastic surgery procedures designed to address changes to the body commonly seen in mothers. However, these changes can also be due to age or weight changes, and the same approach to customizing and combining procedures can be used to meet the needs and goals of any person.

The best time to have a mommy makeover is once you have:

  • Finished having children and have no plans for future pregnancies
  • Waited at least one year after your last birth
  • Finished breastfeeding for at least six months before any breast surgery
  • Reached and maintained your goal weight for at least one year

Weight fluctuations and future pregnancies will change your results and may negatively affect the appearance of your body.

Another consideration is the recovery process. The best time to have surgery is during a less-busy period because you will not be able to do anything physically demanding for four-to-six weeks after surgery.

You and Dr. Xu must communicate and work together so you have a good understanding of the process that will give you the best results. The goal of a good surgeon should be to arm you with the knowledge to understand the factors affecting your mommy makeover.

Dr. Xu can discuss how your age, body type, breast size and shape, and skin condition affect the choice of surgical technique and the results you can achieve. It is important you have a realistic understanding of:

  • How your abdomen and breasts will look after surgery
  • The limitations of the surgery
  • Any short- and long-term effects, such as scarring
  • Any possible complications
  • The potential need for more surgery

Women have different levels of scarring they can tolerate. Dr. Xu can explain which techniques she would recommend for your situation and the level of scarring you can expect.

While some techniques cause more scarring, they might also give you a shape and form closer to your goals. Dr. Xu can give you the information you need to weigh the benefit of a more aesthetically-pleasing body shape with the level of scarring.

Dr. Xu encourages open and honest communication about your body, your lifestyle, and what you want for the future. Photos of your desired look can help her understand your needs. Your medical history is also important, including any information about pregnancies, breastfeeding, weight loss, breast cancer, or other medical conditions.

Things to also discuss with Dr. Xu include:

  • Why you want the surgery
  • Your future lifestyle goals
  • What appearance you hope to achieve
  • What sort of body shape or form you would like

Yes. A C-section scar will usually be completely removed during a tummy tuck, and any deeper tethering of the tissue will be smoothed out.

Once you and Dr. Xu have agreed on an approach to your surgery, Dr. Xu will book your surgery time and give you instructions on what to do before and after your surgery. Dr. Xu will also let you know which medications you should and should not take prior to your surgery and what to do on the day of your surgery. It is important to stop smoking at least six weeks prior to surgery.

The cost of a mommy makeover in the San Francisco Bay Area can vary based on the specific procedures and treatments chosen by the patient. The cost will also depend on the experience and expertise of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your desired mommy makeover, it is important to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Xu. During the consultation, Dr. Xu will take the time to understand your goals and recommend a customized treatment plan that meets your needs and budget.

It is essential to keep in mind that while cost is an important factor in the decision-making process, choosing a highly trained and experienced plastic surgeon should be the top priority to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

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