Mommy Makeover

Common body changes after pregnancy:
- Abdominal: Stretched skin, separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), stubborn fat deposits
- Breasts: Loss of volume, sagging (ptosis), asymmetry, stretched skin
- Body contours: Fat deposits in hips, thighs, flanks resistant to diet and exercise
- Skin: Stretch marks, loose skin in multiple areas

Typical Mommy Makeover Procedures:

Core Procedures (most common):
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removes excess abdominal skin and fat, tightens muscles
- Breast Surgery: Breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation, or breast reduction
- Liposuction: Removes stubborn fat from abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms

Additional Procedures (as needed):
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Removes excess arm skin
- Thigh Lift: Removes excess thigh skin
- Labiaplasty: Reshapes vaginal area if desired
- Brazilian Butt Lift: Fat transfer to buttocks for enhanced shape

Dr Maresky customizes each Mommy Makeover to address your specific concerns and goals. Combining procedures in one surgery reduces overall recovery time, cost, and anesthesia exposure compared to staging procedures separately.

Important: You should be finished having children and at a stable weight for at least 6 months before considering a Mommy Makeover.

Mommy Makeover at Dr. Maresky's practice typically ranges from R220,000 to R260,000, depending on your specific needs and goals. Final pricing is always confirmed during your consultation, once Dr. Maresky has assessed your individual case.

Factors that influence the cost:

• Combination of procedures (tummy tuck + breast + lipo)
• Hospital stay length

The consultation is an independent clinical assessment. Final costs are confirmed before any treatment is scheduled.

Prices are indicative and quoted at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital. Subject to change. Medical aid contributions may apply for reconstructive or medically indicated cases.

Duration: 4-7 hours depending on procedures included (longer than individual procedures due to combination)

Anesthesia: General anesthesia (required for combined procedures)

Location: Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital - private hospital facility with overnight stay capability

Procedure Steps

1. Anesthesia: You're given general anesthesia for comfort and safety
2. Positioning: You're positioned appropriately for each procedure
3. Tummy Tuck: Incision across lower abdomen, excess skin and fat removed, abdominal muscles tightened, belly button repositioned, incision closed
4. Breast Surgery: Incisions made according to technique (lift, augmentation, or reduction), breast tissue reshaped, implants placed if desired, nipples repositioned if needed, incisions closed
5. Liposuction: Small incisions made, tumescent solution injected, fat removed from targeted areas, incisions closed
6. Final assessment: Dr Maresky evaluates symmetry and contours
7. Dressings: Surgical dressings, drains (if needed), compression garments, and surgical bra applied
8. Recovery: You're monitored in recovery room, typically overnight hospital stay

Recovery Timeline

Immediately after:

Hospital stay 1-2 nights; drains in place; compression garments worn; moderate pain managed with medication

1 week:

Drains removed; sutures may be removed; significant swelling and bruising; very limited mobility; need help with daily activities

2 weeks:

Significant improvement; most sutures removed; reduced pain; can perform light activities; still need help with childcare

3 months:

Significant improvement in appearance; most swelling resolved; scars fading; can resume all normal activities

6 months:

Near-final results; continued scar improvement; body adjusting to new contours

1 year:

Final results visible; scars mature and fade; full recovery complete

Post-Operative Restrictions

First 2 Weeks

• Bed rest with assistance for first few days
• No lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds (including children)
• No driving while on pain medication
• Wear compression garments and surgical bra 24/7
• Sleep elevated (45-degree angle) to reduce swelling
• No bending, twisting, or reaching overhead
• Walk regularly (short distances) to prevent blood clots
• No showering until approved by Dr Maresky (sponge baths only)

2-6 Weeks

• Gradually increase activity as tolerated
• Continue compression garments during day
• No heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or sexual activity
• Avoid sun exposure to incision sites
• No swimming or soaking in water
• Attend all follow-up appointments with Dr Maresky

6weeks-3months

• Gradually resume exercise as approved by Dr Maresky
• Can lift children and resume normal activities
• Protect scars from sun with SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Massage scars as instructed to improve appearance

Long Term

• Maintain stable weight through healthy diet and exercise
• Avoid future pregnancies (can reverse results)
• Protect skin from sun damage
• Stay hydrated and maintain healthy lifestyle
• Wear supportive bras long-term

Pain Management: Moderate to significant discomfort for first 1-2 weeks, managed with prescribed pain medication. Pain from tummy tuck is typically most significant. Most patients describe it as intense muscle soreness. Pain significantly improves after first week.

Scarring: Visible but strategically placed scars:
- Tummy tuck: Horizontal scar across lower abdomen (hidden under underwear/bikini), scar around belly button
- Breast surgery: Scars vary by technique (around areola, vertical, anchor-shaped)
- Liposuction: Tiny scars (3-5mm) in inconspicuous locations

Scars usually mature over 12-18 months. Dr Maresky provides scar management instructions to support healing.

Initial improvement: 4-6 weeks
Significant improvement: 3-6 months
Final results: 12-18 months (after all swelling resolves and scars mature)
Permanence: Results are long-lasting with stable weight and no future pregnancies