Mommy Makeover
in Lethbridge Alberta

Is a Mommy Makeover Right for You?

A Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures that are performed together in one operation (usually liposuction, tummy tuck, and breast surgery) to restore a woman’s body after childbearing. 

By combining these common plastic surgery procedures for women, a Mommy Makeover collectively address the most common effects that childbearing and breastfeeding have on a woman’s body, which include skin stretching and muscle separation in the abdomen and loss of firmness in the breasts.

During a Mommy Makeover breast augmentation may also be performed, if necessary or desired, and women who have had a Caesarean section may opt for scar revision.

Dr Secretan offers the Mommy Makeover surgical procedures in Lethbridge Alberta. Due to combining breast, tummy, and liposuction procedures into one surgical experience, patients are able to avoid multiple surgery and recovery periods.

A Mommy Makeover Includes:

Liposuction

Liposuction of the hips and thighs removes pockets of excess fat and achieves a shape that is in greater harmony with the rest of the body.

 Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles. It also allows for the possible elimination of stretch marks, especially if they are located in the lower part of the abdomen. The result is a flatter, firmer abdominal shape.

Breast Surgery

Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation increases natural breast size and enhances its shape using silicone gel implants, saline implants or fat grafting.  Breast Lift: Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, removes excess breast skin to raise, reshape and firm the breasts. Breast Reduction: Breast reduction surgery removes fat and glandular tissue and tightens skin to produce smaller, lighter breasts.

About Mommy Makeover in Lethbridge

If you are interested in a Mommy Makeover, the first step is a consultation with Dr. Secretan, our plastic surgeon. During your consultation Dr. Secretan will discuss your goals and treatment options. 

LPSA is a full-service plastic surgery and medical aesthetics office located in southern Alberta. Our patients travel from all over Alberta and British Columbia to receive care from us, and we pride ourselves in offering the most effective and proven techniques available.

For a full list of our non-surgical interventions, please view our aesthetic services.

best tummy tucks in Lethbridge

Do Something Today That Your Future Self Will Thank You For - Contact Us To Schedule a Consultation.

We understand that the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal and important one, and we are here to provide our patients with the support and guidance they need to feel confident and comfortable throughout their journey. 

Our friendly administrative staff will expertly guide you through the entire process, from booking to recovery, allowing you to confidently take the first step towards achieving your desired figure. 

You deserve to feel confident and beautiful in your own skin!

FAQ: About Your Surgery

FAQ: About Your Surgery

The consultation, which typically lasts 45 minutes, will be your time to spend with Dr. Secretan, as well as the staff. We will discuss your goals and expectations and review with you the various options that exist in performing the procedure. Ample opportunity will be provided to ensure your personal comfort level with both the procedure and with us. Once you have decided to proceed with abdominoplasty, we will do our best to schedule your surgery as conveniently for you as possible.

Each year thousands of women undergo successful mommy makeover surgery, experience no major problems and are happy with the results. Significant complication from mommy makeover surgery are infrequent. However, make sure that you understand what surgery involves, including possible risks, complications and follow-up care. Mommy makeover surgery poses various risks, including:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding
  • Poor wound healing
  • Blood clots
  • Possible need for revisional surgery

Because a mommy makeover is comprised of several different procedures, each procedure poses its own surgery risks in addition to the risks mentioned above. These risks may include:

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
  • Pain, swelling, and bruising during the first few weeks after surgery
  • Visible scarring at the points of incision
  • Excess scarring
  • Uneven contours may occur in spite of efforts to balance skin and fat removal
  • Rippling of the skin Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma)
  • An accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal (hematoma)
  • Skin loss (tissue necrosis)
  • Change skin sensation
  • Nerve damage
  • Sensation changes
  • Possible need for revisions or additional procedures
Breast Lift, Reduction, and Augmentation
  • A tightening of the scar tissue which can make the breast feel hard and can distort the shape of the breast implant (capsular contracture)
  • Diminished sensitivity or permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin
  • Breast pain
  • Rare implant leakage or rupture. If the implant is saline-filled, it deflates and the body harmlessly absorbs the saline solution. If the implant is filled with silicone gel, the gel may alter the shape of the breast, requiring implant replacement.
  • Irregularities or asymmetry in the shape and size of the breasts. (This could occur as a result of changes during the healing process, or surgery might not successfully correct pre-existing asymmetry).
  • The areolas (pigmented area around the nipples) may appear uneven
  • Rarely, the blood supply to the nipple or areola is interrupted during a breast lift. This can damage breast tissue in the area and lead to the partial or total loss of the nipple or areola.
  • Rarely, poor healing can cause scars to become thick and wide
  • Difficulty breastfeeding

Like any major surgery, a mommy makeover surgery poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the surgical tape or other materials used during or after the procedure. You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instruction of your surgeon, both before and after your procedure.

There is a wide range in the cost of a mommy makeover and there are a number of factors that determine the cost of this procedure from surgeon to surgeon. Some of these factors include: the experience of the surgeon and scope of the procedures.

A highly qualified surgeon who is in high demand will usually charge more than a less experienced doctor. If you are considering having multiple cosmetic procedures done, speak with Dr. Secretan about the possibility of having them all done at once.

For patients whose insurance will not cover cosmetic procedures, there are financing options available. Often patients will use a credit card or a personal line of credit, however our clinic offers financing through companies like Medicard that specialize in financing for cosmetic procedures.

Anesthesia Fees

These fees cover the cost of the anesthetist, whose presence is required during and immediately after your surgery, and the anesthesia administered.

Hosptial/Private Surgical Suite Fees

These fees cover the cost of where your surgery is scheduled to take place.

The Surgeon’s Fees

In addition to your actual surgery, these fees also cover all pre-operative and post-operative follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Miscellaneous costs include the compression garment and any supplies you’ll need while you recover (such as sterile bandages).

To determine the exact cost of your personal surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Secretan.

Most plastic surgery procedures are performed as an outpatient procedure, although overnight facilities are available for patients undergoing larger procedures or for those that are form out of town or come from a distance.

Before Surgery

Do not eat after midnight the night prior to surgery. You may drink clear fluids only, up to 6 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. We will see you at the clinic before your surgery. We will usually do a few measurements and make several standardized markings before going into the operating room. Surgery is usually carried out under general anesthesia, but for some patients, and depending upon the procedure, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is used. Our highly skilled anesthesia and nursing staff are there with you at all times to provide you with a safe experience in as caring and compassionate manner as possible.

Your Surgery

The length of surgery depends upon the procedure that you are undergoing. At the conclusion of the surgery, a light bandage will be applied over the incision site and you will wake up already wearing your sports bra and compression garment. The anesthetist will have given you pain medication prior to the end of the surgery to minimize postoperative discomfort. From the operating room, you will be taken to our recovery area where you will stay until you are ready to go home. A recovery room nurse will be attending to you at all times to monitor your recovery and to ensure that you are comfortable.

After Surgery

Once you are ready to be discharged home, we will see you to review your postoperative instructions. You will be given a number to contact us or one of our staff 24 hours a day should you need any advice after leaving the clinic. Because you will have been under an anesthetic, your judgment and coordination may be affected for up to 24 hours. It is important to have a responsible adult pick you up from the clinic and stay with you the first night following surgery.

Following your surgery, there are several things that you should be aware of. Most important, if there is anything at all that you are uncertain about, please make sure to contact our office.

Recovery

After surgery some discomfort should be expected, however this can be controlled with prescribed medication. It is important to slowly walk around within the first two to three days, slightly bent forward to prevent any tension on your tummy tuck incision. You’ll be required to wear a compression garment and sports bra for 4-6 weeks after the surgery. This controls swelling and helps the skin in the area conform to its new sleeker contour. It also helps with proper healing of scars. The return to work after your mommy makeover recovery can be as early as two weeks – 4 weeks depending on your surgeries and comfort level. It is best to discuss this with Dr. Secretan prior to surgery so that you request enough time off to recover fully.

It can take 6-12 months to see the final result of body contouring surgery.

Immediately After Your Mommy Makeover Procedure

When you awake from your surgery you will be in the recovery room. You will have your support garment and sports bra on, and you may or may not have any drains.  If drains are present, there will be one or two soft drains exiting from the pubic area. You may feel some incisional pain and discomfort, but this is generally well controlled by pain medications. If you are not staying overnight, you will be able to go home when you have fully recovered from the sedation.

Activity During Your Recovery

Immediately after surgery, the skin will feel tight. For the first 2-3 days, you are encouraged to walk slightly bent forward to avoid pulling on the incision line, and to put pillows under your knees and your head when you’re reclining so you’re bent at the waist. You can also sleep on your side in a slight ‘fetal’ position (i.e. bent at the waist). You may find it difficult to rise from a lying position and it will be easier to turn on your side, allow your legs to hang over the side and slowly use your arms to raise yourself to a sitting position before rising. Avoid sitting up in a chair for the first week.

During your recovery, you should take it easy – a little stroll is okay but not much more.

We encourage you not to spend all your time in bed. This will minimize the risk of deep clots in your leg veins. Avoid lifting your hands over your head, straining, lifting objects heavier than a gallon of milk, and bending completely over. You may be able to begin cardio type physical activity at 3-4 weeks. Strenuous physical activity (like lifting weights, abdominal crunches) is not permitted until 6 weeks after surgery.

Washing to Promote Healing of Your Incision

On the first day after your surgery, you can take a shower. Do not sit in a bath. When taking a shower, remove the support garment and underlying dressing. The small white tapes (called steri-strips) over your incision should be left on until they fall off naturally. You will need to hold the drains in your hand while you shower. You can wet and soap the tapes and your incision. Use mild soap such as Dove or Ivory. Pat yourself dry using a towel (do not rub) and put the dressing pad and support garment back on. This daily routine will help keep the incision and drain sites clean and will promote wound healing. Taking a bath or immersing yourself in water (such as for swimming or using a hot tub) will only be possible once the drains are out, the sutures around your bellybutton are out and the incisions are well on their way to being healed (the scabs have all fallen off). 

Drains

Drains are used to remove any excess fluid or blood, preventing accumulations under the skin that would promote swelling after tummy tuck surgery. Both drains are usually removed within 2 weeks. Occasionally, they need to be left in longer. Before you are discharged home, the nurse will show you how to empty your drains, but here are a few reminders:

  • Remove the cap. Hold the bulb upright and measure the amount of blood and fluid in the bulb by reading the measurement levels. Record the amount for each drain.
  • Turn the bulb upside down and squeeze out the blood and fluid into a garbage, toilet, or sink.
  • Turn the bulb upright again, squeeze the bulb so it crumples and expels all the air, then while holding it tightly squeezed replace the cap. Release the bulb, it should stay collapsed. (The bulb should not quickly re-expand or there is an air-leak)
  • Measure and empty your drains 2-3 times per day. You may have to do this more often if the bulb becomes full quickly.
Support Garment Worn During Recovery

The garment is necessary to support the tightening of your abdominal muscles. It will help to decrease swelling, prevent the accumulation of fluid under the skin, and to conform the skin to its new position, maximizing the cosmetic outcome. Failure to comply with garment instructions will increase the risk of seroma formation and suboptimal results. The garment should be worn day and night for 6 weeks, removing it only to shower or wash the garment. The support garment should cover the incision – if you notice it has slid upwards, you can slide it back down by pulling down at the sides.

Care of Your Incision
  • Most of the stitching is dissolvable and woven under the skin to prevent stitch marks.
  • Once a steri-strip (the little white tapes over your tummy tuck incision) starts to curl up at it’s edge, you can remove it the rest of the way and throw it out. After the steri-strips are removed, no dressing will be required over the incision. However, you may choose to cover your incisions with a sterile dressing for comfort.
  • Avoid direct sunlight to the incision line as this may result in pigmentation changes. This is particularly true during the first year after the surgery. Never expose the incision to sunlight without sunblock – use SPF 30 or greater.
  • Scars will initially be red and a little raised, but over 3-6 months they usually get lighter in colour and flatten out.
  • The quality of your tummy tuck results may be compromised if you fail to return for any scheduled post-op visits or follow the pre- and post-operative instructions.