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Mommy Makeover

INTRODUCTION

Having a baby is a blessing, but to some women, the after-effect it has on their body may feel like a curse. Even with a healthy diet and exercise, many women experience stubborn post-pregnancy body contouring issues, such as loose skin, a bulging abdomen, and sagging breasts.

The “Mommy Makeover” is a combination of surgical procedures that can enhance the woman’s body and restore it back to a more youthful, attractive appearance. Women throughout Virginia, as well as from all over the world, are seeking board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bitar for his expertise in this procedure.

PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION

Every woman is unique, and each Mommy Makeover is customized to that individual’s personal needs. Depending on your desired outcome, Dr. Bitar may recommend the following procedures for your Mommy Makeover:

BREAST LIFT
Sagging of the breasts is common after weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding; breast lift surgery is designed to lift the breasts for a younger, perkier look and feel. While there are a few different breast lift techniques, the “Lollipop Lift” is the most common breast lift procedure to renew firmness in the chest. For this procedure, skin from the bottom of the breast is removed and tightened on the sides around the breast tissue. Generally, an incision is made around the areola and straight downward to the crease on the base of the breast. Dr. Bitar uses precision to move the nipple up to a more natural and desirable position. Any leftover skin is removed.

BREAST AUGMENTATION
For those who experience a loss of breast tissue following pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, or for those who just want to enhance their breasts, breast augmentation may be a great option. This cosmetic procedure uses either saline or silicone gel-filled breast implants to increase the size and/or alter the shape of a woman’s breasts. For the procedure, an incision is made in the crease of the breast, the armpit, or the perimeter of the areola. Several factors play into where the incision is made. Through the incision, Dr. Bitar will create a pocket and place the implant underneath the breast tissue or under the chest wall muscle.

TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)
Most women see a major change in their stomach area after pregnancy. Some experience sagging of the skin from weakened muscles, or a protruding of the abdomen. An abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, will help tighten weak muscles, remove fat, and trim away loose, sagging skin. The two most common types of tummy tucks; a partial tummy tuck (“mini tummy tuck”) may be performed on the lower abdomen, and a full tummy tuck is performed on the entire abdominal region. Dr. Bitar will determine which is the most appropriate procedure for you.

LIPOSUCTION
There are several liposuction techniques in practice. Dr. Bitar will determine the most appropriate method during the patient’s consultation. Liposuction effectively extracts fat from specific areas of the body. A common method is the tumescent liposuction procedure in which Dr. Bitar will generally create an incision and inject a solution containing salt water, adrenaline and a local anesthetic. The solution is supposed to help minimize blood loss in the fat to be extracted. Then a thin cannula is generally inserted into the fatty layer of your skin through a small opening in the skin. The cannula is attached to a vacuum-like device. Dr. Bitar will guide the cannula back and forth to “vacuum” out the fat into an attached tube. After the fat and tissue have been extracted, excess skin is trimmed away.

Another liposuction option is the SmartLipo Laser system. This laser technology is a less-invasive procedure that requires a smaller incision than the incision made for the liposuction procedure. During the SmartLipo procedure, Dr. Bitar inserts a small cannula containing a laser fiber into the skin. The cannula is moved in a back-and-forth motion to distribute the laser’s energy to break up and drain fat cells. The laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate on contact, which results in less bleeding, bruising, and swelling. The precision of the laser helps smooth out dimpling, rippling, bumps and pockets, all of which have been cited as problems associated with other liposuction techniques. In some cases, the SmartLipo laser procedure done in conjunction with liposuction surgery can help achieve a better end result.

RECOVERY

Our office will provide a comprehensive post-operative plan to ensure the best possible outcome. The plan will include what to expect postoperatively, such as estimated recovery time, pain management, garments or dressings, and anticipated activity level. For your safety, we require that an adult stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery and drives you to your next day follow-up visit. With most facial procedures, you will be instructed to limit activity for the first week or two, which could include restrictions on driving, prolonged travel and flying. In addition, we ask you refrain from exercise until cleared by the physician, usually around four weeks post-op. You are asked to refrain from smoking for a minimum of two weeks. To optimize healing, we recommend that you eat a high protein diet. You should anticipate a variable degree of bruising and swelling, as with any surgical procedure; light make-up may be used to cover bruises starting a week after surgery. We also offer scar creams at an additional cost to optimize results.

To promote healing and minimize complications, you will be seen in a series of post-op appointments, including the day after surgery. These appointments will continue throughout the first year after the procedure to make sure you are healing as planned. For your added convenience, you also have direct access to Dr. Bitar’s cell phone number if you need to reach him after hours. The final post-op visit, one year after surgery, is one of our favorites since the results are fully apparent and we love seeing our patients happy. You are always welcome to come back and see us, even years after your surgery.

MAXIMIZING POSITIVE OUTCOMES

At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in providing our patients with the best surgical experience possible, emphasizing patient safety while trying to optimize surgical results. This is a process that includes comprehensive pre-operative preparation and patient education, the development of a personalized operative plan, and a thoughtful post operative care regimen emphasizing patient comfort and promoting recovery.

There are a number of strategies which the Institute has adapted to further ensure patient safety. We are selective and only offer surgery to patients whose general health and lifestyle choices permit healing and facilitate recovery. To minimize risk, we require a preoperative assessment that includes a thoughtful history and physical exam, as well as targeted laboratory tests.

We operate at accredited hospitals and surgicenters that have demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of care, employing board certified anesthesiologists and nurses. We adhere to well established surgical principles designed to ensure patient safety and have developed policies and protocols to minimize the risk of infection. Dr. Bitar is committed to continuing education, honing their skills and introducing new techniques always with the aim of improving safety and surgical results.

We emphasize patient safety in our peri-operative care plan, advocating early mobilization, optimizing nutrition, and providing detailed care instructions. After surgery, patients are seen in our office frequently and early, starting the day after their procedure, and a staff member is available around the clock for any questions or concerns. Our entire team is committed to our patients’ well being and every measure is designed to minimize potential complications, promote comfortable and rapid recovery, and optimize surgical results.

WHY CHOOSE BITAR COSMETIC SURGERY INSTITUTE?

Our commitment to excellence and exceptional patient care is in every step of your doctor-patient experience. Dr. George Bitar is a distinguished board certified plastic surgeon who stays on the cutting edge of advancements in cosmetic surgery and technology to offer the best possible results. With a blend of artistry and meticulous surgical technique, he is able to achieve beautiful and natural results for our patients. We provide a high level of patient safety and our experienced and caring staff will be with you every step of the way. Our institute offers a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical options, from skin care, injectables and lasers to in-office or hospital options, to provide a versatile approach to fit individual patient needs. Your aesthetic goals are our priority and each procedure is customized to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.

For more information, call our office at 703-206-0506.

Content on this website is for information only and should not be used to diagnose or treat your plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery problems. Please contact your plastic surgeon with all questions and concerns.

CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR A CONSULTATION

If you would like further information regarding this procedure, please feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment by calling (703) 206-0506 or filling out an online request form.