March 2015 - Donaldson Plastic Surgery

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By Jeffrey Donaldson, MD |

A mommy makeover can help you reclaim your body after pregnancy. Generally, this term refers to any combination of procedures that helps to address areas of the body that are affected by the process of pregnancy and childbirth. It commonly includes a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift, labiaplasty and liposuction around the midsection or thighs.Mommy Makeover Columbus, Ohio - Donaldson Plastic Surgery

Why The Mommy Makeover Recovery Timeline Is Presented In A Wide Range

Because there is no set number of procedures included in a mommy makeover, there is also no set recovery time. A patient who has breast augmentation and labiaplasty may recover much more quickly than a patient who undertakes tummy tuck, liposuction of the flanks and thighs and breast lifting at the same time. Each person recovers differently and recovery times vary.

How Long Does Mommy Makeover Recovery Take?

Most patients recover within two to six weeks. Factors such as the number and pattern of procedures, individual anatomy, age and weight, physical fitness, pain tolerance, medical condition, post-operative behavior and healing complications will all influence the speed of recovery.

Patients often taper off prescription pain medications after a long weekend and try to return to work within a week or two. It can take several months before recovery is completely finished and normal activities resume “without thinking about it.”

The Surgeon You Choose Truly Matters 

The importance of choosing the right surgeon and staff cannot be underestimated when determining recovery. Dr. Donaldson uses a gentle surgical approach and minimally-invasive methods to minimize discomfort and maximize healing. His compassionate staff has many years of experience taking care of patients, and they will “hold your hand” throughout the entire process. Post-operative instructions will be very clear, and an open dialogue is encouraged.

Together, the surgeon, the staff and you will closely monitor your results so that you start feeling like your best self as soon as possible.


About The AuthorJeffrey Donaldson, MD Author Bio 2

Jeffrey Donaldson, MD specializes in the Mommy Makeover procedure. Throughout his 20+ years of experience, he has helped countless women in Columbus, Ohio and beyond reclaim their bodies, comfort and self-confidence. That reclamation of confidence begins through education. He works to ensure all patients know the ins and outs of this unique set of surgical procedures before making that life-changing decision. 

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By Jeffrey Donaldson, MD |

Some women desire a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) after pregnancy to help repair weakened abdominal muscles, remove fat, tighten loose skin or remove stretch marks. Both men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight may also pursue tummy tuck to address similar issues.

When Should You Consider A Tummy Tuck Revision?

A tummy tuck should result in a beautiful, smooth midsection; however, this does not always occur. Whether due to surgical technique, patient anatomy and genetics, or post-operative care and behavior, sub-optimal results may require a tummy tuck revision.

What Does A Tummy Tuck Revision Involve?

Surgical revision may address concerns such as dimpled skin, poor waist contouring, extra skin or fat around the incision line, irregularly shaped belly button, high/enlarged/uneven scars. A revision can also correct bulging due to inadequate repair of the muscle wall.

If you have undergone tummy tuck without your desired results, you might consider a consultation with Donaldson Plastic Surgery to discuss a surgical revision. Dr. Donaldson is highly regarded for his attention to detail and stunning results. His bedside manner and gracious staff have earned the Patient’s Choice Award for America’s Most Compassionate Doctors.


About The Author

As a leading tummy tuck surgeon in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson has performed thousands of successful procedures with long-lasting results. He has also helped hundreds of patients get the look they’ve always wanted through surgical revisions. He uses his 20+ years of experience and expert-level training to help individuals understand what to expect out of this incredible procedure before making the decision to move forward on this journey. 

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By Jeffrey Donaldson, MD |

Belly Button Revision After Tummy Tuck

What Does A Tummy Tuck Do?

A tummy tuck procedure effectively:

  • Repairs separated abdominal muscles
  • Repairs small umbilical hernias
  • Removes excess fat around the midsection
  • Tightens sagging skin left behind after pregnancy
  • Tightens sagging skin after significant weight loss

But What About The Belly Button?

When properly executed, a tummy tuck should also improve the shape and contour of the belly button.  If a more natural and attractive look is desired, bellybutton revision after tummy tuck surgery may be an option.

The Belly Button Portion Of The Tummy Tuck Procedure 

Ideally, the tummy tuck surgeon begins with a stretched, distorted belly button that is weakened by gravity and surrounding fat and skin thus resembling a “frowny-face,” and creates a smaller, more vertically-oriented belly button that gently contours inward with hidden incisions to enhance the feminine silhouette.

Tummy Tuck Belly Button Scarring & Other Common Complications 

If a surgeon is unable to achieve these goals, the belly button may be too large, too circular, too flat and smooth without an inward contour, or the scar may be too large or prominent. Sometimes an umbilical hernia emerges, or recurs.  Obese patients may have large, cavernous belly buttons; petite patients may not have enough central umbilical recess, and the scar may be obvious. Less fat may remove the “hood” of skin over the belly button; more fat may make it too prominent.

Belly Button Revision After Tummy Tuck

Some of these deformities are more easily corrected than others, but improvements are usually possible through belly button revision after tummy tuck.  Typically, a patient should wait three to six months after tummy tuck before considering revision. Many issues auto-correct during the recovery process, and some surgery can be avoided just by waiting.

If you are interested in umbilicoplasty, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Donaldson Plastic Surgery. We have achieved beautiful results for years, and our work has garnered awards such as America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. You may schedule your personal consultation today to discuss your options with Dr. Donaldson!


About The Author

The belly button portion of a tummy tuck procedure is a delicate process and requires great attention to detail. For more than 20 years, Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson has employed a meticulous technique that optimizes the aesthetic appearance of the belly button after the procedure, requiring fewer revisions and providing long-lasting results. 

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