Can Breast Enlargement and A Tummy Tuck Be Done Together?

Q:  Is there a procedure that includes both a breast enlargement and a tummy tuck together? Breastfeeding four babies and having had multiple c-sections has left me with a body that makes me feel insecure and unhappy with my belly and breasts. I’ve never been a heavy woman, I’m 5’5″ and weigh about 140lbs. I haven’t felt comfortable in my skin since having my first child at twenty and now I’m about to turn forty.  It would be nice to be happy with myself and feel confident enough to wear a bikini again. Other than these two parts of my body, I’m completely ok with.everything else about myself. Hopefully, a physician will read this question and know exactly how I feel and and be able to help me achieve this type of procedure at an affordable rate before I get too old to enjoy it or even worry about it anymore. Thank you so much.

A: What you are referring to is a very common procedure in plastic surgery known as a Mommy Makeover. This name tells both what the procedures achieve as well as serve as a marketing approach. The Mommy Makeover is a combination of breast and abdominal reshaping, the two body parts that are usually most affected by pregnancies. Breast reshaping options include size enlargement with an implant and correction of sagging with some form of a lift. More times than not a breast lift is needed with the implant. It is uncommon that an implant alone will suffice for breast enhancement in the ‘pregnancy-induced’ breast deformity. Abdominal reshaping always involves some amount of skin removal, known as a tummy tuck. Whether it is a full or mini-tummy tuck depends on how much loose skin exists. Liposuction of the abdomen alone has little role in the post-pregnancy tummy.

The most common scenario is that both breast and abdominal procedures are performed during the same operation. But some patients, due to financial or recovery concerns, may do them in two separate stages.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana