Mommy makeover - Which Add Ons Are Actually Worth the Spend?

Question

Hello, I am considering a mommy makeover procedure this fall. The options seem like an add-on buffet menu and while I understand all measures to promote better healing can create the most desirable outcomes, I’m looking for advice on which services may be most worth my time and budget spend. I will be going for a breast life, full lower body lift with 360 lipo, including full back. One of the additional options is JPlasma/Renuvion. I wonder if this is necessary if I’m doing a full circumference lift. Second, Artisse. It seems logical to glue incisions but awfully expensive. And lastly, pressurized wound vacs for the incisions on breasts and tummy. I lean towards this most for minimizing scarring. These add-ons can represent about a third of the total price of the procedure so I’m looking for guidance on the benefit vs cost. Thank you for any advice!

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

Your instincts are correct. These extra items are not helpful and not worth the extra cost. Helium plasma radiofrequency involves injecting helium gas into your body and then heating it with a probe causing an internal burn. Complications are frequent and the literature does not show a reliable advantage. Plus it costs more. Some patients have had serious problems from the injected helium gas. It is a marketing gimmick. You should consider a second opinion.

Michael A. Fallucco, MD, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon is different. But looking at what you are having done: breast lift, lower body lift with lipo 360 as long as you have a good board-certified plastic surgeon experienced with these procedures you do not need the add-ons you listed as many surgeons routinely perform your desired procedures without the add-ons and get great results.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding a mommy makeover and which add-ons are worth the spend.  Thank you for your history and your inquiry.  Currently, you are considering a mastopexy (breast lift), a full lower body lift with 360 Lipo, and a full back lift (torsoplasty).  This is a relatively lengthy surgery; however, it is undoubtedly doable.  Most plastic surgeons would agree that J Plasma and Renuvion would only provide mild to minimal improvement when used in conjunction with lower body lifts and breast lifts.  Therefore, most plastic surgeons perform a significant number of lower body lifts and do not include J Plasma or Renuvion because it is considered unnecessary.  Regarding Artisse, most plastic surgeons do not use Artisse.  Most plastic surgeons rely on their meticulous suturing technique and do not rely solely on glue.  Additionally, most plastic surgeons do not use a pressurized Wound Vac for the breast or abdomen during a mastopexy or lower body lift.  There are no conclusive medical studies that have shown the Wound Vac decreases scarring.  Wound Vacs are good for open wounds, but do not statistically prevent wound openings if applied to intact external skin.  Therefore, most plastic surgeons who specialize in lower body lifts would not recommend J Plasma, Renuvion, Artisse, or the Wound Vac.  Hopefully, this opinion and advice have saved you a significant amount of money.  I wish you luck and hope you achieve excellent results with your breast lift, full lower body lift 360 Lipo, and full back surgery.  Good luck.  If you have any further questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please consult with an experienced plastic surgeon. Since the body lift is a significant procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing lower body lifts. Do your research.  Ensure they have performed at least 100 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before-and-after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before-and-after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced lower-body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if necessary. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS, FASMBS (President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. A mommy makeover can be very powerful by combining different procedures to achieve a great overall transformation. It sounds like you already have a full surgical plan in place. I don’t use energy-based devices like J-Plasma or Renuvion, as I don’t believe there’s strong evidence that they improve outcomes, and our results are excellent without them. The same goes for Artiss and wound vacs. For wound vacs like Prevena, we occasionally use them in high-risk situations or when requested by the patient, but our rate of wound healing issues is already very low without them.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear judy958,

I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.
It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mommy makeover - Which Add Ons Are Actually Worth the Spend?

Answers (6)

Answer: Which Add Ons Are Actually Worth the Spend?

Answer: Which Add Ons Are Actually Worth the Spend?

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

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Mommy makeover - Which Add Ons Are Actually Worth the Spend?

Answers (6)

Answer: Which Add Ons Are Actually Worth the Spend?

Answer: Which Add Ons Are Actually Worth the Spend?

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

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Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.