Childbirth impacts every woman’s body differently and changes it in many ways, and things do not always go back to the way they were before. While some women may not mind changes such as rapid weight gain and loose skin, others want to revive their pre-pregnancy shape to restore their appearance and improve their self-esteem. A mommy makeover is the perfect solution to get the look and shape you want and feel comfortable in all kinds of clothing.
What Does a Mommy Makeover Include?
A mommy makeover is one of the most popular combinations of cosmetic surgeries, specifically designed to help a woman address common effects of childbirth and breastfeeding on the breasts, abdomen, and body. The body contouring procedures are performed together to improve the physical changes that linger long after having a baby.
It usually involves procedures like abdominoplasty and breast surgery to restore certain aspects of your pre-pregnancy physical appearance. As every new mom has her own aesthetic goals, a mommy makeover will consist of personalized services to address your specific concerns. Usually, the surgical approach starts with a breast and abdomen contouring procedure, and other procedures are added as needed.
Read on to learn more about mommy makeovers, including what is involved in the procedure, the potential benefits, and what to expect from the recovery process.
Components of a Mommy Makeover
The breast and abdomen are the primary areas of change in motherhood. Thus, a mommy makeover usually centers around a breast and abdomen procedure. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts enlarge, increasing as much as a cup size or more. Returning to normal can mean a significant loss in breast volume accompanied by noticeable sagging.
Throughout pregnancy, the abdominal muscles, skin, and tissues stretch to safely accommodate the growing baby, but these layers may not bounce back to their taut, pre-baby shape after childbirth. The mommy makeover is ideal for bringing a post-baby body to its pre-pregnancy form. Many patients may also add liposuction or a cosmetic injectable treatment for a more comprehensive result.
Common Mommy Makeover Procedures
All mommy makeovers are different because every woman is interested in varied improvements in her body after having kids. However, some common mommy makeover procedures are usually performed.
They include:
- Breast Augmentation – If pregnancy and breastfeeding have caused your chest to look asymmetrical or deflated, consider breast augmentation. Breast implants can restore fullness and lost volume and improve the shape of your breasts.
- Breast Lift – A breast lift helps to raise sagging and drooping breasts that are common after pregnancy. The procedure removes excess skin and elevates the position of your new breast contour. Breast lift is often combined with breast augmentation for desired results.
- Breast Reduction – Women with disproportionately large, uncomfortable breasts can look forward to achieving a smaller, desired appearance with breast reduction surgery.
- Tummy Tuck – Your pregnancy may leave you with an abdominal pooch that does not go away with diet and exercise. Also known as circumferential abdominoplasty, this procedure restores your abdominal muscles by removing excess skin and fat, giving you an incredible figure.
- Liposuction – Stubborn pockets of fat in and outside of your tummy area can be removed with liposuction. This advanced procedure helps to improve the contour of many problem areas, such as your abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and arms.
Depending on your surgeon and the recommended set of procedures, a mommy makeover can be performed during a single operation, or for safety reasons, it may be spread over multiple surgical sessions.
Read more: Mommy Makeover Costs: Procedure and Pricing Breakdown
Important Things You Need to Know about the Mommy Makeover
Here is a list of things to know about mommy makeover before getting the procedure:
- The mommy makeover is performed as an outpatient surgery. This means you can recover at home. Your surgeon may recommend an overnight stay for additional assistance if he considers it necessary.
- Recovery can take one to two weeks, depending on the specific procedures included in your mommy makeover. Plan your recovery period for up to two weeks as you will be sore, bruised, and swollen during this time.
- As you will be tired and tender for several days after your mommy makeover procedure, you will need help around the house. Make sure you have a friend or family member to help you with routine chores and assistance for grocery shopping and meal preparation.
- You cannot drive until certain pain medications have been stopped. Taking the prescribed pain medications ensures a smooth and comfortable recovery.
- You will have to stay away from lifting heavy objects, and that includes your babies and toddlers over 10 pounds. It is important to avoid vigorous exercise and physical labor for at least six weeks after your mommy makeover for the desired outcome.
- A mommy makeover is for nonsmokers. Smoking decreases circulation, which delays wound healing and increases the chances of serious complications. You should stop smoking at least four weeks before and after your mommy makeover.
- You will have to adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and routine exercise schedule to ensure the results of your mommy makeover last for a long time.
- Choose a board-certified and experienced surgeon for your mommy makeover. This procedure is a combination of invasive techniques, and it is necessary to work with the best plastic surgeon who delivers amazing results. Do not risk your health and safety to save money or cut corners.
- While you may notice some benefits of a mommy makeover immediately, it may take some time to see the full results. Sometimes, swelling can last for six months or even longer. You can only assess the complete makeover once all swelling has subsided, which may take up to a year. During this time, follow your surgeon instructions and go for scheduled checkups to optimize your results and protect your health.
- Get ready for an incredible boost in self-confidence. A mommy makeover can change your life by giving you a new look and restoring your pride in your appearance.
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Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
If you are considering a mommy makeover, you should be:
- Done having children
- In overall good health
- At your weight goal and willing to maintain it
- A non-smoker or ready to give up smoking
- Able to rest for at least 2 weeks or more if needed
- Without significant scar tissue from previous surgery
To determine if you are a good candidate for a mommy makeover, schedule an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Make sure to find a surgeon with significant experience in each procedure you are considering as a part of a mommy makeover.
While becoming a mom is immensely rewarding, dealing with the post-pregnancy body and achieving your health goals often becomes a challenge. The procedures commonly included in the mommy makeover can help regain your old figure and confidence easily. At Millennial Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Shokrian and his team understand what you need to bring your post-baby body back to its pre-pregnancy fabulous shape using the safest, most effective procedures. Dr. Shokrian works with you to identify your concerns, and recommend a treatment plan to achieve the results you have in mind.