It’s no secret that many women experience significant physical changes to their bodies after childbirth – and you probably know how true that is if you’re a mom, yourself. These changes can include a loss of elasticity in the breasts, excess skin, and weakened abdominal and pelvic muscles. These changes can impact how you see yourself and affect your confidence – which is where the Mommy Makeover surgery comes in. Let’s discuss what a mommy makeover is, what it will include, and how it can help you.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover will include a set of surgical procedures designed to rejuvenate a woman’s body after childbearing. It includes a series of cosmetic surgeries that address the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Aesthetic goals often include defining and contouring the abdomen and breasts, helping women regain their pre-pregnancy body shape and confidence.
What’s Included in a Mommy Makeover?
Every clinic is different, but you can generally expect that a mommy makeover procedures will include some type of breast surgery, specifically a breast lift or augmentation or both, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), liposuction, and other body-shaping surgeries. The specific combination of mommy makoever procedures is tailored to address your unique post-pregnancy body concerns.
Breast Augmentation and Lifts
For many women, pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to changes in the size, shape, and position of the breasts. Breast augmentation and lifts can help restore volume and reposition the breasts so that they are closely aligned with their pre-pregnancy shape. You may choose to use the Mommy Makeover to go up a cup size.
Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a common component of a mommy makeover. When a woman carries one or multiple children for nine months, her abdominal muscles may weaken, and she often gains weight that can be hard to shed afterward.
Tummy tucks restore the shape and appearance of the abdomen by removing sagging skin and fat and it addresses the tightening of abdominal muscles that may become separated during pregnancy, a condition known as diastasis recti, which typically does not resolve through exercise alone. By tightening these muscles, the procedure not only flattens the stomach but also reduces the waistline and enhances natural contours.
Liposuction
Of course, the breast and stomach aren’t the only areas affected by pregnancy. Many women wish to have their overall body shape enhanced, whether they’d like slimmed-down buttocks, back, thighs, or something else. A liposuction is a useful tool for contouring the shape of the body and creating a naturally beautiful you.
Liposuction 360 is frequently paired with a tummy tuck to enhance overall shape and contour, while labiaplasty is commonly included for vaginal rejuvenation, making it one of the most sought-after female aesthetic procedures.
What to Expect Post-Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover surgery involves the use of anesthesia and the recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the cosmetic procedures performed. Patients should expect some downtime after surgery and should adhere to their plastic surgeon’s post-operative care instructions for optimal healing.
Expect to need to take pain medication, use a cold compress on different surgical areas, tend to incisions carefully, and rest for several days after the procedure.
Following a successful mommy makeover, many women experience a significant boost in self-confidence as they regain their pre-pregnancy body shape. The physical enhancements can also contribute to a positive impact on their overall well-being and mental health.
While a mommy makeover can restore a woman’s body to its desired state, maintaining the results requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is crucial when considering a mommy makeover. Find a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in body contouring and cosmetic surgery to ensure the best outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
Women considering a mommy makeover should be in good overall health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the procedures’ outcomes.
Your mommy makeover plastic surgeon will discuss what you can realistically expect based on your current health and aesthetic goals. Ideal candidates are those who have completed their childbearing.
Are there any risks I should know about?
All surgeries have potential risks and complications, including a mommy makeover. These may include infection and bleeding. An informed discussion with the plastic surgeon can help you understand these risks and make an informed decision.
What questions should I ask a potential surgeon?
You can ask your surgeon how much training they have, if they specialize in Mommy Makeovers, and what they need from you for the plastic surgery to be successful.
Are mommy makeovers safe, and what should patients expect during mommy makeover recovery and body contouring procedures?
Mommy makeovers are generally safe when performed by qualified surgeons. These outpatient surgery options often combine body contouring procedures, breast implants or fat grafting to restore breast volume and breast shape, and may address unwanted fat and stretch marks.
Some patients may need multiple surgical sessions for optimal results. Mommy makeover recovery usually takes about two weeks before resuming normal activities, helping many women regain their pre baby shape.
What is the cost of a mommy makeover and what should most women know about the process?
The average cost of a mommy makeover varies widely, typically ranging from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on the number and type of procedures performed, the surgeon’s experience, and geographic location. Most women choose a mommy makeover to restore their pre baby body after pregnancy, often when they are at a healthy weight and have completed their families.
A mommy makeover usually involves multiple procedures, such as tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast surgery, including breast reduction if needed, to address changes in the post baby body. All procedures are performed under general anesthesia for safety and comfort.
How long is recovery after a significant procedure to remove excess skin and sagging breasts, and can it be done in one surgical session or require multiple surgeries?
Removing excess skin and correcting sagging breasts is a significant procedure that can sometimes be completed in a single surgery, though some patients may need multiple surgeries depending on their goals and extent of correction.
Recovery typically takes four to six weeks before resuming normal activities, but heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks, and full healing may take up to six months. Following procedures, it’s important to minimize swelling and monitor for changes, especially after weight gain, to ensure the best results.
Book your Mommy Makeover Consultation Today
Mommy makeovers are comprehensive procedures designed to help women who have had children feel and look better than ever. They address specific issues like loose skin, weight, and lack of elasticity. If you want to learn more about how a Mommy Makeover could help you, schedule a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. CV Chegireddy at Aesthera Plastic Surgery.