The Ultimate Guide to Mommy Makeovers: Transforming Post-Pregnancy Bodies
The physical changes post-baby can be discouraging to women, and many do not look the way they used to. A Mommy Makeover is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for mothers who want to restore their pre-pregnancy appearance. In recent years, plastic surgeons have performed at least half a million Mommy Makeover procedures for women who have chosen to take control over their bodies and feel more confident.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is a combination of cosmetic procedures specifically designed to help restore a woman’s body to its pre-pregnancy shape. A Mommy Makeover typically includes some combination of a tummy tuck and/or liposuction. Depending on the individual needs and goals of the patient, additional treatments such as microneedling can also be included in a Mommy Makeover.
Procedures Often Included in a Mommy Makeover
While the procedures below are the ones typically included in a Mommy Makeover, many cosmetic surgery providers allow clients to mix and match a variety of procedures.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
If you’re frustrated with the extra pounds around the belly, a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, may be a great option for you. This surgical procedure removes excess skin and fat around your belly button and the abdominal area.
Breast Augmentation and/or Lift
To achieve fuller, firmer breasts, consider a breast augmentation or breast lift. Completely safe and incredibly effective, plastic surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure a natural-looking shape that fits your body. Breast augmentations include an implant with a choice of silicone gel or saline implants.
A breast lift will help reshape and lift your breasts to give them a more youthful appearance by improving fullness and shape and returning them to position on your chest more inline with your pre-baby body. Also known as a mastopexy procedure, a surgeon will raise and reshape sagging breasts. This usually involves a combination of skin tightening, repositioning of existing tissue, and adding implants, if desired.
Liposuction
It’s no secret that women typically experience weight gain post-pregnancy. Liposuction is a great way to reduce stubborn cellulite and excess fat. The procedure sculpts and reshapes troublesome areas by removing excess fat from different areas of your body, giving you a slimmer, more toned look. Those areas can include:
- Chin
- Neck
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Breasts
- Hips
- Thighs
- Knees
- Calves
- Ankles
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
When you can’t get rid of stubborn fat around the upper arms, a brachioplasty eliminates extra skin and fat from above the elbow, leaving arms looking toned and more youthful.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
The cost of a Mommy Makeover can vary widely depending on the provider you choose, the specific procedures you undergo, the surgeon’s experience, and more. While receiving so many procedures can be a significant investment, many clinics offer financing options to make the procedures more accessible.
A Breakdown of the Benefits of a Mommy Makeover
Becoming a mother is a big life transition, and adjusting to an entirely different body is another. It’s difficult, and it’s okay to admit that. A Mommy Makeover is a great way to give yourself a whole range of physical and mental benefits.
Physical and Aesthetic Benefits
- Eliminates stretch marks
- Reduces loose skin and excess fat
- Helps with weight loss
- Restores volume to your breasts after breastfeeding
- Removes the “mom pooch”
Psychological Benefits
- Increases self-confidence
- Helps you feel more like yourself again after having a baby
Why Women Choose to Get Mommy Makeovers
The physical impact of giving birth and breastfeeding can take a major toll on your body. Many women are reclaiming their natural looks by regaining their pre-pregnancy body shapes with simple and effective plastic surgery enhancements. These enhancements target sagging breasts, stretched abdominals, and loose, excess skin that often comes with having a baby. A Mommy Makeover boosts your self-image so you can feel like your beautiful, confident self again.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
Generally, good candidates are women who are at least six months post-childbirth, have finished breastfeeding, are not planning to become pregnant again, and have realistic expectations about the results.
Potential Risks and Complications to Consider
Like any surgical procedure, a Mommy Makeover comes with possible risks. Understanding these risks is crucial for making an informed decision. While they are rare, some of the potential complications could include:
- Infection at the incision sites
- Scarring, which can vary in visibility
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Asymmetry or dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes
It’s important to discuss these risks thoroughly with your surgeon and follow all pre- and post-operative care instructions to minimize potential complications.
Planning Your Procedures: Single Session vs. Staged Sessions
There is no right answer when deciding between having all your mommy makeover procedures done at one time or spreading them out over a period of time. It all comes down to your chosen procedures, your schedule, your preferences, and more.
- Single Session: Many women opt to have all procedures performed in one surgical session. This approach offers the benefit of a single recovery period, reducing overall downtime. However, it also means a longer initial surgery and a potentially more intense recovery. Not everyone is a candidate for a single-session mommy makeover. Candidacy will be determined by the surgeon and made on an individual basis.
- Staged Procedures: For some clients, especially those with higher health risks or extensive procedures planned, spreading out surgeries over multiple sessions can be safer and more manageable. This staged approach allows for a focused recovery after each procedure, minimizing the strain on your body. In this scenario, the general guidelines are to first complete procedures done lying down (like liposuction), then while sitting up (like a tummy tuck), and finally, procedures performed on the chest, like a breast augmentation.
Timing Factors to Consider
The timing of your Mommy Makeover should be discussed between you and your plastic surgeon. However, there are certain key factors to consider:
- Recovery from Childbirth: You must be fully recovered from childbirth before undergoing surgery (a minimum of six months after giving birth).
- Breastfeeding: If you are considering breast implants, wait several months after you are finished breastfeeding to allow the breasts to return to their normal shape and size.
- Work and Activity: For ample recovery time, you’ll want to plan to take two weeks off of work and avoid any strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks following surgery.
- Family Planning: Ensure you are firm on your family planning before undergoing a Mommy Makeover. If you may want to have more children in the future, wait to have any surgeries until after you’ve completed childbearing.
What to Expect: Pre-Operation to Recovery
The procedure and recovery process for your Mommy Makeover depends on the specific treatments being performed, such as the reconstruction of abdominal muscles, tissues, or skin. Performed under general anesthesia, you will be asleep for the surgery where specific incisions are made based on what treatment areas you’re targeting.
Generally, you should take two weeks off of work and activity to rest and recuperate. Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks post-op. Your doctor will provide specific instructions depending on what treatments you receive and what your medical history involves. You’ll likely be taking prescribed pain medication to reduce any potential risks or complications during your recovery period and to feel better faster.
Tips for Choosing the Right Surgeon
Take special time and consideration when choosing the right surgeon to perform your Mommy Makeover. It’s important to select a professional who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery — a gold standard for certification in the field. You also want to feel comfortable with your surgeon, and make sure he or she has years of experience performing multiple combined procedures. Other helpful questions to ask during your consultation include:
- How many Mommy Makeovers have you performed?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of past clients?
- What risks or complications could occur?
- What will the recovery period look like, and do you offer follow-up appointments?
- Where will the surgery be performed? (Make sure it’s an accredited surgical facility.)
How Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group Can Help
At Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of care for our patients. Our team is experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of Mommy Makeover surgery and strives to ensure each patient is comfortable throughout the entire treatment. We also provide personalized post-operative follow-up care so you can get back to feeling like yourself again. Schedule a Mommy Makeover consultation today to learn more.