Mommy Makeover

What Is Mommy Makeover?

A “mommy makeover” is the familiar term for a personalized set of cosmetic procedures designed to help a woman address common effects of childbearing and aging on the face, breasts, and body and restore or improve upon her pre-pregnancy appearance.  Diet and exercise can help you lose weight, but there are limits to what can be accomplished with lifestyle changes alone. Mommy makeovers can include cosmetic surgery, non-surgical treatments, or a combination of both. The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore your pre-pregnancy figure so that you can look and feel your best.

What Procedures Are Included In A Mommy Makeover?

• Tummy tuck—Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that sculpts the waistline by removing excess fat and skin around the belly. It also restores weakened muscles to create a firmer appearance.
• Breast augmentation with implants—A breast augmentation uses implants to increase the size or restore volume of your breasts after pregnancy to achieve a rounder, fuller shape. Breast augmentation may only partially correct drooping or sagging breasts and is often performed along with a breast lift for optimal results.
• Breast lift—A breast lift fills out your existing breasts by tightening the surrounding tissue and removing excess skin, creating a fuller, more youthful appearance. Breast lift surgery can be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation if you also desire larger breasts.
• Liposuction—Liposuction (or lipo) is the process of improving body contours by removing excess fat deposits. The procedure can slim and reshape stubborn areas, and can be performed on almost any area of the body, including thighs, hips, abdomen and waist.

When Should I Consider A Mommy Makeover?

Determining the right time for a mommy makeover is largely a personal decision between you and your cosmetic surgeon; however, there are certain factors to consider when timing a mommy makeover and choosing the procedures you will have.

• You must be fully recovered from childbirth before undergoing surgery.
• If you are considering breast surgery, you should wait until several months after you are finished breastfeeding to allow the breasts to return to a stable size and shape.
• Certain non-surgical treatments, such as injectables, may not be recommended while you are still breastfeeding.
• Typically, it is best to wait until you are finished having children before undergoing surgical “lifting” procedures, such as tummy tuck, breast lift, or lower body lift surgery; if you plan to become pregnant again in the future, non-surgical body contouring and skin treatments can be cost-effective options for interim treatments.
• If you are having a surgical mommy makeover, you will not be allowed to lift anything over 5-10 lbs. for the first few weeks after surgery; you will need help with childcare during this time, especially if you have younger children.

10 things you need to know about the mommy makeover

1. The mommy makeover will be performed as an outpatient surgery – This allows you to recover at home. For additional assistance during the first 24 hours, your surgeon may recommend an overnight recovery suite.
2. Your recovery can take from one to two weeks – Although this will depend on the specific procedures included in your mommy makeover, plan on your recovery taking up to two weeks, during which time you will be sore, bruised and swollen. Most people who have jobs that do not require strenuous activity can return to work in 2-3 weeks.
3. You will need help around the house – You will be tired and tender for several days after your mommy makeover, making routine chores more difficult; enlist assistance around the house from a family member or friend.
4. No driving until certain pain medications have been stopped – Your surgeon will prescribe the necessary pain medications for a comfortable recovery, however, do not get behind the wheel while taking narcotics.
5. Swelling can last for six months or longer – While some benefits of a mommy makeover are immediate, the full results cannot be assessed until all swelling has subsided; this will take from six months to a year.
6. No heavy lifting, including babies – Vigorous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks after your mommy makeover; this includes carrying babies and children over 10 pounds.
7. A mommy makeover is for non-smokers – Smoking decreases circulation, delaying wound healing and substantially increasing the chance for serious complications to occur; stop smoking for at least four weeks before and four weeks after your mommy makeover. Better yet, use this as a reason to stop smoking altogether.
8. You will still need gym time – To ensure the results from your mommy makeover are long-lasting, stick with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and routine exercise schedule.
9. Only choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also a member of ASPS – The mommy makeover is a combination of invasive techniques, so choose the best and most experienced plastic surgeon available; never risk your health and safety to cut corners or save money.
10. Get ready for a serious boost in self-confidence – Your mommy makeover will be life-changing, restoring confidence and pride in your appearance.