Mommy makeover
Giving birth can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a woman’s life. Unfortunately, pregnancy and breast-feeding often result in unwanted changes in a woman’s body, such as drooping breasts, enlarged areolas, a straighter waist, pockets of fat in the abdomen, stretch marks, and a sagging tummy that no amount of exercise and dieting seems to fix.
The loose muscles and stretched skin can improve somewhat over time, but may never completely return to the way they were before pregnancy.
It used to be that women were resigned to living with these natural changes in their bodies. Now, however, more and more women are seeking out plastic surgeons to rejuvenate their breasts and tummies to the youthful firmness they enjoyed before having children. These procedures are collectively called “mommy makeovers” or post-maternity breast and body reshaping.
Mommy makeover procedures
A mommy makeover combines two or more of the following procedures to achieve your particular goals:
Breast lift and/or augmentation
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause a loss of firmness and volume in the breasts, which often results in sagging breasts with loose skin. A breast lift can restore a more youthful breast shape and projection. A breast lift is often combined with implants to augment the size and shape of a woman’s breasts.
Tummy tuck
Pregnancy usually takes the greatest toll on the abdomen as the skin is stretched, and the abdominal muscles become separated. Tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and fat, along with stretch marks located on the skin that is removed, and tightens weakened abdominal muscles to produce a more toned and slender midsection.
Liposuction
After pregnancy and childbirth, many women notice that fat has collected in areas that are very difficult to target with diet and exercise. Liposuction can remove excess fat from many of the most common “trouble zones,” including the arms, back, abdomen, hips and thighs to help boost a woman’s self-esteem.
Mommy makeover FAQ
Who is a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
The best candidates for a mommy makeover are physically healthy and close to their goal weight. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck to eliminate stubborn abdominal fat, but patients should note that neither procedure is intended for weight loss.
Why is it best to have these procedures performed at one time?
Combining a few procedures into one surgery can decrease the overall recovery time needed, and it is also more cost-effective than having the procedures done separately.
Can I have a breast augmentation without a breast lift?
Yes, but both procedures may be needed to achieve the best results. If sagging exists and breast augmentation is performed without a lift, there is a higher chance of complications developing after surgery. However, if there is no sagging present, satisfactory results may be achieved with just a breast augmentation.
When is the best time for a mommy makeover?
The best time for a mommy makeover is after childbearing is complete. Patients can still have the procedure if they desire more children in the future, but the results achieved may be reversed after a subsequent pregnancy.
What is the recovery like after a mommy makeover?
Patients will need someone to drive them home after surgery and will require assistance for the first 24 to 48 hours. Although some discomfort is expected, this can be controlled with prescribed pain medication. Swelling may last anywhere from several days to several weeks. Most patients feel comfortable resuming their normal activities after two weeks, although they should avoid strenuous activities and exercises for at least six weeks.