Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a series of plastic surgery procedures designed to restore pre-pregnancy appearance and shape after the dramatic changes brought on by pregnancy, childbearing, and lactation. The abdomen and breasts are the regions most significantly affected by pregnancy and childbirth. Abdominoplasty and breast enhancement combined with other aesthetic procedures present a convenient and relatively cost-effective approach for accomplishing pre-pregnancy body goals. Possible procedures included in a mommy makeover are: Abdominoplasty, labiaplasty, breast augmentation, breast lift, buttock augmentation, liposuction, and breast reduction. The driving force for a mommy makeover is the correction of changes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Women who try diet and exercise after childbirth but are unsatisfied with the results look into the trending procedure of mommy makeovers.

Yes Doctor’s Plastic Surgery Procedure Mommy Makeover

What is Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is a series of cosmetic surgical procedures aimed to restore the shape and appearance of a woman's body after childbirth.

Postpartum reshaping is a priority for many women, enough so that abdominal cosmetic procedures combined with breast enhancement have taken the term 'mommy makeover.' A mommy makeover usually includes liposuction, labiaplasty, breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, buttock augmentation, or tummy tuck. This strategy decreases overall recovery time, may reduce costs, and eliminates the need for a second surgical procedure.

The popularity of the mommy makeover doesn't declare it free of risks and complications. Also, it is only suitable for some patients. Women in good health, who have realistic expectations, and who have completed their family planning are generally good candidates for a mommy makeover. Women who are overweight or have underlying health conditions may need to address those issues to a certain extent with diet and exercise before considering a mommy makeover.

Preparing for Mommy Makeover

Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the surgery. Remember that feeling anxious or nervous is normal, but stay positive and focused on your goals. 

Your surgeon will likely ask you to undergo a medical evaluation before the procedure. This evaluation may include blood tests, physical examinations, and imaging tests.

Procedure Steps

Anesthesia

General anesthesia, or intravenous sedation, is administered for your comfort during the procedure. The doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Surgical procedures

A mommy makeover combines surgical procedures designed to help women regain their pre-pregnancy body shape. These procedures usually include a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles, as well as breast augmentation, breast lift, or a combination of both to restore the shape and firmness of the breasts. Liposuction may also be included to remove excess fat.

Recovery

Following your mommy makeover surgery, bandages or gauze will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will control swelling and support the breasts. A compression garment may also reduce abdominal, waist, and buttock swelling.

Most mommy makeover procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Once you get back home, following your doctor’s instructions on postprocedural care is important, especially for stitches and surgical incisions.

Recovery time can vary but typically involves several weeks of limited activity. Most individuals wait about a week before returning to work. Usually, surgeons recommend waiting at least six weeks before resuming your regular exercise.

You’ll need help with daily activities in those first few weeks and should avoid lifting heavy objects, including children. So, make sure to plan accordingly.

Types

  • Which Mommy Makeover is Right for You?

    Choosing the right type of mommy makeover depends on each individual's unique needs and goals. A few factors that may be considered before proceeding with a mommy makeover include:

    • The amount of excess skin.

    • The degree of muscle separation.

    • The shape and size of the breasts.

    • The amount of excess fat.

    An ideal candidate for a mommy makeover is a woman who has completed her family and is in good overall health. She should be at a stable weight and have realistic expectations about the procedure's results. A support system during recovery is also important, as the procedures may require a limited activity for several weeks. Women planning to have more children in the future may want to delay the procedure until after they have completed their family, as pregnancy can undo the surgery results.

    Ultimately, a mommy makeover is an elective procedure, and the decision to undergo a mommy makeover should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.

    A mommy makeover is an all-embracing procedure and may include the following sub-procedures:

  • Tummy Tuck

    Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen. It restores weakened or separated muscles, creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile.

    A tummy tuck is often sought by individuals who have lost significant weight, have loose skin due to pregnancy, or simply want a flat stomach. Recovery time can vary but typically takes several weeks. Having realistic expectations and discussing any concerns with a qualified plastic surgeon is important.

  • Liposuction

    Liposuction, commonly known as lipo, is the surgical removal of fat from body areas unresponsive to exercise and diet. This procedure can target the hips, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.

    Liposuction involves using a thin tube called a cannula, inserted through small incisions and is used to suction out the fat. Recovery time varies but typically involves discomfort and swelling for a few weeks. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss but can help contour the body and improve the overall appearance.

  • Breast Augmentation/Lift

    If your breasts have lost mass or appear droopy, breast augmentation through silicone implant placement or fat transfer can make them look fuller and more youthful.

    On the other hand, a surgical breast lift, called mastopexy, raises the sagging breasts by removing extra skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to create a firm and more youthful breast contour.

  • Labiaplasty

    Labiaplasty refers to the surgical reduction of the length of the labia minora. The procedure aims to reduce the labia minora's size so that they don't hang below the hair-bearing labia majora. Labiaplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia and has a low risk of complications.

  • Buttock Augmentation

    Buttock augmentation, or gluteal augmentation, improves the buttocks' contour, size, and shape.

    The most common method involves transferring fat from other body parts to the buttocks, also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift. Implants can also be used. Recovery time can vary but typically involves discomfort and limited activity for several weeks.

  • Breast Reduction

    If your breasts are larger than pre-pregnancy size and making you feel uncomfortable or causing back pain, a breast reduction procedure can remove excess tissue and reshape your breasts. It is usually performed by removing excess fat from the breast tissues.

Why Mommy Makeover?

The postpartum patient often uses her pre-pregnancy appearance as a barometer for her post-pregnancy goals. Although aging is one force encouraging women to pursue abdominoplasty, the majority desire the correction of pregnancy-related changes. The abdomen and breasts are the regions most visibly affected by pregnancy. However, many other aesthetic units of the trunk and surrounding regions concern patients seeking body contouring after childbirth. 

Abdominoplasty is the main component of a mommy makeover, and numerous strategies such as buttock augmentation, breast enhancement, flank or mons pubis liposuction, and waistline enhancement methods are integral. 

A combined procedure presents a convenient and relatively cost-effective approach to getting a well-contoured, shapely, and youthful body. Moreover, combining multiple procedures also aids in efficient recovery.

Besides regaining the pre-pregnancy body, women undergo mommy makeovers for various other reasons, including the desire to improve their self-esteem and boost their confidence. Some women also feel that a mommy makeover can help them feel more attractive and youthful, improving their overall quality of life. 

Ultimately, the decision to undergo a mommy makeover is personal. Women should carefully consider their motivations and expectations before pursuing the procedure.

A mommy makeover offers the following benefits:

  • Improved body contour
  • Enhanced self-confidence
  • Improved comfort
  • Correction of stretch marks/scars
  • Combined procedures for efficient recovery

What are Concerns for Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover addresses many concerns in a single surgery. Therefore, it carries some risks and potential complications. The decision to have mommy makeover surgery should not be taken lightly. You'll have to decide whether or not the benefits will achieve your goals and if the potential risks and complications are acceptable. However, with proper care and attention, most women can safely and successfully undergo this procedure with minimal complications. A few factors contributing to complications after a mommy makeover are:` Pre-existing medical conditions: 1- Women with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease may be at higher risk of complications during or after surgery. 2- Smoking: Smoking can interfere with healing, increasing the risk of infection and other complications. 3- Obesity: Women who are significantly overweight may be at higher risk of complications during and after surgery.4- Poor nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for healing after surgery. Women who do not get adequate nutrients may be at higher risk of complications. 5- Inexperienced surgeon: The experience and skill of the surgeon performing the mommy makeover can also play a role in the risk of complications. 6- Failure to follow post-operative instructions: Carefully following your surgeon's postoperative instructions is essential for minimizing the risk of complications. Possible concerns about a mommy makeover procedure may include, but are not limited to

  • Unsatisfactory Results

    When performed by an experienced and skilled surgeon, a mommy makeover offers incredibly beautiful and stunning results. However, if you expect the perfection you have imagined, you must reconsider deciding to have surgery. Having realistic expectations about what a mommy makeover can achieve is important. Your surgeon can help you understand what is and isn't possible with this procedure. Unsatisfactory results are often due to: Unrealistic expectations, poor communication with the surgeon before the procedure, inadequate healing time, and weight gain or pregnancy after the mommy makeover.
  • Scarring

    The mommy makeover procedure might result in awkward-looking scars that may fade with time but never disappear permanently. In several years, liposuction scars will be hardly noticeable, but breast enhancement and tummy tuck scars will be relatively noticeable and will remain there for life. To reduce surgical scars after a mommy makeover, follow postoperative instructions carefully, keep the incision site clean, avoid sun exposure, massage the scar, use silicone gel or sheets, and consider laser treatments or other cosmetic procedures. Every patient heals differently, and there is no guaranteed way to eliminate scarring completely.
  • Infection

    Infection is one of the concerns after a mommy makeover. Infection after the mommy makeover procedure is rare, but if it happens, it may slow the healing process and ruin the results. Infection happens when germs enter the surgical site during or after the surgery. If left untreated, an infection can become life-threatening. Therefore, administering antibiotics during and after the procedure significantly reduces the risk of infection. Proper wound care and following the post-procedural guidelines also help combat the risk of infection.

Steps to getting your procedure

Research-icon

Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Why Yes Doctor for Mommy Makeover

Yes Doctor patient financing is a great resource for anyone looking to get a perfect pre-pregnancy body but concerned about the cost. Yes Doctor offers financing options that allow you to pay for your procedure over time, often with little or no interest. You can get the procedure you want without worrying about out-of-the-pocket costs.  

Yes Doctor typically works with a wide range of plastic surgeons, so you can choose a board-certified surgeon and practice that's right for you. If you want to explore financing options for your mommy makeover, contact us now!

Frequently Asked Questions

A good candidate for a mommy makeover is a woman who has finished bearing children and wants to simultaneously address multiple cosmetic concerns related to pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The ideal candidate should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. It's important to note that each person's candidacy for a mommy makeover will be evaluated individually. The final decision will depend on medical history, health status, and cosmetic goals.
The recovery time for a mommy makeover surgery is typically between four to six weeks, depending on what procedures you choose to undergo. However, each patient's body will recover differently, taking either more or less time to heal completely. Patients should listen to their bodies and give themselves adequate time to heal before resuming normal activities. Generally, during the first few days after surgery, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and rest. After the initial recovery period, patients can gradually resume their daily activities, but they should avoid strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects for several weeks. Most patients can return to work within two to four weeks after surgery, depending on the nature of their jobs.
For any patient undergoing a mommy makeover, results are revealed in stages as incisions heal and the abdomen and breasts settle into their new place. After approximately three months, women can return to normal activities. Still, they can expect more body changes as final mommy makeover results can take six months to a full year. While mommy makeover results can be long-lasting or even permanent, the following facts should be considered to make the beautiful results last even longer: 1- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can add to the longevity of mommy makeover results. 2- Maintaining an ideal weight is necessary, as weight gain can alter the final results. 3- Sun exposure, excessive alcohol use, and smoking can accelerate the aging process. 4- Any more pregnancies can alter the results. 5- Staying in touch with your plastic surgeon helps you stay informed about your progress.
It is preferable to undergo all the procedures together to reduce costs and ensure efficient recovery. However, patients can stagger the surgeries across multiple visits. Performing a mommy makeover in a single visit or multiple stages depends mainly on the patient's goals, overall health, and surgeon's recommendations. A simultaneous approach is preferable if the patient is in good health and can tolerate an extended surgical session. However, in other cases, performing the procedures in stages may be safer or more appropriate. A staged approach may reduce the risk of complications and ensure adequate healing time between procedures. Ultimately, the decision relies heavily on the surgeon's choice and the patient's desired goals and health record.