Mommy Makeovers Customized to Fit You
Being a mom is quite possibly the most rewarding role in your life, but there is no shame in admitting that you don't like the way pregnancy and breastfeeding have taken a tremendous toll on your body.
A mommy makeover refers to a combination of cosmetic surgical procedures that usually include abdominoplasty
The good news? Specialized mommy makeovers allow women to regain their pre-pregnancy bodies and restore their confidence after having children. Read on to find out how a mommy makeover could rejuvenate and reshape your body according to your goals.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover refers to a combination of cosmetic surgical procedures that usually include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, and a breast lift, sometimes combined with breast reduction or breast augmentation. Every makeover plan is unique because every woman is unique. Each surgical technique enhances, contours, and improves a woman's appearance after having one or more children.
Your mommy makeover will be customized to suit your needs. The best way to find out more about your makeover options is to request a private consultation with a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon who has many years of experience in body contouring.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Your abdominal wall and skin inevitably stretch during pregnancy and may create issues after you give birth, including an umbilical hernia, separation of your abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), a protruding belly, and sagging skin. A tummy tuck will correct these issues and help restore your pre-pregnancy flat, smooth abdomen.
A long, curved incision is created just above the pubic area, where a bikini or underwear can easily conceal it. The surgeon then removes excess skin and abdominal fat and tightens the abdominal muscles for a smaller waist and a firmer stomach. The surgeon redrapes the skin so that it lays smoothly over the newly-tightened abdominal muscles.
Full abdominoplasty requires the relocation of the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is an alternative option when your request is to improve only your lower abdomen below your belly button.
Breast Surgery
Most mommy makeover procedures include a breast lift to reshape and reposition breasts that have become deflated and saggy after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Many women choose to combine their lifting procedure with either breast augmentation or breast reduction for enhanced results.
Augmentation surgery can add fullness to your breasts, improve your breast-to-hip ratio, and create a more appealing silhouette with customized curves to enhance your confidence and improve your breast shape.
Many women choose to get breast implants after having children. If you feel your breasts are too large or heavy, however, you may request a breast reduction during the combination surgery instead.
The surgeon creates incisions during breast surgery in discrete areas to reduce visible scarring. Incisions are typically made at the edge of the areola or in the fold under the breast. The location may vary depending on the procedure and your anatomy.
Liposuction
Liposuction is performed during a mommy makeover to remove fat from areas that are resistant to diet and exercise alone. Liposuction may be performed along with a tummy tuck to remove extra abdominal skin and tighten stretched muscles.
The plastic surgeon creates small incisions in the treatment area, inserts a suction tube, and vacuums the excess fat. The liposuction technique enables the surgeon to remove pockets of fat and to sculpt the abdomen and other regions.
Do I Need a Mommy Makeover?
Many people get hung up on the idea that moms can regain their physical appearance with diet and exercise alone, but you should know that this is rare. If your stomach is no longer firm, your breasts have lost volume, and you are unhappy with your appearance, it is natural to feel frustrated. Traditional diet and exercise programs can't tighten separated muscles, restore lost breast volume, or remove excess sagging skin.
If you are self-conscious or unhappy with your post-pregnancy body, it might be a good idea to speak with a plastic surgeon and find out if a mommy makeover is right for you.
What Type of Results Can I Expect?
Each mommy makeover procedure offers different results. You will be able to share your aesthetic expectations and concerns with your plastic surgeon during a private consultation, and your surgery will be customized to help you reach each of your goals. Specifics vary but you can expect:
- Boosted confidence at home, at work, and on the beach
- A slimmer, tighter abdomen
- Youthful, lifted and contoured breasts
- The removal of stubborn pockets of fat
- Improved self-esteem
- Natural-looking results
- Strategically placed incisions, which are easily hidden in a bikini
- Removal of some stretch marks
Mommy Makeover Aftercare and Recovery
Immediately after the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will rest for about an hour before being discharged into the care of a family member or friend. Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided before the surgery. Carefully follow all the instructions to encourage smooth healing and to maximize your results.
Mild to moderate swelling and bruising can be expected for several weeks after major surgery. Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication can be used as directed to ensure that you experience a relaxing and comfortable recovery.
Most patients return to work after 10 to 14 days. Strenuous activities, lifting, and bending should be avoided for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon will provide you with instructions that promote your healing and maximize your results.
When Should I Have a Mommy Makeover?
It is best to hold off on your mommy makeover until you have completed your family. However, if you had your children at a very young age and did not plan on having more children for a long time (or not at all), then you may consider having the procedures done now. Explain all of your plans to the surgeon during your private consultation.
It is usually recommended that you wait to have a mommy makeover until:
- You are within 10% of your ideal body weight for three months
- Three months after completing breastfeeding
- Six months after the birth of your last baby if you're not breastfeeding
Request a Mommy Makeover Consultation
Stephan Baker MD, FACS, has over 25 years of experience performing mommy makeovers for patients in South Florida, Coral Gables, and in Hollywood, Florida. Call (305) 381-8837 or visit drbaker.com to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Baker.
