Blog
Are you looking at yourself in the mirror, remembering your pre-baby body, and thinking, “If only…?” Don’t worry. You’re not alone! Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but let’s be real – it’s also a wild rollercoaster ride that can leave your body feeling like it’s been through a spin cycle. That’s where the miracle of the “Mommy Makeover” comes into play.
If you’re wondering, “What on earth is a Mommy Makeover, and can it bring my body back to its glory days?” – sit tight! We’re about to dive head-first into everything you need to know about this transformative suite of cosmetic procedures. Remember, knowledge is power, and we’re here to arm you with all the info you need! Buckle up and join us on this enlightening journey as we unwrap the details of the Mommy Makeover. You can grab a cup of tea (or wine, we won’t judge) and some comfy pillows. Let’s get started!
Have you ever asked yourself, “What on Earth is a Mommy Makeover?” or pondered, “What cosmetic surgeries are included, and what can you have done in addition?” If so, stick around because we’re about to answer those questions and more!
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. Rather, it’s a customizable combination of cosmetic surgeries aimed at rejuvenating the female body post-childbirth. It usually involves procedures that target areas most affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. The ideal candidate for a Mommy Makeover is a woman in good overall health, finished with childbearing and at least six months postpartum.
Essential Components of a Mommy Makeover
Most Mommy Makeover procedures include these procedures to start:
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck removes excess skin, giving a flatter, toned mid-body area. It can also repair stressed abdominal muscles. During pregnancy, the growing baby stretches abdominal muscles as the uterus expands with the pregnancy due to the hormones Progesterone and Relaxin. Abdominal separation often gets better in the first 6 to 8 weeks after having the baby. But when it doesn’t, it results in a condition called Diastasis Recti and can require physical therapy or even the surgical intervention of an abdominoplasty.
Breast Enhancement
Breast surgeries such as an augmentation, a reduction or a lift can restore or enhance the chest area. Since pregnancy and breastfeeding are known to change your breasts drastically, these procedures can help reclaim your youthful contours or even achieve the size and shape you’ve always wanted.
Liposuction
Liposuction is often performed to remove stubborn fat deposits. This versatile procedure can sculpt various body parts, from the thighs and hips to the arms and even the neck. Many women choose the back and flanks to help accentuate an hourglass figure.
Additional Procedures to Boost Your Mommy Makeover
Butt Lift
Adding a butt lift to your Mommy Makeover can help enhance your curves and balance your proportions overall. This can work in combination with liposuction and finer sculpting techniques to get the exact silhouette you’re looking for.
Nonsurgical Procedures
Aesthetic treatments like Botox and dermal fillers can provide the finishing touches to your life-changing makeover. These treatments can smooth wrinkles and restore lost volume, giving you a refreshed and youthful appearance on your face.
Preparing for Your Mommy Makeover
Before embarking on the exciting journey of a Mommy Makeover, there are some important aspects that you need to be aware of and prepare for. These pointers can ensure that you are adequately prepared and well-informed before making the decision and in getting ready for the big day.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon can make all the difference in your Mommy Makeover experience. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience is vital. Don’t be shy about asking for before-and-after photos or patient reviews. Remember, this is your body we’re talking about. You wouldn’t hire just anyone to remodel your home, would you? And make sure you feel comfortable with the office and staff since some of your procedures deal with personal and delicate areas of the body and your emotions.
Setting Realistic Expectations
It’s essential that you go into your Mommy Makeover with realistic expectations. While these procedures can dramatically improve your appearance, they are not a magic bullet for weight loss or the effects of aging. A good surgeon will guide you on what can be achieved and ensure that your expectations align with what is surgically possible.
Preparing for Recovery
You might be raring to get back on your feet after your Mommy Makeover, but slow and steady wins the race in this instance. Everybody is different; recovery time will depend on the procedures chosen and your overall health. Remember, following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is crucial to ensure the best results and reduce the risk of complications. This can include everything from prescribed medications to instructions on when and how to start moving around again.
Understanding the Risks
As with any surgery, a Mommy Makeover comes with its own set of risks, such as infection, poor wound healing, or changes in sensation. Discussing these risks with your surgeon beforehand is essential so you can decide whether to proceed.
Investing Time and Money
A Mommy Makeover is a significant investment of time and money. From consultations to surgery and recovery, it can be a months-long process. Financially, these procedures can cost several thousand dollars and are usually not covered by insurance. Ensure you’re ready to commit to the journey before taking the plunge.
Extended Periods of Sensory Loss
Following the abdominoplasty part of a Mommy Makeover, it’s usual to experience numbness in the skin that could last from a few months up to a year. This is considered a standard, albeit unsettling, part of the recovery process. It’s connected to swelling and nerve-ending trauma. The nerves take time to regenerate after the procedure, and during this regrowth period, the abdomen may experience little to no sensation. This typically takes several months, and permanent numbness after the procedure is extremely rare.
Initial Difficulty in Walking
The first few days after a Mommy Makeover require conscious efforts to move, even just around the house, as light physical activity is beneficial for circulation and blood flow. To aid mobility, it can be helpful to use a walker. Standing upright may be painful at first due to the newly tightened core, but this discomfort is temporary. Many plastic surgeons recommend walking with a cane in a slightly hunched position to avoid straining the stomach incisions.
Changes in Breast Shape and Placement
If you choose to get breast implants, it’s important to understand that their appearance will change over time. Right after the procedure, breast implants are typically placed high on the chest but will gradually settle into a more natural position. Initial tightness and swelling is normal, and as the tissues relax and the
implants soften, and the breasts will start to appear more symmetrical and natural-looking.
Benefits of an Electric Recliner
After a Mommy Makeover, patients may struggle to sit and stand from a bed or chair. Electric recliners are often recommended to aid this transition, relieving pressure and strain on the abdominal wall. If you don’t have a recliner, consider purchasing or borrowing one or using a wedge pillow and lumbar support for additional comfort.
Removal of a C-Section Scar
If you’ve had a C-section, it’s common to wonder whether a new scar will be necessary. The abdominoplasty incision, created below an existing C-section scar, often eliminates the original scar. However, if the C-section scar is very low, the abdominoplasty scar may need to be placed above it.
The Importance of Compression Garments
Following surgery, you will be dressed in a tight compression garment which will help to reduce swelling and promote healing. The length of time patients need to wear these garments varies, but it’s usually around six weeks. As swelling decreases, you can size down your garment to maintain some compression until you reach your final shape and size.
Considerations for Future Pregnancies
While you can certainly have more children after a Mommy Makeover, doing so will impact the surgical results. Many plastic surgeons advise their patients to complete their families before undergoing a Mommy Makeover.
Need for Laxatives
The anesthesia used during a Mommy Makeover can cause constipation post-surgery. An over-the-counter laxative will be necessary for your recovery. Testing the laxative a few days before your surgery is recommended to ensure your body responds well.
Focus on Dietary Choices
Post-surgery nutrition plays a significant role in recovery. Consuming fiber-rich, anti-inflammatory foods can help facilitate healing. Eating clean and exercising regularly before surgery will likely result in an easier and faster recovery.
Regular Post-operative Check-ups
Ensure you have regular post-operative appointments scheduled with your surgeon to monitor your healing process. These check-ups are crucial as your surgeon can promptly identify and treat any complications or concerns. The number and frequency of these appointments will depend on your individual recovery.
Psychological Impact
A Mommy Makeover can have a significant psychological impact. While the transformation can be rewarding, recovery can be emotionally taxing. It’s essential to prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions, from joy and excitement about your new look to periods of anxiety, discomfort, or frustration during the recovery.
Plan for Assistance
You will need help around the house and with childcare during the initial recovery period. Tasks that were once simple, like lifting groceries or caring for small children, may be difficult or impossible in the first few weeks following surgery. Consider arranging for a friend, family member, or professional caregiver to assist during this time.
Time Off Work
Plan for a significant amount of time off work to properly heal. The exact amount of time will depend on the nature of your job and the procedures included in your Mommy Makeover. Your surgeon can give you a more precise timeline, but it’s essential to be prepared for this period of downtime.
Long-lasting Results
While the results of a Mommy Makeover are designed to be long-lasting, they are not necessarily permanent. Aging, weight fluctuations, and future pregnancies can all impact the results. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to maintain the effects.
Is it Your Turn to Get a Mommy Makeover
Armed with all this information, you’re now well-equipped to decide whether a Mommy Makeover is right for you. Remember, it’s not just about physical changes—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your skin. After all, motherhood is a beautiful journey, and you deserve to feel beautiful too!
A Mommy Makeover can be a transformative journey that goes beyond cosmetic enhancements. It’s about restoring confidence and reclaiming the body you had before pregnancy—or perhaps even better! Remember, it’s crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can guide you in tailoring the right combination of procedures for your specific goals and needs. Ready for a change? Well, beauty is only a Mommy Makeover away!
When you feel uncomfortable in your skin, it affects your confidence and self-esteem. Let Dr. Vasisht help you look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside. Call South Shore Plastic Surgery today at 856-784-2639 to schedule a consultation and discover if a mommy makeover is right for you.
FAQs About the Mommy Makeover
What’s the recovery time for a Mommy Makeover?
Typically, most women require 2-6 weeks for recovery, depending on the number and type of procedures performed.
Are the results of a Mommy Makeover permanent?
While the results can be long-lasting, factors like aging, weight fluctuations, and future pregnancies can affect the outcome.
Is a Mommy Makeover safe?
Yes, a Mommy Makeover is generally safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved.
Can I have a Mommy Makeover if I plan to have more children?
While possible, postponing the makeover until after you’re finished with childbearing is recommended to maintain the results.
What is the cost of a Mommy Makeover?
The cost of a Mommy Makeover varies widely, depending on the procedures chosen and the region where it is performed. It’s best to consult with a certified surgeon to get an accurate estimate.
Does insurance cover a Mommy Makeover?
Typically, cosmetic procedures are not covered, and South Shore isn’t accept insurance from any providers at this time for any procedures.
