The mommy makeover is popular because it allows the plastic surgeon to address several of a woman’s problem areas in a single procedure. For example, you can have a labiaplasty, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation in a single procedure.
But note that every mommy makeover is different and customized based on the woman’s goals and anatomy.
Here are 10 things you should know before you have your mommy makeover.
1. All Mommy Makeovers Are Different
According to San Antonio Plastic Surgeon Dr. Amita Shah, “You can have all kinds of procedures in your mommy makeover, so few are ever the same. The mommy makeover is customized based on your lifestyle and past, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, age, and menopause.”
All of these take a toll on a woman’s body. For example, the skin on your belly may be stretched and loose after pregnancy, leaving sagging skin that you cannot lose with diet and exercise.
Most women also lose breast volume with pregnancy and breastfeeding or develop stubborn fat in their flanks and stomachs. There’s only so much proper diet and exercise can do; at some point, surgery may be necessary.
It’s important to work closely with your plastic surgeon to customize your procedure. Remember to be honest and tell them what you want to improve or change.
2. Most Mommy Makeovers Include Breasts And Abdomen
Because mothers bear children and breastfeed, most mommy makeovers include a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and/or a breast lift.
Some women also opt for liposuction, arm lift, thigh lift, or a Brazilian butt lift.
The goal of this comprehensive procedure is to provide a younger look to your shape. This usually involves removing extra skin, fat, boosting breast volume, and more.
3. Choosing Between Breast Augmentation And Breast Lift
Breast procedures are usually part of a mommy makeover. Breastfeeding and pregnancy can make the breasts lose volume and sag.
Breast implants with silicone or saline implants are a safe way to enhance lost volume. But breastfeeding also can stretch the breast skin and tissue, so a breast lift may be needed, as well.
You can tell if you need a breast lift by looking in the mirror. Do the nipples still face forward? If they don’t, you probably need a breast lift. But you can have breast augmentation at the same time.
It’s not recommended to only have breast implants if you have sagging; the increased weight will only accelerate the problem.
4. You May Need A Tummy Tuck
The belly is a common problem area for women who have had children. Liposuction can remove unwanted fat from the abdomen and sides, but it won’t help loose abdominal muscles and drooping skin.
Both problems are common in women who have had children or lost a lot of weight. But a tummy tuck can fix these problems.
You can have a mini or full tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck is best for the patient who only has sagging skin below the navel. Unfortunately, this isn’t for most women who have had children or gained weight.
The mini tummy tuck also has a smaller incision, but it’s still major surgery with several weeks of recovery.
5. Plan For A Long Recovery
Having a mommy makeover will transform your appearance to a degree; you’ll have more self-esteem and energy to do things you enjoy. But remember: You will have several procedures simultaneously, and you’ll have an extensive recovery.
Usually, patients who have a tummy tuck need the most recovery time - between two and three weeks of limited activity. Remember that you won’t be able to lift or bend over for up to a month.
It’s critical for your recovery to have help with young children during your recovery. Also, plan meals well ahead by freezing them. Or, have a friend or family member cook for you for a few weeks.
The best way to have great mommy makeover results is to give your body the time it needs to heal.
6. It Doesn’t Substitute For Diet And Exercise
A mommy makeover can make a big difference in your appearance but it can’t do it all. Plastic surgery cannot replace diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
Before your procedure, you should be eating healthy and exercising regularly. This includes working out several days per week and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat protein, and complex carbohydrates.
Being in good shape ensures your body is prepared for a mommy makeover. People who are fit and in good health recover faster from this procedure and enjoy better results.
7. You’ll Have Scars
A board-certified plastic surgeon know how and where to place incisions so scarring is minimized. However, you will have some scarring.
Your surgeon will offer guidance before your procedure about techniques and products you can use to improve incision healing.
8. You Won’t See Results Immediately
After your mommy makeover, your body will be bandaged and there will be swelling and discomfort. So, don’t expect to see your final results for some time.
Your body will need at least a month or two to heal and for the swelling to fade. After that, you can begin to see your mommy makeover results.
9. Wait Until You’re Done Building Your Family
A mommy makeover requires time and money, and it’s best to wait until you’re not planning to have more children.
While you can have children after a mommy makeover, pregnancy and childbirth will undo most of the results. Then you’ll need revision surgery.
Also, if you are breastfeeding, you probably want to wait until you’re done because your breast shape may change.
10. Ideal Candidates For Mommy Makeover
Any woman who has had children or is older and nessentialotices her figure has changed is a good candidate. Also, if you have lost a lot of weight and have loose and sagging skin, this procedure could be a good fit.
It’s important to be in good health and to have realistic expectations about the procedure.
A mommy makeover can make a dramatic difference in your appearance, so get started on the journey today by talking about it with your plastic surgeon.
