A mommy makeover is a term used to describe a combination of procedures specifically designed to address the physical changes that can occur in a woman’s body after pregnancy and childbirth. It typically involves a combination of breast procedures (such as breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction), abdominal procedures (such as tummy tuck or liposuction), and sometimes also includes other procedures like body contouring or vaginal rejuvenation.
The goal of a mommy makeover is to help women regain their pre-pregnancy body contours and address issues such as sagging breasts, excess abdominal skin and fat, stretch marks, and changes in the vaginal area. It can be a transformative procedure, helping women feel more confident and satisfied with their post-pregnancy bodies.
The majority of mommy makeover patients have one or more surgical procedures. In most cases, multiple procedures can be performed during a single operation, allowing a patient to improve multiple areas with only one surgery and recovery period.
- Breast augmentation : Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure to increase breast size and enhance breast shape, typically through the placement of silicone or saline breast implants. From a cosmetic surgeon’s perspective, the ultimate goal of breast augmentation is to enhance a patient’s natural proportions and create a more symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing breast profile.
The exact procedure is tailored to meet a woman’s individual needs.
There is no “typical” breast augmentation patient, and
women choose to have the procedure for many different
reasons—having larger breasts is just one of them. Breast
augmentation is one of the most effective procedures to
correct noticeable breast asymmetry, and breast implants
can be used to help correct tuberous breast deformities.
Other common goals of breast augmentation:
- Restoring breast fullness lost after pregnancy &
breastfeeding - Feeling more confident in a swimsuit
- Adding balance to better complement curvy hips
- Enhancing self-image
Breast can be augmented using individual’s own fat that is
harvested by liposuction from abdomen or thigh and injected
in breast for volumisation.
- Breast lift : A breast lift restores a firmer, perkier, and
more aesthetically pleasing shape to sagging breasts.
This not only can improve a patient’s appearance by
restoring her youthful, feminine proportions, but also
help bras and swimsuits fit more comfortably and
attractively.
By removing excess, stretched out skin, reshaping the
breast tissue, and raising the nipple & areola into a more
forward position, a cosmetic surgeon can create a more
youthful breast contour. Stretched, large areolae can also be
reduced during breast lift surgery, creating an overall better
proportioned, natural looking breast.
- Tummy tuck : A tummy tuck tightens and reshapes the
abdominal area, helping to achieve a more aesthetically
pleasing, slimmer overall appearance. Having a flatter,
firmer midsection can dramatically improve the
way clothing fits and looks, helping you feel more
confident and comfortable in your body.
During the procedure, the abdominal muscles are tightened
and excess, sagging skin is eliminated, correcting a
protruding belly and leaving the midsection flatter and better
toned. Tummy tucks are popular procedure for men and
women, particularly those whose bodies have undergone
dramatic changes from weight loss or pregnancy.
- Liposuction : Liposuction surgery removes excess
deposits of fat to sculpt an improved shape to a
patient’s body. While liposuction is best known as a fat
removal procedure, it is also one of the best procedures
to help a patient refine his or her shape. In fact,
cosmetic surgeons often use liposuction to refine the
results of other procedures, as no other technique
allows for such detailed improvements in body contour. - Feminine rejuvenation : Feminine rejuvenation
procedures reduce, reshape or tighten female genital
tissues to help restore a firmer tone and/or a more
youthful, symmetrical appearance. Patients choose
feminine rejuvenation for cosmetic reasons as well as
to achieve one or more of the following: - Help tight clothing and swimsuits fit more comfortably
- Reduce or eliminate stress urinary incontinence
- Alleviate vaginal dryness
- Improve sensation during sex for a patient and her
partner - Provide cosmetic improvements to the genitals
Today, patients have both surgical and non-surgical options
for feminine rejuvenation.
Non-surgical procedures
Increasingly, women are including non-surgical treatments
in their mommy makeover plans. Such treatments can be a
good option for those planning to have more children as well
as those who are not willing or able to take several weeks
off to recover from surgery. Non-surgical treatments
generally provide less dramatic results than surgery, but can
still achieve significant improvements for the right patients.
- Non-surgical fat reduction
- Skin tightening treatments
- Cellulite reduction
- Non-surgical feminine rejuvenation
- Injectables: Botox & fillers
- Skin resurfacing treatments
Recovery after a mommy makeover
Since mommy makeovers are personalized to a patient’s
needs and goals, surgery protocols and recovery times vary.
A good rule of thumb is to expect a recovery similar to that
required of the most extensive procedure you are having (in
most cases, this is a tummy tuck).
Many patients have their procedures while their children are
very young. Doing so allows them to get back to their
desired appearance earlier, but requires careful planning
with regards to childcare during recovery. Most surgical
procedures restrict lifting for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery; you
will need to have someone else perform tasks that require a
child to be picked up or carried while you heal.
How soon your results will be final also depends on the
procedures you have. Typically, patients feel comfortable
and confident wearing a tight dresses within 3 months after
surgery.
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, a mommy
makeover can be a rewarding procedure with long-lasting
results. The best way to learn more about your mommy
makeover options is to meet with a board certified plastic
surgeon for a consultation.
It is important to note that a mommy makeover is a significant surgical procedure that typically requires a longer recovery period compared to individual procedures. It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific concerns and goals and to determine if a mommy makeover is the right choice for you. They will be able to provide personalized advice and guidance based on your unique situation.
