What is a Mommy Makeover?

WHAT IS A MOMMY MAKEOVER?

A mommy makeover is an individualized combination of body, breast, and abdominal procedures used to get your pre-baby body back. These surgeries are performed together in the operating room and customized to your specific aesthetic goals. Because they are performed at the same time, you will have one period of recovery, rather than multiple, following your surgery day.

What are common procedures for a Mommy Makeover?

Because mommy makeover procedures are customizable to your aesthetic goals, there are a variety of different cosmetic procedures that can be used in combination to achieve them!

Breast

After pregnancy and breastfeeding, many patients find that they may be left with either sagging breasts or a loss of volume. A breast lift, or mastopexy, can reduce the excess skin and reshape breast tissue to give a more youthful appearance; this may also lift downturned nipples, which can amplify aesthetics.

A breast augmentation involves placing breast implants to address volume loss. If a patient wants a more voluminous look, a breast augmentation may be done in combination with a breast lift to meet your personal aesthetic goals.

A breast reduction is another great cosmetic surgery to add to a mommy makeover for a patient whose breasts have grown significantly because of aging or breastfeeding. This surgery results in smaller breasts and can reduce back pain in a patient.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a common surgical procedure that is performed during mommy makeovers. A labiaplasty procedure targets resizing and/or shaping labial folds. This can alleviate physical symptoms caused by childbirth and/or pregnancy, such as the stretching or enlargement of labial folds. Labiaplasty is a great procedure to add to a mommy makeover to achieve a harmonious overall appearance following surgery.

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck

Stubborn sagging skin and baby weight can be annoying post-pregnancy. An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes and tightens loose skin from the abdomen and helps to tighten muscles that may have been loosened from pregnancy. After the skin is removed, patients find that many of their stretch marks have been removed as well, resulting in smoother skin overall!

Additionally, one may add the liposuction procedure to remove stubborn excess fat in places that have been impacted by pregnancy, such as the abdomen, thighs, back, or arms.

Who Can Benefit from a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover is designed for mothers who want to regain their pre-pregnancy body shape. This cosmetic procedure is ideal for women who have experienced significant physical changes following birth and breastfeeding. Candidates who benefit the most are those struggling with sagging breasts, excess abdominal skin, and stubborn fat deposits that do not improve with diet and exercise alone.

The makeover typically combines breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction to address these issues. Women looking to restore their body confidence and achieve a more youthful, toned appearance often find a mommy makeover to be a transformative solution.

Am I a candidate for a Mommy Makeover even though I’m not a mom?

Yes! A mommy makeover is a customized set of surgical procedures that have been named as such because it primarily addresses aesthetic goals for body parts that may have changed during pregnancy. However, many of these changes can also affect women as they age. As you age, your body may not look the same as it used to. A mommy makeover is a great cosmetic procedure for most women as they aim to reach their aesthetic goals and return to a more youthful appearance.

The Recovery Process After a Mommy Makeover

Recovering from mommy makeover surgery typically involves a carefully planned period of rest and a gradual return to daily activities. Since the procedure often combines a variation of breast surgery and body contouring procedures, recovery can last several weeks. It’s common to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Most women can return to light activities within two to three weeks but should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for up to six weeks. Follow-up visits with your surgeon are crucial to monitor healing and ensure results are progressing as expected. The full benefits of a mommy makeover emerge as the body heals fully, usually within several months.

FAQs

How long does recovery from a mommy makeover take?

Recovery typically requires about 10-14 days off from work, depending on your job. Patients usually start feeling like themselves within a few weeks, with a full recovery expected by six weeks when exercise can be fully resumed. This allows ample time for healing and helps avoid complications.

What does a mommy makeover include?

A mommy makeover generally combines breast and abdominal procedures. This might include breast augmentation, lift, or reduction, and abdominal treatments like a tummy tuck, liposuction, or BodyTite. Optional additions can include nipple reduction or labiaplasty.

Can I have a mommy makeover if I plan to have more children?

It’s best to undergo a mommy makeover after you’ve finished having children, as future pregnancies can reverse the effects by stretching the skin or separating the abdominal muscles again. We recommend considering this as a final step to restore your body.

Is a tummy tuck medically necessary?

Typically, a tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary.

Do you lose weight after a mommy makeover?

Mommy makeovers and procedures like liposuction are not intended for significant weight loss. They primarily remove excess skin and fat, which might result in a slight decrease in weight but not a dramatic change.

How do you prepare for a mommy makeover?

Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon and ensure you have a good support system. Taking about two weeks off work is generally advised, though this may vary based on the physical demands of your job.

How many plastic surgeries can be done at once?

It’s possible to combine several procedures, like a breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction, into one surgery. This approach minimizes overall anesthesia exposure and recovery time.

How much fat can be removed during liposuction?

The amount of fat removed during liposuction varies, typically ranging from 1 to 5 liters, depending on the treatment areas and the patient’s initial fat levels.

Is it possible to breastfeed after a mommy makeover?

Breastfeeding is usually possible after a mommy makeover. While outcomes can vary, surgical techniques aim to preserve the necessary nerve and blood supply to the nipples.

Are mommy makeovers dangerous?

Mommy makeovers are generally safe, especially under the care of a qualified surgeon like Dr. Coan, who is double board-certified and prioritizes patient safety to ensure predictable recovery.

Before & Afters

View our transformative mommy makeovers performed at CARE Plastic Surgery.

About CARE Plastic Surgery

CARE Plastic Surgery, led by award-winning Dr. Brian Coan, provides exceptional patient care and stunning results using the latest technology. Our skilled team offers a wide range of personalized surgical and non-surgical treatments for the face, breasts, and body, ensuring each treatment plan meets your unique cosmetic goals for an optimal experience.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about the mommy makeover procedure and to find out whether you are a candidate, schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Coan at CARE Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC today. Call our office at (919) 335-9298 or contact us online.

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