If you’re a mom, and you have tried but failed to get back in shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding, a mommy makeover may be the solution for you. A mommy makeover is a rewarding procedure that can restore your confidence, and change your life. But which procedures can be included in a mommy makeover.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is actually a group of surgical procedures that a woman can undergo in order to restore her pre-baby body. The procedures are done to address some of the changes brought on by pregnancy and breastfeeding, and typically focus on rejuvenating the breasts and abdomen. The breasts generally lose shape and volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the abdomen sometimes sags.
Mommy makeover procedures may be done at the same time or separately, it all depends on the areas of emphasis. Doing several procedures at once can be beneficial, because it means preparing for only one round of surgery and having a single recovery period.
The procedures included in a mommy makeover are not the same for every woman, as the treatment is customized to fit the specific needs and concerns of each patient. However, there are some core procedures that are typically included in a mommy makeover. These include:
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck is a procedure that is done to tone and tighten the abdomen. Regardless of how many crunches some women do, they still have a pudgy tummy that simply won’t go away. This is most often due to separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), which can occur during pregnancy. During a tummy tuck the surgeon will remove excess skin and fat, and repair weak or stretched abdominal muscles.
Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation is often requested as part of a mommy makeover. It addresses the changes in breast tissue caused by breastfeeding that lead to a reduction in the size of the breasts. Breast augmentation uses implants to add volume to the breasts, helping to restore their natural shape and appearance. Breast implants are generally made of sterile salt water or silicone gel. While some women only want to restore the breast size they had before pregnancy, others opt to go up a cup size, in order to further enhance their figure.
Breast Lift
A breast lift (mastopexy) is often appealing to women that have breast ptosis (sagging), after pregnancy. The breasts often don’t regain their perky shape post-pregnancy, but a breast lift will raise them to a more youthful position. Mastopexy involves removing excess skin that is causing the breasts to sag, and tightening the breast tissue. There are various techniques that can be used to perform a breast lift, and the choice will depend on the degree of sagging.
A combined breast lift with implants is often recommended for women with sagging breasts that also wish to increase breast size. It is a single procedure that allows the plastic surgeon to address both sagginess and size, which are two of the most common complaints women have about their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Liposuction
Liposuction is another popular mommy makeover procedure, because it helps to sculpt those areas with stubborn fat that will not budge, despite efforts at diet and exercise. After having a baby, many women have unwanted fat in areas such as the tummy, arms, back, and thighs, and liposuction is the best way to remove it.
Are you a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
If you are experiencing the lingering effects of giving birth, such as droopy, deflated breasts or a protruding tummy, you may be a good candidate for a mommy makeover. It’s the ideal procedure for moms that have worked at losing weight, but have some fat bulges that will not go away.
If you think you might be a good candidate for a mommy makeover, it’s best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. The surgeon will discuss the various procedures with you, and determine which combination would be most appropriate.