One of today’s most popular plastic surgery procedures is a combination of procedures known as the mommy makeover. This procedure is tailored to the individual patient to address the specific complaints she has about her own body after childbearing and/or breastfeeding. If you’re wondering, ‘what is in a mommy makeover,’ the answer is that it depends on what you want to change and what your surgery goals are. There are no set components because every woman’s body is different and responds differently to the demands of pregnancy. In general, most mommy makeovers focus on the abdomen and breasts, but other additional elements are available as needed. Depending on the shape of your body and your specific issues, your mommy makeover might include:
Breast augmentation
Some women find that, after pregnancy or breastfeeding, their breasts lose some of their youthful volume and shape. If you would like to increase the size of your breasts and excess sagging isn’t a problem, then a breast augmentation may be the solution. This surgery can help you achieve a larger size, a more rounded shape, or more symmetrical breasts. Breast augmentation may be done using implants or tissues from another part of your own body (fat transfer). The type of incision used depends on several factors and may be placed along the edge of the areola, under the breast, or in the armpit. It will take a few weeks for all swelling to subside, but most patients are thrilled with the outcome of this procedure.
Breast Lift
If it isn’t the size of your breasts that’s the problem but rather a droopy shape; then a breast lift can raise them higher on your chest and give them a perkier, more youthful look. Many factors can cause changes to the breasts over time, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, and genetics. During breast lift surgery, the excess skin is removed, and the surrounding tissue is tightened to reshape and support the new contour of the breasts. This procedure can also reduce the size of the areola if desired. You will be able to see the results of your procedure immediately afterwards, although it will take time for swelling to recede and scars to fade. Breast lifts create long-lasting results, which you can maximize by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a stable weight.
Tummy Tuck
Also called abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and restore separated or weakened muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. Loose, sagging abdominal skin is one of the most common complaints after pregnancy. Prior surgery, aging, genetics, and significant weight fluctuations can also lead to this problem. A tummy tuck is the solution. While it is not a weight-loss procedure and cannot remove stretch marks (unless they happen to be confined to the excess skin that is removed), it can give you the slimmer, flatter tummy you want – and deserve, after growing a tiny human inside you for nine months, possibly multiple times. That’s why tummy tucks are one of the most popular components of mommy makeovers.
Body lift
Sometimes, a tummy tuck is not enough, as a patient’s excess, sagging skin extends around the entire body and possibly includes the thighs as well. This problem is common after significant weight loss, such as after a pregnancy wherein the patient gained a lot of weight (prevalent in multiple pregnancies as well). Some patients have skin that lacks sufficient elasticity to bounce back after a weight-loss event. In these cases, body contouring procedures such as body lifts are the answer. A body lift may include the abdominal area, side, lower back, buttocks, and thighs, providing all affected areas with a smoother, firmer look. Like tummy tucks, body lifts are not meant to remove excess fat. In cases where excess fat deposits in specific areas with good skin elasticity are an issue, the fine-tuned body contouring offered by liposuction can do the trick.
Liposuction
You may hear liposuction called “lipo” for short. This procedure can slim and reshape specific areas of the body by removing excess fat and improving body contouring and proportions in many different areas, such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, neck, or ankles. In a mommy makeover, this procedure is often used in conjunction with other procedures such as tummy tuck or breast augmentation for optimal results. Liposuction is ideal for small areas with stubborn fat and firm, elastic skin; it is not effective for removing cellulite, saggy skin, or large amounts of fat. The results of liposuction are long-lasting when the patient maintains a stable weight and overall fitness. Swelling is customary after liposuction, and you may not be able to see your final results until it subsides completely. However, most patients are delighted with their liposuction results and the new shape of their bodies.
The above procedures are what is in a mommy makeover, depending on your specific needs. It’s important to note that these procedures are not weight-loss procedures; patients must be at or near their ideal weight before having a mommy makeover. Also, following your surgeon’s instructions carefully is key to a timely recovery free of complications. If you have had one or more pregnancies and feel that your family is complete and would like to restore your body to its previous youthful shape (or even better than it was before, perhaps), then schedule a consultation with us to discuss if a mommy makeover is right for you.