Becoming a mother is quite a beautiful journey, but it takes a heavy toll on the body. Most females after childbirth long to have their pre-pregnancy figure back. That’s where the mommy makeover comes in. This popular cosmetic surgery has helped countless moms regain their lost confidence and feel comfortable inside their skin again.
The term “mommy makeover” is one that has grown in popularity over the years, and for good reason. It’s a more holistic approach to all of the physical changes brought on by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Sagging breasts and stubborn belly fat, among others, are treatments included under this category that diet and exercise alone can rarely correct.
But it is much more than just a combination of surgical procedures; in essence, it is a journey-one of self-care and one of empowerment. It is about reclaiming your body and boosting your self-esteem after that amazing feat of bringing new life into the world. For most women, this truly enables them to once again feel themselves, with newfound energy and self-assurance that permeate many aspects of their lives.
In this article, we will discuss in detail everything that needs to be known about mommy makeover surgery.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover isn’t just one surgery; it’s a customised set of procedures designed to address the myriad physical changes that occur during pregnancy and lactation. The mommy makeover surgery usually incorporates multiple treatments aimed at restoring a woman’s pre-pregnancy body shape.
Common procedures of a mommy makeover include the following:
Breast lift or augmentation: Pregnancy and breastfeeding usually leave the breasts deflated and droopy. Restoration of volume is achieved with breast augmentation by using implants; a breast lift is performed by repositioning existing breast tissue to give a more perky look. Many women also choose to have both procedures combined.
Abdominoplasty: The procedure also focuses on skin laxity or the separation of the abdominal muscles, better known as diastasis recti, after multiple pregnancies. It includes the removal of excess skin and fat in the abdomen and, often, the tightening of the deeper muscles to result in a flatter, more toned middle section.
Liposuction: With liposuction, pockets of undisciplined fat, resistant to diet and exercise, are removed. This can be performed around the abdomen, hips, thighs, and arms.
Vaginal rejuvenation: Childbirth often changes the vagina. Vaginal rejuvenation procedures take into account the functionality and aesthetic appearance of the vagina.
Body contouring: This may also include other procedures, such as an arm lift, thigh lift, or buttock augmentation, depending on the patient’s particular needs.
Facial rejuvenation: Some women include facial procedures, which can range from a facelift, eyelid surgery, or less invasive treatments like Botox or dermal fillers to address signs of ageing accentuated by the stress of motherhood.
Every mommy makeover is different, since it’s tailored to a specific patient’s needs and wishes. Most women may wish to have all of the above-mentioned procedures, while others may want to have just one or two. What is beautiful about having a mommy makeover is its customizability-you can work with your surgeon to create a treatment plan that targets the area’s most important to you while aligning with your lifestyle.
It is important to keep in mind that the mommy makeover, while dramatic in improvement, is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. The best overall results are realized and maintained when coupled with a balanced diet and a regular exercise routine.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
Not every mom requires or desires a mommy makeover, and that is totally okay. If you are truly unhappy with your body after pregnancy and have tried diet and exercise without the results you desire, you could be a good candidate for this procedure.
The ideal candidates for a mommy makeover would include those who:
- Are in overall good health.
- Have been done breastfeeding for at least six months.
- Are at a stable weight.
- Are not going to have any more children.
- Have realistic expectations as to the outcome.
It is also important to remember that a mommy makeover is a serious surgical process. You should feel physically as well as mentally comfortable before resorting to this surgery.
The Procedure of Mommy Makeover: What to Expect
The mommy makeover procedure involves one-stage surgery, where all chosen treatments are performed in a single session. This tends to be very cost-effective and requires only one recovery period.
Here’s the basic overview of what you can expect from a mommy makeover procedure:
Consultation:
- You meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your desires and create a personalised treatment plan.
- Make a list of questions and concerns you would like to address with your surgeon. This is the best time to clear all kinds of doubts and questions about the procedure.
 Preoperative preparation:
- Your surgeon will advise you on preoperative preparation by asking you to avoid certain drugs and modify some of your lifestyle.
- You may be required to undergo blood tests or a mammogram so that your doctor can ascertain whether you are healthy enough for the mommy makeover surgery.
Surgery day:
- Normally, mommy makeover surgery can be done under general anaesthesia, and this may take hours, based on the extent of the procedures involved.
- Arrive at the surgical facility feeling positive. Your surgical team will be there to support you and provide comfort throughout the process.
Recovery:
- You will need someone to drive you home and assist you for the first few days following surgery. Recovery time varies with people, but usually, it goes anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.
- There can be some discomfort, bruising, and swelling that may last for the first few days. Your surgeon will have pain management methods available to keep you in relative comfort during this period.
Follow up visits:
- Follow-up visits will be made by your surgeon to check on the progress of your healing. These visits are very important for your recovery.
- One should bring up questions or concerns regarding your surgery that one might have noted over the period after surgery.
Remember, every mommy makeover surgery and procedure is different, and your actual experience will differ somewhat from this generic description. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon for the best outcome.
Benefits of a Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is able to offer so much more than just some physical changes. Here are some of the advantages many women experience after their procedure:
Restored confidence:
Many mothers have come forward claiming that a mommy makeover made them feel more confident and comfortable in their skin. This restored confidence often extends beyond physical appearance into personal relationships, careers, and general quality of life. The feelings of being more like the woman they were before pregnancy are usually emotionally uplifting.
Improved physical comfort:
Certain procedures, such as an abdominoplasty, might reduce back pain and improve posture as well. Repair of separated abdominal muscles reduces lower back pain and improves core strength in many women. Similarly, reductions or lifts of the breasts can also help eliminate neck and shoulder pain from breasts that are disproportionately large or that sag.
Better-fitting clothes:
Your clothes might fit and feel better after your mommy makeover. Most women can go back to wearing styles they avoided after their pregnancy, so more fashion choices are opened for them and the frustration of shopping for clothes is minimised.
Time-saver:
Since multiple procedures are combined, you save on recovery time from doing separate surgeries. This can be most helpful for the busy mom who simply cannot afford multiple extended recoveries. Also, some ladies say they spend less time trying to camouflage areas they’re unhappy with through clothing or makeup.
Correction of pregnancy-related problems:
A mommy makeover corrects problems created by pregnancies and child delivery, which include the repair of diastasis recti or the removal of excess skin resistant to diet and exercise.
Customized results:
As it is tailored according to every individual, you can achieve the results according to your specific goals and body type. This alone tends to promise higher satisfaction ratings compared to singular, isolated procedures.
Long-term outcome:
While your body will still undergo natural ageing, a mommy makeover can yield long-lasting results since you are able to complement it with a healthy life. This way, you’ll be able to boast of a new look for several years.
Remember that these are common benefits associated with a mommy makeover, every individual’s experience is going to be different. It is important to have realistic expectations and to undertake a mommy makeover for one’s self and not to meet someone else’s standards or expectations.
Possible Risks and Things to Consider
Like any other type of surgery, a mommy makeover carries several risks. First, it’s important to know what these risks are as you decide whether to proceed:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Anaesthesia complications
- Unsatisfactory results
Your surgeon should discuss the above risks in detail with you during your consultation. You do need to ensure that your chosen surgeon is board certified and proficient at performing mommy makeover surgeries to help minimize these risks.
Preparing for Your Mommy Makeover
Preparation is key to the successful outcome of your mommy makeover. If you have made up your mind for a mommy makeover, here are some steps to proceed with it:
- Research: Learn as much as you can about the mommy makeover procedure and what to expect.
- Choose the right surgeon: Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in mommy makeovers.
- Plan for recovery: Arrange for childcare, time off of work, and help around the house for your period of recovery.
- Get healthy: Try to have a stable weight, eat healthy, and not smoke to promote faster healing.
- Prepare your home: Set up a comfortable recovery area with everything you’ll need at your fingertips.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from a mommy makeover may take a few weeks. It is very important in this period to follow your surgeon’s instructions to the letter. You will probably be advised to:
- Wear compression garments.
- Avoid heavy activities in the initial days.
- Use medications prescribed by your doctor.
- Follow up with the doctor after the surgery.
Whereas you’ll be able to notice some of the results of the surgery immediately, it may take a few months for the swelling to go down completely and for your final results to appear. In combination with a healthy lifestyle, most women find the results of their mommy makeover are long-lasting.
Mommy Makeover Myths
There are several misconceptions concerning a mommy makeover that need correcting:
Myth 1: A mommy makeover is only for young mothers.
Reality: Women of many different ages can have a mommy makeover as long as they are healthy.
Myth 2: You must wait until you are finished having children.
Reality: Although it is advisable, many women undergo a mommy makeover between pregnancies.
Myth 3: Mommy makeovers eliminate the need to diet and exercise.
Reality: You still have to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure that your results will last for years.
Myth 4: The recovery is painful and very lengthy.
Reality: The process may hurt, but pain management techniques have hugely improved over time. Most women find the pace of recovery manageable and tolerable.
Myth 5: All mommy makeovers are the same.
Reality: Each mommy makeover treats a different set of issues personalised for the specific patient and her needs.
Emotional Aspect of a Mommy Makeover
While most of the attention falls on the physical components of a mommy makeover, it is not to be forgotten that there is a psychological journey involved. In fact, most women go through different emotional phases before, on, and after their mommy makeover date. These are:
- Excitement about the potential changes.
- Anxiety about the surgery and recovery.
- Guilt about taking time for oneself.
- Joy and renewed confidence after the surgery.
It is normal to feel ambivalent about your mommy makeover. For many women, this is a time when joining a support group or talking to a therapist about these feelings is very helpful.
Final Thoughts
A mommy makeover could be life-changing for most women, as it may help them regain their pre-pregnancy body and also give them more confidence. But it’s a big decision and requires much deliberation. If you are considering a mommy makeover, take the time to research and consult board-certified surgeons, and be truthful to yourself about what you want and wish to achieve.
Whether or not you choose to get a mommy makeover or love your body the way it is, know that you are beautiful and strong. You have, after all, done the miraculous work of bringing new life into the world and that is something to be proud of, no matter what your body looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a mommy makeover surgery take?
A mommy makeover usually takes from 3 to 6 hours, but it may vary depending on what procedures are involved.
Are the results of a mommy makeover permanent?
The results are very long-lasting if you have a relatively stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, natural ageing and extreme changes in weight can degrade the results.
Can I still have more children after a mommy makeover?
It is possible but commonly advised to wait until you are done with having children, as the after-effects of a mommy makeover can be interfered with by pregnancy, especially those procedures of the abdomen.
Will Mommy Makeover affect my ability to breastfeed in the future?
It may be so with some of your breast surgeries. If you have plans for more children and wish to breastfeed them, then let your surgeon know to select an appropriate technique.
What can be expected from the consultation for a mommy makeover?
The surgeon will assess your overall health, discuss your goals, and inform you on which procedures may be advisable. They will also outline all risks that could possibly occur and the type of results you may anticipate.
Also Read: Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
