You may have heard the term “mommy makeover” before. Perhaps you thought it was the same as a “makeover” where someone gets new makeup and a new wardrobe. However, a “mommy makeover” refers to a lot more than what makeup and clothing can do.
Mommy makeover procedures are a combination of cosmetic procedures aimed at restoring the body to its pre-pregnancy appearance. After giving birth and nursing, many women are left with excess skin, stretch marks, and sagging breasts. A mommy makeover is a customized procedure that can address these changes and help women feel confident and comfortable in their own body again.
A mommy makeover typically consists of one or more of the following procedures (though it can involve a lot more):
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Tummy tuck (i.e. abdominoplasty)
- Liposuction
Let’s delve into each one of the above a little more.
Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation involves the use of implants to increase the size and fullness of the breasts.
This procedure is ideal for women who have lost volume in their breasts after pregnancy and nursing.
Implants can also improve the symmetry of the breasts, correcting any asymmetry caused by pregnancy and nursing.
Breast lift
A breast lift is a procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts, giving them a more youthful appearance. This procedure is ideal for women who have experienced a significant loss of elasticity in their breasts due to pregnancy and nursing.
The surgeon removes excess skin, lifts the remaining skin, and repositions the nipple to a higher, more youthful position.
Tummy tuck
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightens the abdominal muscles.
This procedure is ideal for women who have stretched skin and weakened abdominal muscles due to pregnancy.
The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen, removes the excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles, and closes the incision.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body, such as the hips, thighs, and abdomen.
This procedure is ideal for women who have stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise.
The surgeon makes small incisions in the treatment area, inserts a cannula, and removes the fat using suction.
Another option to liposuction would be non-surgical body contouring. This is a method whereby fat cells are removed through freezing or heating underneath the skin layer. No incisions are required, making the procedure much safer. Not to mention, in some cases, it can be a lot more affordable than surgical liposuction.
Are mommy makeovers painful? What about side effects?
Mommy makeover procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from three to five hours, depending on the number of procedures being performed.
Most women experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort following the procedure, but these side effects usually resolve within a few days to a few weeks.
With surgery, there is always the possibility of more severe side effects. For example, infections, or losing the ability to feel anything near the incision site.
Why choose a good mommy makeover surgeon?
It is important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon with experience in mommy makeover procedures. A good plastic surgeon will take the time to understand your individual needs and concerns and will develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific goals.
Mommy makeovers can be worth it for women who want to feel good about their bodies again
In conclusion, mommy makeover procedures are a great way for women to get back into shape after pregnancy. This is of course, for the areas that diet and exercise won’t help, such as stretched skin or stubborn fat.
By combining one or more cosmetic procedures, women can achieve the results they desire. They can improve their self-confidence and feel free to do things like wear bathing suits in public again.
To be safe, it is important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon. Mommy makeovers are not without risks, though many have undergone these procedures and healed just fine. For even safer options, opt for non-surgical procedures where possible, such as non-surgical body contouring.
