What does a Mommy Makeover consist of?
Twenty years ago, most women had never heard of mommy makeovers, let alone considered having one. Today, this package of procedures is becoming more popular. More women are looking in the mirror after giving birth and deciding they’re not thrilled with what they see.
If you’re interested in a mommy makeover, you need to understand that it involves several surgical procedures intended to restore your body’s shape after you have had children.
Common Mommy Makeover Procedures
A Mommy Makeover is customized to address your unique concerns. Not every woman wants to have all the procedures that are available. You and your plastic surgeon can discuss the parts of your body you would like to tighten or reshape. You may be interested in one or in several of the following procedures:
Breast augmentation. Breast augmentation involves using an implant or transferring fat deposits from another part of your body to increase the side of your breasts and give them a more rounded appearance. Some women refer to breast augmentation as a “boob job.”
Breast lift. A breast lift, or mastopexy, involves removing extra skin and tightening the tissue around the breasts. This not only helps to raise the breasts, but it may also help reduce the size of your areolas, the dark areas of skin around your nipples.
Butt augmentation. Like breast augmentation, buttock augmentation involves using silicone implants or deposits of fat in other areas of your body to improve the contours, shape, and size of your backside.
Butt Lift. After pregnancy, your butt may sag because the tissue in your buttocks is less elastic. Removing excess fat and skin can raise your buttocks and give you a more youthful appearance.
Tummy tuck. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, tummy tucks have grown in popularity over the last few years. A tummy tuck involves two procedures. First, your surgeon removes excess skin and fat; second, your surgeon restores separated or weakened abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck results in a smoother- and firmer-looking abdomen.
Liposuction. Your plastic surgeon may suggest liposuction to reshape and slim parts of your body that appear bulky. During liposuction, the surgeon removes excess fat from the area. Remember, though, that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, nor is it a substitute for exercising and following a healthy diet.
Vaginal rejuvenation. Vaginal rejuvenation is a blanket term for several procedures, all involving your genital area. These procedures include
- labia majoraplasty – reduces the size of outer vaginal lips
- labiaplasty – reduces the size and length of inner vaginal lips
- reduction of the clitoral hood – removes excess folds of skin around the clitoris
- vaginoplasty – tightens the skin and muscles inside the vagina
Look Before You Leap: Things to Consider Before Having a Mommy Makeover
Getting your old body back after carrying and giving birth to a baby probably sounds very appealing. Before you rush into the procedure, though, talk to your plastic surgeon about the things you need to consider ensuring your makeover is a huge success.
How long has it been since you’ve given birth? Talk to your surgeon about his or her specific guidelines, but according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it’s best to wait at least six months after the birth before you schedule your makeover. This allows plenty of time for your body to heal. If you want breast augmentation or a breast lift, make sure you are finished breastfeeding.
Are you planning to have more children? If so, your doctor will probably recommend that you wait until your family is complete before having your mommy makeover. Otherwise, you may need to have the same procedures again if a new baby comes along.
How is your general health? Issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes or clotting problems may increase your risk during surgery. Your plastic surgeon may ask you to get a clean bill of health from your primary care doctor or your OBGYN.
Are you satisfied with your current weight? The different procedures included in a mommy makeover can firm and tighten different parts of your body, though they are not treatments to help you lose weight. If you have a makeover and then lose a large amount of weight, your breasts, stomach, and buttocks may sag all over again.
Will you have support after surgery? Recovery after a mommy makeover can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Plan on not lifting anything that weighs over 25 pounds, including your kids. It’s a good idea to arrange for a caregiver to help you with personal care, child care, housekeeping, and cooking while you heal after surgery.
What to Expect after Surgery
You should plan on some downtime after your mommy makeover. If you’ve had a tummy tuck, for instance, healing may take as long as two or three months, and if you’ve had a vaginoplasty, tampons and vaginal sex are no-nos for at least eight weeks. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your expected recovery time and about any limitations on your activities while you heal.
Finally, don’t expect immediate results after your mommy makeover. It’s normal for your breasts, abdomen, and buttocks to appear swollen or misshapen for up to six weeks after surgery. Be patient, and you will soon have the body you want.
Anurag Agarwal, MD, FACS
Dr. Anurag Agarwal is board certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and by the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is the current owner and medical director of the Aesthetic Surgery Center in Florida. The center offers mommy makeovers in Naples, FL. You can learn more about Dr. Agarwal and the Aesthetic Surgery Center by visiting his site.
