Mommy makeovers have become a popular topic among influencers, mommy bloggers, and celebrities. While many people have heard of a mommy makeover, few know exactly what this plastic surgery treatment plan entails. According to Dr. Le of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, a Division of U.S. Dermatology Partners, “Mommy makeovers can be life-changing for many women. Following childbirth, many women don’t feel confident about how they look because of the changes in their bodies from pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, or they have discomfort during regular activities. Whatever your reason for considering a mommy makeover, it doesn’t hurt to schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation with a plastic surgeon.” In this blog, Dr. Le discusses mommy makeover basics to help you better understand the goals and potential results of this treatment plan.
What Does a Mommy Makeover Typically Include?
When it comes to the mommy makeover treatment plan, Dr. Le says, “We will customize every mommy makeover plan to ensure the patient receives their desired results. However, the main goal is to restore and revitalize all the parts of the body that change after pregnancy and childbirth. It’s a versatile treatment plan that can be personalized to the individual’s needs.” Some of the cosmetic surgery procedures that may be recommended as part of a mommy makeover include:
- Address changes to breasts – This may include a breast lift, augmentation, breast lift, and augmentation, or even breast reduction. It may also involve removing sagging or excess surrounding skin and other treatments to improve the shape and symmetry of the breasts.
- Labiaplasty – During natural childbirth, the labia minora can be stretched, causing them to sag and protrude. This means the labia minora are no longer protected by the labia majora. The sensitive skin of the labia minora being exposed can be very uncomfortable. A labiaplasty surgically excises and tightens the protruding labia minora, allowing them to be protected by the labia majora again.
- Abdominoplasty – This cosmetic surgery procedure, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fatty deposits from the torso. It helps to restore abdominal structure and definition.
- Liposuction – This procedure is used to remove fatty deposits from the stomach, thighs, hips, and any areas where excess fat has accumulated.
Benefits of Mommy Makeover Surgery
There are many reasons people decide to move forward with a mommy makeover. Some of the top benefits include:
- Remove loose, sagging skin
- Restore muscle definition
- Repair damaged abdominal muscles
- Eliminate stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to exercise
- Repair damage to the labia
- Improve confidence and help you feel more like yourself again
Considerations & Potential Risks to Consider Before a Mommy Makeover
Any surgical procedure has potential risks. Dr. Le says, “Surgeries can be risky. However, choosing a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing mommy makeovers is your first step toward mitigating any adverse effects. Additionally, you should follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions precisely and report unusual symptoms as soon as they occur. The most common symptoms experienced following mommy makeovers are bruising, swelling, and bleeding that usually begin to improve within a week.”
Some of the more serious and less common symptoms experienced after a mommy makeover include:
- Blood clot (DVT, PE)
- Poor wound healing or infection
- Numbness or loss of sensation
- Uneven or irregular appearance
- Fat deposits entering the bloodstream
- Scarring
- Chronic pain
Understanding the Mommy Makeover Recovery Process
Following a mommy makeover, it’s important to plan for plenty of time to rest, relax, and recover. We usually recommend planning to spend about a week or two resting immediately following your procedures to ensure adequate time for the healing process. Depending on your specific treatment and the cosmetic surgery procedures you receive, full recovery can take four to six weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed postoperative instructions to ensure you heal quickly and comfortably. Some common postoperative care routines include:
- Apply and periodically replace bandages
- Use ice packs or cold compresses to help with pain and swelling
- Clean surgical sites regularly
- Apply topical ointments or medications as directed
- Take all medications, including antibiotics and pain relievers
- Attend all follow-up visits to ensure healing is progressing as planned and check for infection and other complications
Is a Mommy Makeover Right for Me?
A mommy makeover plan can be designed for almost anyone who wants to restore their appearance and health after childbirth, but there are some factors that can make a plastic surgeon less likely to recommend a mommy makeover.
The ideal candidate for a mommy makeover is:
- In good general health. In any case, where overall health is in question, your surgeon and primary care physician will partner to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedures before moving forward.
- Done having children. You’ll likely need revision treatments if you have additional children following a mommy makeover.
- At a healthy weight. Mommy makeovers are not traditional weight loss surgeries. In most cases, surgeons recommend mommy makeover patients be within 15 pounds of their goal weight.
- Able to afford the procedures comfortably. While some of the treatments may be eligible for insurance coverage, there are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses as well.
Consultation and Decision-making Process
A mommy makeover can be extremely beneficial. It restores confidence and improves health and vitality, but it’s not right for everyone. According to Dr. Le, “No plastic surgery plan is right for everyone. I’m the first to tell my patients this. One of the most unique benefits of mommy makeovers is that your surgeon can easily personalize the process. We can add or subtract procedures and make every step of the process as unique as you are. Whatever your mommy makeover goals, your plastic surgeon is here to help you look and feel your best.”
Schedule a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation is the first step in the plastic surgery process. It’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and explore all of your options. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery team, we make it quick and simple. It just takes a few minutes to request your mommy makeover consultation. You’ll complete our online scheduling request, and one of our skilled team members will be in touch to finalize the details of your consultation visit.