Mommy Makeover surgery is commonly chosen by women who are displeased with the changes that pregnancy and childbirth have left on their body. This can be stretched skin on the abdomen, pockets of fat throughout their body, deflated breasts, or sagging breasts.
Mommy Makeover Defined
A Mommy Makeover is a combination plastic surgery procedure that takes elements from breast enhancement and body sculpting to restore a figure that was closer to the one you had before having children.
Most women choose at least two plastic surgery procedures — if not more.
These often include some of the following:
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck surgery
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift surgery
- Breast reduction
- Labiaplasty
Traditionally, these techniques can be performed together in one sitting; however, depending on how extensive the correction is, the surgery might need to be separated and performed on two different days. You will be able to learn more about the process when you meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.
Plastic Surgery and Young Kids: When to Schedule Your Surgery
Many mothers are eager to jump onto the plastic surgery table after delivering their child.
However, this isn’t the wisest decision.
First, you should postpone your plastic surgery if you believe that another child is on the horizon. While you can safely get pregnant and carry a child after plastic surgery, a new pregnancy will contribute to additional laxity concerns. In essence, another pregnancy will erase some of the results you gained with surgery.
Secondly, you need to consider your recovery period and how it will factor into your day-to-day life.
Mommy Makeover Recovery
A Mommy Makeover combines multiple plastic surgery techniques and addresses several body areas. Because of that, you can expect that your Mommy Makeover recovery will be more extensive than some other plastic surgery techniques.
It takes at least six weeks to recover at the most basic level. This means that you can return to all of your normal daily activities and resume exercise; however, you may still have some swelling left in the treatment areas.
For most patients, the initial recovery period for a Mommy Makeover is two weeks. During this time, you will need help around the house and will need to take time off of work (even a desk-type job).
Because of this, it is probably best if your children were not still attached to your hip. If you have young children at the time of your Mommy Makeover, you will need to bring in a friend, family member, or hired hand to help you take care of your children and get them to where they need to be.
You will not be able to lift your children for up to six weeks, and you will not be able to drive them around for nearly that long.
Have More Questions About a Mommy Makeover?
If I get pregnant after a Mommy Makeover, can I undergo more plastic surgery to address the changes?
Of course, you can also go back to your plastic surgeon for touch-up techniques should you experience another pregnancy and related laxity. However, there will be an extra charge for this and you will need to undergo your recovery period once again.
How much is a Mommy Makeover?
Because a Mommy Makeover is a customized combination of plastic surgery procedures, there is no set price. Every woman’s Mommy Makeover cost will vary. That being said, Mommy Makeover costs can run upwards of $10,000 to $20,000. While you will save on some aspects by combining surgeries, such as anesthesia fees and facility fees, every surgical technique will come with a price tag.
Does insurance cover Mommy Makeovers?
No, Mommy Makeovers are considered to be elective, and insurance doesn’t cover elective procedures. Most plastic surgeons offer financing options to help make your dream surgery a reality.
What is my next step?
If you feel like you are ready to undergo a Mommy Makeover and you are a candidate for it, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. It is important that you do your research beforehand and be sure to choose a reputable plastic surgeon with the skills and track record to back them up. Be sure to ask to see their before and after photos and search for them online to make sure they haven’t been involved in any malpractice suits.
It can be easy to be sold on a plastic surgeon during your consultation. It is up to you to do your due diligence.