Pregnancy is a life-changing process that is hard on a woman’s body. From extra weight that just won’t come off after pregnancy to extra skin caused by an expanding abdomen to drooping breasts, a Mommy Makeover may be just the thing to get your body back to show-off shape!
Traditionally, a Mommy Makeover includes two or more plastic surgery procedures that help women restore their body to their pre-pregnancy shape. While every Mommy Makeover is customizable, it generally focuses on procedures aimed at the abdomen and breasts — the two areas of the body that are most affected by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
While these procedures target different body areas, they can typically be performed simultaneously, which is great for women looking to improve their entire silhouette with one recovery period and only one day on the operating room table.
For many women, this is a win-win!
Factors That Influence a Mommy Makeover Plan
A Mommy Makeover isn’t a specific procedure. It’s a personalized combination of procedures to help their needs.
Common Mommy Makeover Procedures
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck
- Breast lifting
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
Determining Mommy Makeover Candidacy
Because this surgery uses so many different techniques and is more invasive than other plastic surgeries, not every woman is a candidate for it. To determine if it is right for you, you will need to undergo a consultation with a certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon, like Matthew Schulman, M.D. – Mommy Makeover specialist. They will ask the following questions to help determine if the surgery is right for you.
- Do you have any pre-existing conditions that could impair healing?
- Are you planning on getting pregnant again in the future?
- Are you still breastfeeding?
- Do you smoke?
They will also evaluate your BMI (body mass index) and ensure that your expectations are realistic.
Do You Have to Undergo These Procedures at the Same Time?
Most women see the ability to combine breast and body contouring procedures as a benefit. After all, they only have to undergo general anesthesia once, which comes with its own risks and can leave women feeling nauseous or ill following surgery.
That being said, if it is better for you, you can absolutely separate your Mommy Makeover into smaller, more pinpointed surgeries. For instance, you can undergo a tummy tuck and liposuction together and then come back for breast surgery once you have healed. This is known as a staged approach and can be beneficial for women interested in this or women whose surgeries would take too long to combine.
You can review your options and discuss your best course of action during your consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the recovery time?
Getting two plastic surgery procedures done simultaneously shortens the Mommy Makeover recovery time because both heal simultaneously instead of healing before the next procedure. Breast augmentation and tummy tuck are the most common parts of a Mommy Makeover plan. The two body regions need substantial time to heal. Recovering from surgery takes four to six weeks. Mommies can expect to be ready for strenuous exercise in around eight weeks.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Cost?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says undergoing a Mommy Makeover costs about $20,000. But keep in mind every patient is different. Plastic surgeons must meet patients one on one to understand the customized plan. Some plastic surgeons offer packages with a cheaper overall cost.
Should the Plastic Surgeon Be Board Certified?
Yes! Board certification adds a reputable layer to a plastic surgeon’s professionalism. This layer supports the plastic surgeon’s expertise that goes beyond the medical conditions. Board certification keeps physicians up to date with the latest innovations and research.
Should a Plastic Surgeon Have Before and After Photos?
Reputable plastic surgeons only operate on low-risk patients for several reasons. One of them is the likelihood that the results will be what they claimed they would be. The best way to do this is with photos. If they don’t have photos, there’s a good chance they don’t want to highlight their success.
Are Customer Reviews Important?
Absolutely! Mommies looking for their pre-pregnancy bodies get a better sense of the plastic surgeon’s abilities through previous. Plastic surgery for a Mommy Makeover isn’t mandatory. This means a large part of a plastic surgeon’s reputation comes from customer reviews. Other factors like bedside manners are important to patients.
