The mommy makeover is a popular combination plastic surgery that addresses common issues that women have after pregnancy. It is a surgery that often results in better self confidence and long term happiness for patients.
A mommy makeover procedure is a ‘catch-all’ phrase that covers a variety of cosmetic procedures performed at one time to remake the woman’s body after pregnancy.
If you’ve been considering this plastic surgery procedure, below are popular questions to review so you can make an informed decision.
What is a Mommy Makeover Procedure?
Pregnancy and childbirth significantly affect the body and breasts, so this procedeure often focuses on breast enhancement and body contouring, such as liposuction. But your mommy makeover may have other procedures that address your specific concerns.
Common surgical procedures included are:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Tummy tuck
- Liposuction
- Feminine rejuvenation or labiaplasty
Also, some women choose non-surgical procedures as part of their mommy makeover:
- CoolSculpting
- Cellulite reduction
- Skin resurfacing
- Dermal fillers
- Botox
What is the Difference Between A Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?
A tummy tuck is aimed at taking care of excess skin. It is a surgical procedure that is often incorporated in the mommy makeover surgery because many women find that excess skin (or sagging skin) around their midsection is a problem after having children. Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure focusing on extra fat. Many patients eat a healthy diet and exercise but still have trouble with excess fat around their abdominal muscles.
When incorporating a cosmetic surgery like this into your mommy makeover it is important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon who will be able to ensure your belly button isn’t negatively impacted by the surgery. Many women wonder if these surgeries can take care of stretch marks. Stretch marks are something that many mothers have complaints about but unfortunately the answer is no.
How Long Does A Mommy Makeover Surgery Take?
The length depends on the options you choose. If you have a tummy tuck or liposuction, it can take up to six hours.
What About Breast Surgery?
Breast surgeries are a common feature in a mommy makeover. Often patients opt for a breast augmentation and/or a breast lift. A breast reduction surgery is always a possibility, however it is less commonly chosen as a part of this particular bundle of surgeries.
How Much Does a Mommy Makeover Procedure Cost?
Mommy makeover cost varies widely, averaging $15,218 but ranging from $6,500 to $27,000 or more. Prices differ due to personalized combinations of multiple surgeries tailored to individual patients.
How Do You Prepare For A Mommy Makeover?
To prepare for your procedures, you may need to take these steps:
- Get a medical evaluation or lab testing to verify your health situation
- Take certain medications or adjust the medicines you take
- Stop smoking to improve the healing process
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, and aspirin to reduce bleeding problems
What Can I Expect In My Consultation?
The success and safety hinge on a well-designed surgical plan, the medical evaluation, and the care you receive from your plastic surgeon.
During the consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, lifestyle, and odds of having a successful procedure. Please remember to talk to your surgeon about your expectations and goals so he or she can create an effective plan that will give you back your body the way you desire.
When Is The Best Time To Have A Mommy Makeover?
This is a personal decision between you and your plastic surgeon. But there are common factors to consider to time your procedure appropriately:
- You should be fully recovered from pregnancy before having surgery.
- If you want a breast enhancement or breast lift, you should wait for a few months after you finish breastfeeding to let your breasts return to their standard shape and size.
- It’s ideal to wait until you are done having children before you have any lifting procedures, such as a breast lift, tummy tuck, or lower body lift surgery.
- If you are having surgery, you should not lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for the first month. If you have children, you may need to ask for help during the early recovery period.
Should I Wait To Have A Mommy Makeover If I Want More Children?
Ideal results happen when the woman doesn’t have more children. But you can have more children after the procedure if you choose to do so.
The primary consideration is how pregnancy can change your results. For example, if you get pregnant after a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, you may affect the effectiveness of those procedures.
If I Have Children, Can I Breastfeed?
Most women can breastfeed after they have a breast enhancement, breast lift, or breast reduction. However, there is a slight risk that some incisions around the nipple can make breastfeeding more challenging.
A few women cannot breastfeed at all, regardless of any surgery they had.
How Long Does A Mommy Makeover Recovery Take?
During mommy makeover recovery time you can experience some swelling and discomfort while the wound healing process is occuring, but these issues can be alleviated with compression garments and prescription pain medications.
You should be able to return to work within two to four weeks if you had breast augmentation or a tummy tuck. This same is true for a mini tummy tuck. Others with less invasive procedures may get back to work within a few days. Expect to reduce your more vigorous exercise activities for a few weeks.
Is A Mommy Makeover Dangerous?
Most patients have few if any serious complications. However, a mommy makeover usually requires significant surgery, so there are risks to consider. Some of the most common are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor incision healing
- Hematoma or blood collection under the skin
- Excessive scarring
- Skin looseness after a tummy tuck
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Contour deformity with liposuction
- Anesthesia risks
Request a Mommy Makeover Consultation
Interested in a New Jersey mommy makeover? Dr. Smita. R. Ramanadham can help you obtain the results you have been dreaming about this procedure that so many women have today. In your consultation, Dr. Ramanadham will go over your options, goals, and more to determine if you’re a good candidate.
You won’t regret your decision!
References
Mommy Makeover Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-included-in-a-mommy-makeover
Mommy Makeover Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/body-procedures/mommy-makeover/
Mommy Makeover Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.smartbeautyguide.com/procedures/complete-solutions/mommy-makeover/
Mommy Makeover Risks. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/mommy-makeover/safety