The term mommy makeover refers to a combination of cosmetic surgery procedures designed to address some of the changes caused by pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. For example, breasts can become enlarged during pregnancy, but they eventually return to their normal size, albeit with noticeable sagging and volume loss. Mommy makeovers are used to address such aesthetic issues.
The mommy makeover process is unique for each patient because the surgeon designs it to address their specific needs. It usually includes breast and abdomen-contouring procedures but can also involve other surgeries, like liposuction and vaginoplasty.
Most mommy makeovers are performed as a single surgery, although there are certain instances where it may be best to spread the surgeries out over two or more separate procedures. There are many benefits to having a mommy makeover, including:
The ideal person for a mommy makeover has good physical and mental health. They have finished having children, can maintain a healthy weight, and do not smoke. They should also have realistic expectations for the results of their surgery.
The ideal mommy makeover patient is already at their desired body weight, as significant weight changes can diminish the results after getting a mommy makeover. They should also wait at least three months after finishing breastfeeding to start their makeover.
A mommy makeover can provide significant aesthetic improvement, but it does not achieve perfection. Cosmetic surgeons work with their patients to develop treatment plans that meet their individual needs and goals.
Mommy makeovers typically start with a consultation with a surgeon to determine the most effective way to tackle the changes created by pregnancy and childbirth. The cosmetic surgeon will educate the patient about the procedures that best address their needs and the changes that they might need to make to prepare their bodies for surgery.
Patients often get to review before-and-after photos of previous patients with similar body types to give them a better idea of what treatment might look like. Most of the procedures performed during mommy makeovers are done under general anesthesia, and they typically involve at least a few weeks of recovery.
The most common procedures performed during a mommy makeover are breast surgeries and abdominal-contouring procedures. Breast surgery options include the following.
This procedure involves placing implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles to increase breast size. It can also be used to restore breast volume lost after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Commonly known as a "boob job, breast augmentation can also involve taking fat from other parts of the body and using it to restore volume in the breasts. The procedure can improve breast size asymmetry and the balance of the hip and breast contours. It can also make breasts rounder.
A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. It can also be used to reduce the size of the areola, the dark skin surrounding the nipple. Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause breasts to sag and enlarge and elongate the nipples, affecting the natural appearance of the breasts.
Breast lifts are performed to restore the way that breasts looked pre-pregnancy, which for many people, means making them appear "perkier." The procedure is often combined with breast augmentation to address loss of volume.
This procedure involves removing excess breast tissue and skin to reduce breast size. It can also help alleviate back pain and other issues caused by large breasts.
Abdominal-contouring procedures that might be part of a patient's mommy makeover include the following.
Also called an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal wall muscles. The procedure can be performed on people with moderate amounts of excess skin in their midsection. When used as part of a mommy makeover, itt addresses the excess skin and fat that develop in the midsection during pregnancy. Tummy tucks can be broken down into three main types.
Mini tummy tuck: This procedure is typically recommended for patients who are in good physical shape but want a flatter midsection. Such patients often have loose abdominal muscles, but not to the point that a regular tummy tuck is required. Mini tummy tucks are performed with a small incision made along the lower abdomen. There is typically no need to reposition the belly button afterward.
Extended tummy tuck: This procedure is usually performed on patients who need major body contouring and skin tightening after losing a significant amount of weight. It requires a larger incision than those used for conventional tummy tucks.
Full tummy tuck: This is often included in a patient's mommy makeover. The procedure involves making an incision from one side of the patient's hip bone to the other so the surgeon can access the internal structures of the abdomen. Procedures like liposuction are often combined with this to get rid of excess fat deposits before pulling tight the abdominal muscles and skin. The patient's belly button is typically repositioned during the treatment, so it looks like it is in a natural position
This procedure involves suctioning away excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body. The surgeon makes an incision close to the targeted area and inserts a tube that sucks away fat deposits. Liposuction is often recommended with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck.
This procedure can involve various techniques to improve the appearance and function of the vagina. It is often done to improve vaginal laxity, which can be affected by childbirth.
Recovery times vary depending on the type of procedures performed. Most patients will spend one to two weeks recovering at home before resuming normal activities. It can take several months for final results to be visible.
As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with mommy makeovers. These include:
Your surgeon will discuss the risks and potential surgery complications with the patient during the consultation. Generally speaking, the healthier a patient is, the lower their risk of complications. Habits like smoking and drinking can also increase a patient's risk of complications.
A mommy makeover can get your body close to how it was before getting pregnant. Schedule an appointment with our cosmetic surgeon to learn more about the process.
Request an appointment here: https://paulcdillonmd.com or call Paul C. Dillon, MD Inc at (847) 429-3185 for an appointment in our Schaumburg office.
Paul C. Dillon, MD Inc is located at 890 E Higgins Rd #157 Schaumburg, IL 60173.