Insight into 'Mommy Makeovers': A Comprehensive Guide
Ready for some honest talk on mommy makeovers? Let's cut the crap - bringing a baby into the world stretches your body to its limits. And, yeah, it's a miracle, but the physical aftermath ain't always peachy.
Plastic surgery world is buzzing about "mommy makeovers," a series of cosmetic procedures designed to improve your post-baby bod. But hold up, it's not everybody's cup of tea, and the procedures ain't without risks. Dr. J. Vincente Poblete, a plastic surgeon, shares his insights about these surgeries and what you need to consider.
So, WTF is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a mix-and-match of cosmetic surgery procedures frequently chosen by the moms after they've popped out a kiddo. Procedures may include a tummy tuck, breast surgery (augmentation, lift, or reduction), labiaplasty, and/or liposuction.
Data from the Aesthetic Society reveals a significant increase in body contouring procedures, like liposuction and tummy tucks, with a whopping 66% boost compared to 2020.
What's in the Mommy Makeover Package?
Tummy Tuck
Pregnancy expands your abdomen, stretching the muscles and skin to their limits. Post-pregnancy, you might find things are a bit too loose in the tummy area. If so, a tummy tuck can help by removing excess skin around your abdomen and tightening your abdominal muscles. It could even improve or remove stretch marks and C-section scars.
"It's often a matter of excess fat and skin," says Dr. Poblete. "A lipo-abdominoplasty might be the best approach for optimal contouring."
Breast Enhancement
Breastfeeding or not, you might decide on some kind of breast enhancement.
Breast Augmentation
Post-pregnancy, your breasts could look a bit flat. In that case, a breast augmentation, the surgical insertion of breast implants, might help your breasts appear fuller.
Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery, with around 350,000 procedures done in the United States in 2021. The most typical breast implants used for primary augmentation are silicone implants. Talk to your doc to find the best option based on how you want your breasts to look and feel.
Breast Lift
If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift can help raise them by removing extra skin and tightening breast tissue. It won't change the size of your breasts significantly, but it'll make them look more youthful and uplifted.
"A combined breast lift with augmentation has gained popularity in recent years," says Dr. Poblete. "This approach is more effective for achieving a lifted appearance and increased volume on the upper half of the breast."
Breast Reduction
If your breasts are larger than before pregnancy and causing discomfort or back pain, a breast reduction procedure can remove tissue and reshape your breasts.
Liposuction
If you're not getting the results you desire from a healthy diet and exercise, liposuction, the surgical removal of fat, might be an option for your abdomen, arms, or thighs. This procedure can target the hips, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Keep in mind that liposuction doesn't erase cellulite - it only removes fat.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of your labia minora, the skin folds that surround your urethra and vagina. After childbirth, excessive labial tissue could cause discomfort or pain during exercise or sex by getting pinched or tugged. By removing extra tissue, your labia minora will appear more youthful, and your pain should lessen.
Things to Consider Before Having Mommy Makeover Surgery
If a mommy makeover is on your mind, set realistic expectations, ya heard? Dr. Poblete recommends considering the following:
Cost
Will insurance pay for it? Cosmetic surgery usually isn't covered by insurance. Paying out-of-pocket can get pricey. Multiple procedures will cost more than a single surgery, but having multiple surgeries at the same time can save on anesthesia and hospital fees.
Recovery Time
Recovery time varies depending on the number of procedures, your age, and health. Most procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Afterward, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, especially for stitches and surgical incisions.
You'll likely be off work for about a week, and it's typically recommended to wait at least six weeks before resuming your regular exercise routine. In the first few weeks, you'll need help with daily activities, and you should avoid lifting anything heavy, including the kiddos.
Scarring
Are you okay with having scars? While scars from surgery gradually fade over time, seeing these scars where you didn't have them before can mess with your head.
Are You Done Having Kids?
You should hold off on a mommy makeover if you plan to have more babies.
Are You in Good Health?
If you have existing health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, chat with your doctor about the risks of cosmetic surgery.
If you're considering surgery, you'll need to quit smoking for at least six weeks before surgery. Smoking increases the risk during surgery and lengthens your healing time. And for best results, maintain a healthy body weight for the 12 months prior to surgery.
"Studies have shown that the higher the BMI, the higher the incidence of local and systemic complications," points out Dr. Poblete.
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon
When it comes to finding the right plastic surgeon, it's essential to know what to look for.
- Ensure the American Board of Plastic Surgeons has certified your surgeon.
- Check the number of procedures the surgeon does per year. Choose a surgeon who does hundreds of the procedure you want annually.
- Examine before-and-after photographs. These can give you a good idea of the results to expect.
- Make sure your surgeon is up-to-date on the latest surgical techniques and innovations.
- Watch out for surgeons who suggest having too many procedures at once. Multiple procedures performed at one time put more strain on your body and tend to lengthen healing time.
The decision to have plastic surgery isn't something to take lightly. Talking it over with your doctor about the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes is an important first step.
"Many patients are very satisfied with the results of their procedures," says Dr. Poblete. "Being able to fit back into their clothes makes them so happy."
First, take the time to learn as much as you can about the procedures. And remember, a mommy makeover could be just the thing to help you feel like you again.
A mommy makeover is a combination of cosmetic surgery procedures commonly chosen by women after childbirth, focusing on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and womens-health. Procedures may include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, tummy tuck, liposuction, and labiaplasty.
After childbirth, breastfeeding or not, one might opt for a breast enhancement, such as a breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction, to improve their post-pregnancy physique. Additionally, women may consider liposuction for areas like the abdomen, arms, or thighs to achieve desired body contouring results. Labiaplasty, another procedure included in a mommy makeover, can address discomfort or pain due to excessive labial tissue by reducing the size of the labia minora.
