Motherhood is beautiful, but the impact it has on the body can be challenging. Many women experience significant changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Sagging breasts, stretched abdominal muscles, stubborn fat, and loose skin are all too familiar among most mothers. This blog will explain how a Mommy Makeover allows women to choose the specific body contouring options they want to achieve their unique goals.
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What Is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover combines two or more cosmetic surgeries to help women regain their pre-baby bodies and boost their confidence. A Mommy Makeover is customized to meet the needs and desires of each patient, with the procedures varying from person to person depending on their individual goals, body type, and medical history. The most common areas addressed in a Mommy Makeover are the breasts, abdomen, waist, and sometimes the thighs and buttocks. While a breast lift or breast augmentation paired with a tummy tuck or liposuction is typical, breast reduction surgery or other body contouring procedures can be included in a Mommy Makeover.
5 Most Common Procedures Included in a Mommy Makeover
1. Breast Augmentation
Many women lose volume from their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast augmentation involves placing implants or transferring fat to reshape and add fullness to breasts. This procedure is ideal for women who want to add volume to their breasts but don’t have problems with sagging.
2. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause droopy breasts due to stretched-out skin and breast tissue. A lift provides a more youthful breast appearance by removing excess skin and reshaping tissue. A breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation when both added volume and lift are desired.
3. Breast Reduction
For women with very large and heavy breasts, a reduction can help alleviate back, shoulder, and neck pain while creating a more proportionate bustline. Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, skin, and fat, resulting in a more compact and comfortable breast size.
4. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
One of the most transformative parts of a Mommy Makeover is the tummy tuck. Pregnancy separates abdominal muscles and stretches skin, leading to a bulging tummy and fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. A tummy tuck repairs abdominal muscles and removes excess skin for a firmer, flatter belly. This procedure can also help with the appearance of stretch marks below the navel.
5. Liposuction
Despite a healthy lifestyle, some women struggle with stubborn localized fat after pregnancy. Liposuction removes pockets of fat from areas like the abdomen, waist, thighs, hips, and arms. It enhances body contours and helps achieve a more fit look.
Can I Include a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in My Mommy Makeover?
Some women want to enhance certain curves after pregnancy. A Brazilian Butt Lift uses excess fat that has been removed with liposuction (often from the abdomen or thighs), which is then injected into the buttocks and sculpted to create a fuller, more lifted look.
The feasibility of combining a Brazilian Butt Lift with common Mommy Makeover procedures would have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as recovery instructions for each can be incompatible. Put simply, ideal cosmetic breast surgery and tummy tuck healing require patients to protect the front of their bodies, while protecting the backside is essential after a BBL. It can be challenging to keep pressure off both sides of your body, so discuss this aspect of recovery with your surgeon.
Can Non-surgical Treatments Be Included in a Mommy Makeover?
While surgical procedures are the main focus of a Mommy Makeover, some women may opt to add non-surgical procedures to rejuvenate their skin or achieve more comprehensive enhancements. Popular treatments may include:
- Injectables: BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can smooth out wrinkles and add facial volume.
- Skin Tightening: Radiofrequency or ultrasound can improve skin elasticity.
- Laser Therapy: Some laser treatments can correct pigmentation issues, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.
- Microneedling and Chemical Peels: These techniques can improve skin texture and stimulate collagen production for more youthful-looking skin.
Most non-surgical aesthetic procedures should be undergone after the initial Mommy Makeover healing phase is over. However, facial treatments should not interfere with body contouring procedures.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
Ideal candidates for a Mommy Makeover are women who:
- Are done having children (additional pregnancies can affect results)
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome
- Are at or near their ideal body weight
- Are committed to maintaining results through a healthy lifestyle
Mommy Makeover Recovery and Results
The recovery experience after a Mommy Makeover varies depending on the patient’s tolerance, compliance with instructions, and the specific procedures performed. Most women need at least two weeks of rest before resuming light daily activities. Full recovery may take between 6 and 12 weeks, and results will become clearer as swelling and bruising subside.
For optimal healing, follow post-op instructions, wear compression garments, and avoid strenuous activities.
Mommy Makeover Specialists in Pasadena, CA
Whether it’s the breasts, tummy, or contouring other body areas, Mommy Makeovers at Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery provide long-term results when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. Drs. Martin and Adam O’Toole are meticulous surgeons who deliver personalized patient care and exceptional results.
Schedule your Pasadena Mommy Makeover consultation with one of our double board-certified plastic surgeons. Call (626) 449-8910 or complete our online contact form today.