Pregnancy changes a woman’s body, and some of those changes are ones she may not want. Some women turn to a mommy makeover to get close to their pre-pregnancy shape. Mommy makeover is the informal term for a set of procedures a woman undergoes to reach the results she wants.
She works closely with a trusted surgeon, such as Dr. Joel Aronowitz to settle on a plan built around her. That plan takes several factors into account, including which areas she’s unhappy with and which procedures she wants.
What can a mommy makeover achieve?
A mommy makeover can change a woman’s body considerably. It can address stretched abdominal muscles, saggy breasts, a sagging buttocks, and excess skin. Diet and exercise often can’t fix these problems, so surgery becomes necessary.
For a woman struggling with her body image after giving birth, a mommy makeover can improve her self-esteem. Some women add facial work, such as eyebrow lifts or lip fillers, to get more out of the makeover.
What are the challenges of a mommy makeover?
One of the biggest challenges is that she won’t be able to lift more than 5 to 10 pounds while she recovers from the procedures. That’s hard when she has a baby, but around-the-clock childcare help eases the problem.
Some women have more than one procedure during the makeover, and they should line up childcare for each one. In some cases that need runs six to eight weeks.
Nutrition after the procedures is another challenge. Eating well and staying hydrated matter for healing. Having prepared meals and plenty of drinks ready afterward helps, so the woman can rest and focus on healing. Help around the house is also worth arranging during this time.
What should a woman do if she wants a mommy makeover?
Her first job is finding a reputable surgeon. A surgeon such as Joel Aronowitz MD should be willing to answer questions about what’s possible and what to expect. Once she picks her surgeon, she can set the schedule for the procedures so she’s back to normal activities as quickly as possible.
When is the right time for a mommy makeover?
Timing matters with a mommy makeover. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least six months after giving birth before any cosmetic procedure. This gives the body time to recover on its own and lets hormone levels stabilize. Women who plan to have more children may be advised to wait, since a future pregnancy can undo the results.
It also helps to reach your target weight before the makeover. Big weight swings afterward can change the results. Ideally, a woman holds a steady weight for at least six months before these surgeries.
What procedures are typically included in a mommy makeover?
Each makeover is built around the individual’s needs and wishes, but some procedures come up more often than others:
- Breast augmentation or lift: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave breasts with less volume and more sag. These procedures restore fullness and improve shape.
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): This addresses excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles that often follow pregnancy.
- Liposuction: This targets stubborn fat deposits that stay despite diet and exercise.
- Buttock augmentation or lift: Some women choose these to change the shape and volume of their buttocks.
- Vaginal rejuvenation: This can address changes in the vaginal area that may come with childbirth.
How to prepare for a mommy makeover
Good preparation shapes the outcome of a mommy makeover. Here are some steps women can take:
- Stop smoking: Smoking interferes with healing and raises the risk of complications, so quit several weeks before surgery.
- Adjust medications: Some medications and supplements can raise bleeding risk. The surgeon will say which ones to avoid.
- Arrange for help: As noted earlier, support for childcare and household tasks matters during recovery.
- Prepare the recovery area: A comfortable space with everything within reach makes recovery easier.
- Follow pre-op instructions: The surgeon will give specific guidance on eating, drinking, and medication in the days before surgery.
What to expect during recovery
Recovery from a mommy makeover can be hard, but preparation makes it more manageable. The first stretch usually lasts about two weeks, and rest is essential then. Pain, swelling, and bruising are normal and can be managed with prescribed medication and cold compresses.
Most women can return to light activities after about two weeks, though it may take six to eight weeks before they resume harder activity or exercise. Full results may not show for several months as the body keeps healing and settles into its new shape.
Potential risks and complications
Like any surgery, mommy makeovers carry risks. These can include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor wound healing
- Unfavorable scarring
- Changes in skin sensation
- Asymmetry
- Anesthesia risks
A woman should talk through these risks with her surgeon and follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to lower the chance of complications.
Long-term maintenance of results
A mommy makeover can bring big improvements, but keeping the results takes ongoing effort. A healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular exercise, preserves the effects of the procedures. Protecting the skin from sun damage also helps keep any surgical scars looking their best.
Some women choose touch-up procedures later to address changes from aging or weight swings. Regular follow-ups with the surgeon help track the results over time and address any concerns.
A mommy makeover can help many women feel confident again in their post-pregnancy bodies. It’s still a big decision that calls for careful thought, thorough preparation, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Working closely with a skilled, experienced surgeon gives a woman the best chance of reaching the results she wants.
