All you need to know about a Mommy Makeover
Its very likely that you’ve come across the term ‘mommy makeover’, because it’s now one of the most popular cosmetic options for those that have given birth. As the name suggests, the term was coined by the mainstream media in response to celebrity mothers that undergo surgery to alleviate the physical signs of a recent pregnancy. Moreover, a mommy makeover is also undertaken by those that have engaged in breastfeeding.
Either way, at the forefront of a mommy makeover is a contouring procedure that targets both the abdomen and breasts. With that being said, there is no hard-and-fast rule as to what specific procedures a mommy makeover facilitates, not least because patients get to choose a tailor-made plan.
Nevertheless, if you’re keen to find out what a mommy makeover entails, and whether or not it’s suitable for your long-term cosmetic goals, be sure to read on.
What is a mommy makeover?
In its most basic form, a mommy makeover is merely a marketing term utilized in the cosmetic surgery space to describe a procedure that is aimed at those that have previously given birth. The main concept is to alleviate the physical signs of pregnancy and if applicable – breastfeeding.
Regarding the former, the patient might strive to regain their pre-pregnancy body shape and thus – remove fat from the affected area without relying primarily on weight loss. Similarly, those that previously engaged in breastfeeding are likely to encounter major physical changes. This can include breasts that suffer from sagging and drooping, breast deflation, and abdominal stretch marks.
Crucially, one of the unfortunate side effects of giving birth and breastfeeding is that physical changes are typically permanent. Even if mothers engage in a stringent exercise and diet plan, the physical signs of giving birth cannot always be alleviated. As such, this is why the mommy makeover phenomenon has become so wide-spread in recent years.
What does a mommy makeover consist of?
As we have previously unravelled thus far, there is no one-size-fits-all mommy makeover procedure. On the contrary, patients usually have a bespoke treatment plan outlined to meet their individual requirements. This is determined via a one-on-one consultation meeting with a plastic surgeon. The surgeon will explore what physical concerns the patient has, and then recommend a range of potential treatments.
Nevertheless, below we have listed some of the most common cosmetic procedures undertaken during a mommy makeover.
Breast Reduction
While the specifics will vary from mother-to-mother, pregnancy can result in increased breast size. In fact, some mothers will experience an increase of up to a full cup size. As such, the first procedure that a patient might consider during a mommy makeover is that of a breast reduction. Also referred to as a Reduction Mammaplasty, breast reduction surgery will reduce the size of your breasts.
You’ll get to discuss your desired outcome one-on-one with the plastic surgeon pre-surgery. The procedure is undertaken by removing excess breast fat, skin, and tissue. Once the surgeon has closed the incisions and subsequently completed the procedure, the results are visible immediately.
Breast Lift
One of the main side effects of choosing to breastfeed your child is breasts that begin to droop. This is because connective and fatty tissues begin to shift after prolonged periods of breastfeeding, which subsequently results in sagging. Moreover, sagging isn’t just a result of breastfeeding per se’. On the contrary, the weight gained during pregnancy can also play a role in sagging breasts.
With that said, Mastopexy – or simply a breast lift, is a common procedure undertaken by patients as part of a wider mommy makeover. The surgical procedure is able to raise the breast by removing surplus skin. The surgeon then tightens the surrounding tissue, which results in reshaped breasts. In a similar nature to a breast reduction, the results of a breast lift are visible immediately.
Breast Augmentation
An additional side effect of going through pregnancy is that the breasts can lose a significant amount of volume. As such, in order to regain a more rounded breast shape, mothers often undergo a breast augmentation. The breast augmentation process can also result in improved balance of the breast, and promote fullness of the breasts.
In terms of the procedural steps, the surgeon will initially make incisions in and around the breast. Depending on the specific procedure opted for by the surgeon, the patient will then undergo a fat transfer, or have breast implants inserted.
Fat Reduction
Outside of the breast department – a core component of a mommy makeover is to address the weight gained during pregnancy. While this will likely centre around the abdominal area, it can also extend to other areas of the body. This includes the neck, hips, thighs, and arms.
As such, a number of fat reduction techniques are often considered during a mommy makeover. Each procedure differs in the results it can achieve, as well as the underlying risks. This is why you will be required to meet with a surgeon during the consultation.
Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most widely used fat reduction techniques undertaken by patients. The overarching concept is that the surgeon will target the affected areas by removing surplus fat. This has the desired result of reshaping the body area in question. Liposuction can be undertaken on virtually every area of the body.
Although highly effective, those undertaking liposuction as part of a mommy maker will be required to engage in a sensible recovery plan. The patient will likely need to wear compression garments to protect the treated area, and swelling is also a common side effect.
SmartLipo®
Involves laser-assisted lipolysis, commonly referred to as laser liposuction. A very thin tube containing the Smartlipo laser fiber is inserted in targeted fatty areas through a small incision. The laser fiber delivers heat energy directly to fat cells and disrupts the fatty tissue for easy removal. The laser literally melts the fat, which is removed with gentle suction. At the same time, tissue around the area tightens through coagulation, contributing to a smoother shape overall.
CoolSculpting®
An additional method utilized by surgeons in the quest to remove stubborn fat is that of CoolSculpting®. Although the process is a much newer phenomenon in comparison to liposuction, the treatment has become somewhat popular in recent years. The reason for this is that unlike liposuction, CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive procedure.
As the process is less aggressive, patients rarely require the use of anesthesia. The procedure will see the surgeon utilize a medical device that has the capacity to freeze fat cells. In destroying the cells, the fat is broken down and thus – removed from the body.
What you need to consider before undergoing a mommy makeover
Although many of the procedures utilized during a mommy makeover are suitable for most women, you still need to make a number of considerations both before and after treatment.
- You might need multiple visits to the practice
As we have discussed throughout our article, a mommy makeover can consist of multiple treatments. For example, your surgeon might suggest a breast lift to deal with the effects of sagging, and CoolSculpting® to address the weight you gained during surgery.
As a result, you might need to deal with each procedure individually and thus – make multiple visits to the practice. As we cover in the next point, this will require a sensible post-treatment recovery plan.
- A post-treatment recovery plan is crucial
Depending on the type of mommy makeover you opt for, it’s likely that you will need to spend a number of days (or couple of weeks) recovering at home. As such, you will need to make some arrangements to assist with everyday tasks around the house, such as cleaning and lifting.
You’ll likely need to take some time off work after liposuction, so again, you need to pre-plan. Your surgeon might also ask you to refrain from driving when starting your recovery period.
- A long-term diet and exercise plan must be followed
You will need to refrain from physical activities until your recovery period has concluded. However, once you have fully recovered, you need to remember that fat reduction treatments are not permanent. In other words, if you refrain from a healthy diet and regular exercise plan, you’ll simply regain the weight in the long run.
As such, make sure you have a long-term exercise plan in place, and that you fuel your body with the right foods.
I’m interested: What next?
If you like the sound of what a mommy makeover can do for your post-pregnancy appearance, you will need to meet with a qualified plastic surgeon. The consultation will see you meet with a specialist one-on-one, so you’ll get the chance to explain what your physical concerns are, and what you would like to do about them.