The Mommy Makeover and You: What to Know

No matter where you look, it seems you’re bombarded with pictures of celebrities who look slim and trim even though they’ve given birth only a few months before. While it’s easy to be fooled by photo editing apps, many people, including A-listers, turn to plastic surgery to speed up the process. This plastic surgery procedure is known as the mommy makeover and includes a powerful combination of techniques to reshape and restore your post-baby body. Here’s what to know about it.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding all contribute to the changes that happen to a woman’s body. When exercise and following a healthy diet don’t yield results, many moms consider a mommy makeover to achieve their goals. Because no two women are the same, it’s important to note that their surgeries will also differ. Below are a few of the most common procedures included as a part of a Mommy Makeover:

• Body Contouring: Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, removes excess skin or fat to achieve a taut tummy. It can also tighten the underlying muscles that can become stretched and loose during pregnancy. Liposuction, and other minimally-invasive options can help to shape the body and eliminate stubborn fatty areas.
• Breast Augmentation: Breast reduction and a breast lift can change the shape and size of your breasts to restore the firmness and perkiness you had prior to pregnancy. Some patients also opt for implants to restore volume.
• Additional Procedures: Pregnancy and delivery can result in permanent changes to your skin’s tone and texture. Treatment for stretch marks or varicose veins is also common during a mommy makeover.

What to Expect

During your initial consultation, we’ll address your areas of concern, discuss your expectations, and also review your past medical history. Mommy makeovers can be performed on new moms and seasoned ones alike. Your recovery will depend on your unique mommy makeover, so Dr. Carpenter will make sure you know what to expect during your consultation.

Things to Consider

For the best long-term results, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating right and regular exercise go a long way in maximizing your results. Most importantly, patients need to have realistic expectations of what a mommy makeover can and cannot do.

You should keep in mind that you will have scars after your surgery. While these will fade over time and become less visible, it’s important to realize that you will have them. In addition, it’s recommended that you wait at least 6 to 12 months after delivery to undergo a mommy makeover so that your body can return to its normal hormonal state. If you’re planning on having more children in the future, you may want to postpone any surgeries or consider non-surgical alternatives until you have completed your family.

Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon

Since most patients choose to have multiple procedures performed at one time, it’s extremely important to choose a plastic surgeon who is skilled in mommy makeovers. Always ask to see before and after photos of previous patients who had the same surgeries you are considering. You should also verify that your surgeon is board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Finally, choose a surgeon that regularly performs mommy makeovers or your chosen procedures.

As with any type of plastic surgery, the decision to have a mommy makeover should never be a quick one. Weighs the pros and cons of each procedure and make sure you have your mommy makeover performed by a reputable plastic surgeon who you feel comfortable with. To meet with Dr. Carpenter and begin discussing your options for a mommy makeover procedure, contact our Allegany office by calling or filling out our online form.