Congratulations – you’ve had a baby! While you’re fawning over your precious bundle of joy, it is completely normal to mourn the loss of your pre-baby body. Your body has undergone a major physical transformation, and the beauty of creating life can often leave women with fears about what their post-pregnancy body may look like. While your body is adjusting to these changes, it is important to be gentle with yourself.
However, if you’ve taken healthy steps to tighten, tone and lift your physique but are still struggling to achieve the results you seek, a mommy makeover may be the answer to restore your body and confidence in your appearance.
But where should you begin? A mommy makeover is a major decision that requires asking the right questions to ensure it’s the right choice for you. Before you take the plunge, look at what you should ask your plastic surgeon so you can feel confident and ready for your mommy makeover journey.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
You’ve probably heard the term before, but what exactly does a mommy makeover encompass? It often includes a breast procedure — such as breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction — plus a tummy tuck and liposuction. It can also include a Brazilian butt lift, vaginal rejuvenation, and nonsurgical procedures like Botox and dermal fillers.
There are no rules about what can and can’t go into a mommy makeover. The goal is to restore your confidence, and we can include anything that helps you feel like the best version of yourself.
Who Is Eligible for a Mommy Makeover?
The ideal mommy makeover candidate is someone who is finished having children, done with breastfeeding and is close to full recovery from childbirth. You should be in good health with a stable weight to minimize complications.
How Is a Mommy Makeover Customized?
A mommy makeover isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can be a mix-and-match of procedures. The most common areas addressed tend to be the breasts and the midsection. Breasts undergo a dramatic change as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Stretched breast tissue, fluctuating hormones and weight gain can result in a droopy appearance that can be rectified by breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction.
While diet and exercise aid pregnancy weight loss, liposuction can help sculpt stubborn areas that don’t respond well to exercise. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, often accompanies liposuction to help tighten up the midsection and remove loose skin impervious to exercise. Some women also look to lift and add volume to their buttocks with a Brazilian butt lift, more commonly referred to as a BBL. Vaginal rejuvenation is also a popular option to restore the vagina to a pre-birth state.
Nonsurgical treatments like dermal fillers and Botox can complement your surgical results or give you a beauty boost all on their own. Ultimately, you and your plastic surgeon will tailor a plan to help you achieve your desired look.
How Should I Choose a Plastic Surgeon?
Choosing a qualified doctor is the most important step. Look at before-and-after photos of previous patients to see their work and set realistic expectations. Evaluate their credentials and patient reviews to inform your decision-making process.
A board-certified plastic surgeon from the American Board of Plastic Surgery has undergone rigorous training from an accredited program. A surgeon who is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery may not meet the same stringent criteria.
Delivering exceptional results to their clients is of high priority to Drs. William and Jeffery Umansky, both board-certified plastic surgeons, who have been practicing for over 20 years. See what our clients are saying about our work and take a look at our before and after photos.
How Should I Prepare Pre-surgery?
The more you know going into your surgery, the better. Arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can during your consultation and pre-op appointments with your plastic surgeon. Discuss risks like infection, bleeding and reactions to anesthesia. Know where your surgeon will place incisions and learn how to minimize the appearance of scars over time.
The mommy makeover procedures you decide on can impact how long your surgery can take. Typically, it can take between three to seven hours, but during your consultation, your plastic surgeon will give you a more accurate estimate.
Your consultation is also the time to discuss your goals, expectations and medical history. Your plastic surgeon will advise stopping certain medications, avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy diet. These steps ensure your body is in the best condition for a successful surgery and easy recovery.
Plan for your recovery by arranging appropriate support and prepare to have someone drive you home and assist you for the first few days post-surgery. Set up your home for a smooth recovery by creating a comfortable space with medications, snacks, water and entertainment. Your movement will be limited during recovery so meal prep and stock up on groceries in advance. Planning ahead will make your post-surgery care more seamless and easier to adjust.
What Should I Expect During Recovery?
Your surgery may be over, but you still have a way to go before you’re back to your everyday routine. Mommy makeover recovery time varies depending on the procedures you undergo, but generally, you can expect an initial recovery time of two to three weeks. During this time, take it easy and follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions. Swelling, bruising and discomfort are all part of the healing process and can be managed with prescribed medications.
As a mom, it may feel foreign to ask for help, but this is the time to rely on others for daily tasks during the first week or so.
What Should I Expect Post-recovery?
Immediately after your surgery, you’ll see results, but the final results may take several months to fully develop. Be patient and follow your post-recovery care instructions, attend all follow-up appointments, and avoid strenuous activities until your surgeon gives you the green light. By taking good care of yourself, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new look.
The results of a mommy makeover can be long-lasting, especially when maintained with a healthy lifestyle. Maintain a stable weight, follow a balanced diet, and engage in regular exercise so you can enjoy your results for many years to come.
How Much Is a Mommy Makeover?
The cost of a mommy makeover varies based on many different factors, typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Umansky Plastic Surgery offers financing solutions to help your mommy makeover fit your budget.
Start Your Transformation With Umansky Today!
If a mommy makeover feels right, take the next steps to feel like yourself again. Contact our office at 858-281-4560 for a consultation or fill out the form below and be on your way to boost your confidence after the transformative journey of motherhood. You deserve it.