Reclaim Your Pre-Pregnancy Shape with a Mommy Makeover
Bringing new life into the world is a priceless experience, but it can also take a toll on a mother’s body. Many new mothers find themselves struggling with the physical changes that pregnancy brings. Of course, some of these changes are only temporary. But in other ways, even having one child can permanently reconfigure your curves in ways that may be difficult to accept:
- Pudginess around the abdomen (even if you return to your goal weight and body fat percentage, weakened abdominal muscles may not be able to “hold in” fat around your midsection)
- Sagging skin on the stomach
- Sagging breasts from breastfeeding
- Stretch marks
Although maintaining a good diet and exercising regularly can be a big help, most of these cosmetic issues cannot be fully corrected without a surgical procedure. You may experience a real sense of loss over the pre-pregnancy shape and figure you once had. Somehow, the person in the mirror doesn’t quite seem like the real you. It’s not vain or selfish to feel this way. It’s very, very normal.
If you’re yearning to regain your pre-pregnancy figure and boost your self-confidence, a mommy makeover might be the solution you’ve been seeking. In this article, we will explore what a mommy makeover entails, key considerations to determine if it’s right for you, and how to take the next step toward your transformation.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a comprehensive package of cosmetic procedures designed to address the physical changes after childbirth. It is essentially designed to give you back your toned, youthful, pre-pregnancy shape after childbirth—all included in a single surgical session.
The exact procedures included in a mommy makeover can vary. This is because it can affect different women’s bodies differently—and because each mother has her own specific feelings and priorities about which parts of her body are most important to reshape.
This personalized surgical session typically includes procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation or breast lift, and other options tailored to your specific needs. Other packages might include a labiaplasty, varicose vein removal, stretch mark removal, skin treatments, etc. The ultimate goal is to restore your body’s contours and enhance your overall appearance.
Is a Mommy Makeover Right for Me?
When considering a mommy makeover, there are several factors to consider:
Are You Done Having Children?
Some people mistakenly believe that you can’t have kids after getting a mommy makeover, or that it will make future pregnancies more dangerous. This isn’t true! It should not affect the safety and health of the mother or child (though certain breast lift procedures may make it harder to nurse later children).
While a mommy makeover will not hinder your ability to have children in the future, waiting until you have completed your family-building journey is generally recommended. Additional pregnancies can impact the results achieved through the procedures, particularly abdominal muscle repair and tummy tuck. This would mean you’d need to repeat most of the surgeries if you want to restore your shape.
So, this is definitely something you do have to take into consideration. We know—in life, priorities do change (and happy accidents can occur!). If you later decide you want more kids, that’s okay!
However, in general, most women tend to wait until they’re pretty sure they’re done having kids before getting the surgeries.
Have You Given Your Body Enough Time to Heal and Recover?
After pregnancy and childbirth, your body needs time to heal. Both can be physically traumatic for a mother’s body and a lot of stretching and tearing takes place.
It is advisable to wait at least six months following delivery before seriously considering surgery. Additionally, if you plan to have breast-related procedures, it’s essential to be finished with breastfeeding or pumping.
Are You in Good Physical Health?
Maintaining good overall health is vital for any cosmetic surgery, including a mommy makeover. Cosmetic surgery—whether part of a mommy makeover or otherwise—should never be considered an alternative to, or substitute for, taking care of your body through diet and exercise. It is not an “either/or” situation. It is a “yes, and” situation.
First of all, by living a healthy lifestyle, you allow your surgeon to assess what improvements can be achieved through lifestyle choices alone and what can be enhanced through surgical intervention to achieve the results you’re looking for.
Second, it proves to us that you’re committed to taking care of yourself. This means that you’re much likelier to be happy with your results, and more likely to maintain your figure post-surgery. Remember that your physical appearance will only hold up over time if you treat it right; getting cosmetic surgery does not change this essential fact.
Finally, the healthier you are, the less likely you are to develop complications from surgery and the faster your recovery will be. The top priority with any procedure is your health and safety.
Are You in Good Emotional Health?
Emotional well-being is equally important when contemplating a mommy makeover. Pregnancy and motherhood can be challenging, leading to postpartum depression or strained relationships. It’s crucial to have a stable emotional state and the support of loved ones as you embark on this transformative journey.
The best candidates for a mommy makeover are mothers who are emotionally stable, of sound mind, and ideally have the support of at least one important loved one. (This, unfortunately, you have little control over, but it’s still something worth considering.)
Pregnancy and motherhood can be highly stressful and taxing. Some women (perhaps as many as 1 in 6 mothers) suffer the effects of postpartum depression due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and other factors. In other cases, unfortunately, relationships with family members can become fractured or strained.
A mommy makeover will not be a magical cure-all for these types of issues. If you expect that it will be, you are going to be disappointed. It’s about regaining your self-confidence and feeling happy and comfortable in your own skin.
Are You Prepared for Recovery?
Recovery after a mommy makeover requires time and patience. It will take some time for your body to recover and feel normal again after a mommy makeover, especially when multiple surgeries in different areas are involved.
Initially, for the first few days, you’ll probably feel exhausted and be dealing with some residual pain and swelling. You’ll have to take things very slowly—a lot of sleep and rest, and no activity that would elevate your heart rate. Walk to the kitchen or bathroom, sure. But not much more than that.
Rest and limited activity will be necessary during the first few days, gradually progressing to light activity after a week. It’ll probably be a week or so before you can return to even light activity (e.g., walking around the block). It can take around six weeks before you can resume full, strenuous activities.
For a mom with a couple of young kiddos running around? That ain’t easy! Very likely, unless your children are all older, you are going to need some help from family and friends, especially in the first couple of weeks. Making sure they are available and willing to assist is strongly recommended before we schedule the surgery.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have carefully considered the factors mentioned above and feel that a mommy makeover aligns with your goals, it’s time to take the next step toward realizing your dreams. While a mommy makeover may not be for everyone, it can be an empowering and confidence-boosting procedure that can restore your pre-pregnancy shape and allow your inner beauty to shine through!
Start with scheduling a consultation with Dr. Lisa Learn, a reputable and experienced plastic surgeon specializing in mommy makeovers. In that first meeting, Dr. Learn will guide you through the process, address your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
We understand that deciding to undergo a mommy makeover is a significant decision. Our compassionate team is here to support you throughout your journey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your confidence and embracing your inner beauty. Call us at (954) 380-8411 to get started.
