The joy of holding your child for the first time and becoming a mother is a chapter of life that many women look forward to. But the physical toll of childbirth, such as sagging breasts, a drooping belly, stubborn fat pockets, and tired skin, leaves many of them feeling insecure and unconfident about their appearance post-childbirth.
In a few women, these changes can be mitigated through lifestyle changes, yet for most, these changes are often irreversible.
A “Mommy Makeover” is a popular post-pregnancy surgical procedure that reshapes and contours the areas of your body impacted by the toils of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, giving you a refreshed, youthful appearance once more.
In this post, we’re going to take a deep dive into Mommy Makeovers so you can decide if it’s a good fit for you or not.
So let’s get to it.
Photo Credit: vchal from Getty Images via Canva.com
*Guest post. Post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure can be viewed here.
You won’t likely achieve a dramatic transformation with natural methods alone, but before taking the surgical route, it’s important to consider them.
Diet and exercise play a major role in post-pregnancy recovery and are unavoidable even if you opt for plastic surgery. A healthy, nutrient and vitamin-rich diet will help you manage your weight and accelerate healing, whereas regular cardio and strength training will help you tone your muscles, which can help lift sagging skin and breasts to some extent.
The hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy can wreak havoc on the skin as well, as it increases oil production, leading to acne breakouts and dark spots.
Consider investing in good skincare products with botanical ingredients such as aloe vera. Being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the gel can help you soothe irritated skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and achieve a rejuvenated glow. The benefits of aloe vera extend to scar healing as well, making it a fantastic ingredient for those who have undergone C-section.
However, do keep in mind that individual results vary depending on many factors, including genetics and the extent of postpartum changes, so set the right expectations for yourself.
If these methods don’t work, there’s nothing wrong with seeking surgical intervention to feel like your confident self again.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
Postpartum changes differ in every woman, and this is why addressing them requires a customized series of procedures. Some of the most typical procedures included in a mommy makeover are the following:
Tummy Tuck – Rapid weight gain during pregnancy can irreversibly stretch out your abdomen, requiring a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, to correct it. In this procedure, the excess skin and underlying fat are surgically removed, giving you back your desired waistline.
Liposuction – The stubborn fat gained during pregnancy is extremely challenging to lose through exercise and diet alone. In liposuction, this type of fat is removed through suction from target areas. This procedure gives you a contoured appearance with minimal invasion.
Breast Lift – Also known as mastopexy, this procedure lifts, repositions, and tightens sagging breasts, giving them a firm, youthful appearance. Some women may benefit from combining this procedure with breast augmentation or breast reduction.
Breast Augmentation – Breasts expand during pregnancy and nursing, causing the skin to stretch out, which can make them look deflated later on. During breast augmentation, silicone or saline implants are inserted into the breasts to improve their fullness. Many women also opt for fat transfer augmentation, where fat cells from liposuction are inserted into the breasts for a natural appearance.
Vaginal Rejuvenation – This is a set of procedures that reshapes the outer and inner lips of the vagina, pubic mound, and clitoris through a combination of labiaplasty, vulvoplasty, clitoral hood reduction, and monsplasty.
Facial Rejuvenation – Facial rejuvenation is a series of surgical and non-surgical treatments such as a facelift, botox, and fillers that can help restore the glow after pregnancy. This cosmetic procedure is highly customized to address individual needs.
Some women also like to include other cosmetic procedures as part of their total transformation. Aside from the procedures above,the best dentist in Charlotte NC also shares that there are also dental cosmetic treatments that one can take in order to enhance their smile. And some women choose to take advantage of this opportunity if they found that they had issues with the appearance of their teeth during pregnancy.
But for the purposes of this post, we will focus on the standard mommy makeover procedures typically done by a plastic surgeon.
When’s the Right Time to Get a Mommy Makeover?
You should wait at least six months after breastfeeding before you go in for a mommy makeover. This will give your body enough time to settle down from all the changes.
If you’re planning to have another child, it’s better to wait till then because otherwise, you’ll have to get the procedures done all over again.
How to Prepare for a Mommy Makeover?
A balanced diet and regular exercise are critical to achieving your desired results faster. But besides these, there are some other things you must work on.
If you smoke, you should be prepared to quit because it causes wounds to heal slowly and can seriously increase your chances of infection. Alcohol consumption should be severely limited, as well.
If you’re on any medications or supplements, let your surgeon know in advance because certain medications, such as aspirin, can cause excessive bleeding and put your life at risk.
Having a reliable support system is also essential while you’re recovering. You won’t be able to work, perform house chores, or take care of your child for at least two weeks after the surgery, so ensure there’s someone to help you out.
It is also helpful to join mommy makeover and/or plastic surgery support groups online (Facebook is a great place to check), to get some helpful tips from those who have already been through the process.
These support groups will help you to know which products and supplies to purchase ahead of your surgery, give you a better idea of what recovery may look like, advise on potential complications and how to handle them, etc.
How Long Does It Take to Heal After a Mommy Makeover?
Recovery can look different for each person. However, there are some general guides as to what to expect.
Post-surgery, you’ll need a day or two to recover from the anesthesia. You’ll have to avoid all rigorous activities for at least two weeks and give your body enough time and rest to heal. You’ll have to go for follow-up check-ups so you’ll need someone to drive you to and fro as well. Your surgeon will do their best to make you comfortable with pain management, but you may still experience mild to moderate pain during the first week.
During the healing period, you’ll have to sleep on your back to avoid reopening the stitches. The recovery period is highly subjective from person to person, but expect six weeks or more. Some people also notice residual swelling for up to 6 months.
How to Choose a Reliable Cosmetic Surgeon?
While undergoing any kind of surgery, it’s important to choose your surgeon after adequate research in order to achieve your desired results. A mommy makeover involves many different surgeries, so your surgeon should be experienced enough to execute them all in conjunction.
Find a credible board-certified surgeon with great online reviews and ask to see their before/after results. Reach out to their former patients as well, if possible. When you meet the surgeon, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Only go ahead with them if you feel satisfied that they’ll listen to you and will do their utmost to make the procedure as smooth as possible for you.
This is also where mommy makeover support groups can be helpful, as you can often find great recommendations for a surgeon through the group.
Wrapping Up
Whether you accept your postpartum body and take the route of diet and exercise to enhance your new figure or go for extensive mommy makeover surgeries to regain your confidence and feel like yourself again, the decision is a deeply personal one. Just remember to prioritize your well-being and happiness so you can embrace this journey of motherhood feeling your best.
