What is a mommy makeover?
Pregnancy causes significant changes to the body that can linger long after the baby is born. A mommy makeover is a collection of cosmetic procedures, performed in one surgical session, that restore the shape and appearance of the post-pregnancy body.
Doctors offer different techniques and combinations of procedures, but the most common areas targeted are the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia and buttocks. A mommy makeover can address the following:
- Breasts that are sagging, uneven or decreased in volume
- Drooping nipples and stretched areolas
- Excess fat in the midsection, hips and thighs
- Increased breast size that’s out of proportion to the rest of your body and/or causes back pain
- Loose skin, stretch marks and lack of definition around the waistline
- Sagging or loose vaginal tissue
If you’re considering a mommy makeover, for lasting results it’s best to have one after you’re done having children.
How a mommy makeover works
A mommy makeover is usually performed under general anesthesia. Your experience will be unique based on the procedures you choose to have; see the list below for the steps involved in each.
Which areas of the body does a mommy makeover treat?
A mommy makeover can include one or more of the following procedures:
- Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck”
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift or mastopexy
- Buttock reshaping
- Liposuction or liposculpture
- Labiaplasty (vaginal rejuvenation)
How long does it take to recover from a mommy makeover?
Depending on the procedures you choose to have, recovery could take several weeks — but as with every surgery, recovery is highly individual. During your consultation, your doctor will talk with you about what to expect.
Q. How long will it be before I can lift my kids after a mommy makeover?
A. It depends on the procedures you have, but you’ll likely need help at home for at least a week and possibly longer. Pushing a stroller is fine (and you’re actually advised to take daily walks). Most people go back to work about three weeks after a mommy makeover and can slowly resume normal activities and light exercise in about six weeks.
A. The timeframe is different for everyone. Most people are advised to wait at least three months after finishing breastfeeding, and to maintain a stable weight for at least three months before having the procedures.
A. The skin on your abdomen, breasts and other areas is likely to stretch with pregnancy, which will affect the results of a previous mommy makeover, so it’s recommended that you wait until you’ve finished having children to have these procedures.