Mommy Makeover

A Mommy Makeover helps women get back their pre-pregnancy bodies after childbirth. This procedure combines surgeries like breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction. Pregnancy often leads to weight gain, stretched belly muscles, and sagging breasts. Even after losing the baby weight, these changes can remain. A Mommy Makeover addresses these issues by tightening the tummy, enhancing the breasts, and removing extra fat. This can help women feel more youthful and boost their confidence.

A mommy makeover is a set of surgeries to help moms feel great about their bodies again. It usually includes:

Breast Enhancement: This could be a breast augmentation to add volume, a breast lift, or a reduction to make breasts smaller and firmer. Areola or nipple surgery can also be done.

Tummy Tuck: This removes extra skin and fat from the belly and tightens the muscles. It can also lift the belly button. This step can make your waist look even better than before pregnancy.

Liposuction: This removes fat from areas like the belly and thighs.

Optional Procedures: These may include a Brazilian butt lift, vaginal rejuvenation, or facial treatments like Botox.

Mommy Makeover is generally sought by women who have completed their childbearing and are unhappy with the physical changes in their bodies.

Women who have experienced significant weight fluctuations and have loose, sagging skin around their abdomen might also get Mommy Makeover.

Common concerns that women seek to address with a Mommy Makeover include:
 

1. Sagging or deflated breasts
2. Loss of breast volume
3. Excess skin and fatty tissue in the abdomen area
4. Separated or weakened abdominal muscles
5. Excess fatty tissue in various parts of the body, including the hips, thighs, and buttocks

Ideal candidates for a Mommy Makeover should have realistic expectations and be committed to a healthy lifestyle post-surgery. Good candidates typically:

- Have finished having children
- Maintain a stable, healthy weight
- Are in good health without conditions that increase surgery risks
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit before and after surgery
- Understand the procedure, recovery, risks, and costs after consulting a qualified plastic surgeon

These criteria help ensure successful, long-lasting results from the makeover.

A Mommy Makeover is done under general anesthesia, with surgery duration depending on the procedures involved. It can be performed in one session or staged over multiple surgeries to reduce risks.

Common procedures include:

Breast augmentation or lift: Enhances breast size and shape, addressing sagging or deflation post-pregnancy. Augmentation uses implants, while a lift removes excess skin and reshapes tissue.

Tummy tuck: Removes excess abdominal skin and fat, tightening muscles stretched during pregnancy, creating a flatter, more toned midsection.

Liposuction: Eliminates stubborn fat from areas like the hips, thighs, and buttocks, and is resistant to diet and exercise.

Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s goals and health.

Preparing for a Mommy Makeover involves several steps. Here are some general guidelines for preparing for a Mommy Makeover:
 

• It is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in Mommy Makeover procedures. Ask for before-and-after photos of the previous surgeries before you decide.
• Be sure to share your health history, medications, and any supplements you take with your surgeon.
• Quit smoking at least 4-6 weeks before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
• Stop taking certain medications that may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
• Arrange for someone who can care for you for the first few days after surgery.
• Prepare your home before the surgery by stocking up on healthy food, comfortable clothing, and other supplies you may need during your recovery.
• Follow pre-surgery instructions such as when to stop eating or drinking before the procedure.

Before a Mommy Makeover, your surgeon will require medical tests like blood tests, X-rays, or an ECG to check your heart.

You’ll need to follow specific instructions: stop taking certain meds or supplements that increase bleeding risk, quit smoking, and eat healthily.

Prepare for after surgery: arrange a ride home, have someone help you during recovery, and take time off work or arrange childcare if needed.

The procedures in a Mommy Makeover depend on the woman's goals and health. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon will make incisions for each procedure:

• Breast Augmentation: An implant is inserted to enhance breast size and shape.
• Breast Lift: Excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped and lifted.
• Tummy Tuck: Excess skin and fat are removed, and abdominal muscles are tightened for a flatter midsection.
• Liposuction: Excess fat is suctioned out using a thin tube.

Afterward, incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape, and recovery begins in a recovery room.

After a Mommy Makeover, patients are monitored in a recovery room. Recovery time varies based on health and procedures. Initially, expect discomfort, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Pain medication and care instructions will be provided.

Key recovery steps include:

• Rest: Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Take time off work and get help for the first week.
• Follow-ups: Attend scheduled appointments.
• Compression Garments: Wear these to support healing and reduce swelling.
• Pain Management: Take prescribed pain relievers.
• Incision Care: Keep sites clean and apply ointments to minimize scarring.

Complete recovery can take weeks to months, so follow the surgeon's instructions closely.

In the UK, a mummy makeover surgery generally ranges from £6,000 to £15,000. In the US, the average price for a Mommy Makeover varies between $15,000 and $30,000. In Turkey, the price for a mommy makeover starts at £5500

The individual's needs will determine how much a Mommy Makeover surgery will cost. Therefore the cost varies widely. Besides the average costs of the procedures, the surgeon's experience and qualifications, the geographic location, and other factors affect the total budget of a Mommy Makeover surgery.

Insurance typically does not cover the cost of a Mommy Makeover procedure, as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure.

The recovery period after a Mommy Makeover surgery varies based on the procedures done and the individual's health. Typically, recovery can take from a few weeks to several months.

The first 2-4 weeks are crucial. During this time, patients often experience discomfort, swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated areas. It's important to rest a lot and avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting.

After the initial recovery, continue to follow specific guidelines:

- Keep resting and avoid heavy lifting
- Wear compression garments or special bras to support the surgical sites and reduce swelling
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan to stay in good shape and improve overall health.

Here are some of the pros and cons of Mommy Makeover:

Pros:

• Mommy Makeover surgery helps to restore the body by addressing multiple areas of concern, such as the breasts, abdomen, and thighs,
• Mommy Makeover surgery helps  to improve confidence and self-esteem,
• Mommy Makeover procedures can be tailored to each patient's individual needs and goals.

Cons:

• As with any surgical procedure, Mommy Makeover carries risks of complications such as infection, bleeding, and anesthesia-related issues,
• The recovery period for Mommy Makeover can take from  several weeks to several months,
• Mommy Makeover procedures can be expensive,
• Unrealistic expectations
• Future pregnancies

During a Mommy Makeover surgery thanks to the general anesthesia the individuals will not experience pain. After the procedure the level of pain and discomfort changes according to the individual's pain threshold.

It is common to experience some degree of soreness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the areas of the body where the procedures were performed. Your surgeon will recommend some pain medication to help manage discomfort during the initial recovery period.

The ideal season for a Mommy Makeover would depend on the individual's circumstances and the procedures involved.

Generally, it is recommended to undergo Mommy Makeover procedures during cooler months, as tight clothing and sweating can irritate the incision area during warmer weather.

In general, a Mommy Makeover can take anywhere from 3 to 7 hours or more to complete, depending on the specific combination of procedures.

Some procedures, such as breast augmentation or liposuction, can take as little as one to two hours, while more extensive procedures like abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) can take longer.

Recovery time after a Mommy Makeover also varies depending on the procedures performed and the individual's health and healing process.

Recovery can take several weeks to several months, and it is essential to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.

After a Mommy Makeover surgery, swelling is a normal part of the healing process. There are three stages;

• In the first 48 to 72 hours, the swelling will be at its peak, and it is common to feel tight, firm, and uncomfortable in the areas affected.
• Between 72 hours and two weeks, the swelling will gradually begin to decrease.
• Starting from two weeks to several months. The swelling will continue to decrease, but it may still be present in small amounts.

Like any surgical procedure, a Mommy Makeover carries some risks and potential complications. Some of the most common complications and side effects of Mommy Makeover surgery include:

1. Infection is a risk with any surgery. Signs of infection may include fever, redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision site.
2. Hematomas or seromas are collections of blood or fluid that can occur after surgery. They can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort and may require drainage.
3. Excessive bleeding can occur during or after surgery, leading to complications.
4. Poor wound healing can lead to scarring, delayed recovery, and other complications.
5. Some women may experience temporary or permanent numbness or changes in sensation in the treated areas.
6. Unsatisfactory results
7. Allergic reactions

A mommy makeover is an elective surgery, which means that it is not covered by insurance.

It is best to wait until you decide that you won't have more children before getting a mommy makeover.

Even so, if you plan to have a baby after your procedure, the mommy makeover doesn’t affect pregnancy but pregnancy may affect the results of your procedure.

So, after giving birth, you may consider additional surgeries to reshape your body.