Feel younger, build confidence and look sexier with mommy makeover
Starting a family is perhaps one of the most anticipated experiences of our lives, and it presents moms with a whole host of new challenges and experiences. While most of these changes are welcome, the actual pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sudden lack of personal time can affect a young mother's body in ways that cannot be corrected simply with diet or exercise. And no matter how hard moms try to undo the physical changes that occur during the childbearing years, they often cannot get back their pre-pregnancy size and shape.
More and more women are discovering that cosmetic surgery offers them a way to reclaim their bodies. “Mommy Makeover” procedures – including breast enlargement, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposculpture of the thighs, hips, and buttocks – are among the fastest-growing cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States for women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Do
- know what’s involved in a mommy makeover
- know what you need in order to prepare
- research your surgeon’s credentials
- listen to your surgeon’s preop and postop plan
- understand the risks of the procedure
Don't
- rush into surgery
- get pressured into the procedure
- have a mommy makeover if you plan on having more children
- base your surgeon selection only on cost
- do too much too soon
Do know what’s involved in a mommy makeover
A mommy makeover typically involves breast enhancement through either a breast augmentation, with either saline or silicone implants, a breast lift, or both; narrowing and flattening of the tummy through a tummy tuck, liposuction, or both; and often contouring of the hips, thighs and buttocks through liposuction.
Do know what you need in order to prepare
It’s important to be ready for the procedure both physically as well as otherwise. I recommend patients to be back down as close as possible to their goal pre-pregnancy weight and have completed breast feeding for 6 months or so. This not only makes the recovery smoother, but will enhance the final results for patients. Also, it’s very important to plan some time off from work as well as help with the children as the first few weeks after the procedure are critical for healing and it’s important for patients to focus on themselves during this time.
Do research your surgeon’s credentials
There are so many doctors performing cosmetic surgery that it can be very difficult for patients to pick a qualified, well-trained surgeon. At a minimum, I recommend that patients seek a plastic surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and performs mommy makeovers regularly. I think the surgeon’s Before and After photos are very helpful, as can be online patient reviews. Finally, there is no substitute for meeting the surgeon in person at a consultation. This will help you learn more about their style, how they will take care of you after the procedure, and if you feel comfortable not only with the surgeon, but also with his office and staff.
Do listen to your surgeon’s preop and postop plan
Too often patients do not follow preop and postop orders and recommendations in terms of medications, garments and activity modifications. I tell my patients to think of a mommy makeover as an investment, and it’s important to protect your investment, in particular during the critical healing time of the first 4-6 weeks after the procedure. Your surgeon wants you to have the best result and will usually give you detailed written instructions that will really help you get the best results possible.
Do understand the risks of the procedure
As with any surgical procedure, it’s important to review and discuss all of the risks with your surgeon. While complications are rare, it’s important to be informed as to not only what the risks are, but how they would be managed after surgery.
Do not rush into surgery
This seems simple enough, but sometimes patients elect to have surgery before they’re completely ready, sometimes seeking a procedure very quickly after giving birth. I think it’s important for patients to give their body time to recover from pregnancy and make sure they’re ready to undergo major surgery.
Do not get pressured into the procedure
You should never be pressure to have surgery by a plastic surgeon. If you do, I recommend patients to take some time and reassess, and perhaps seek another opinion. Patients do the best when they have surgery on their terms–ultimately it’s our job as plastic surgeons to give your options and our recommendations and make sure you have all the information to make a decision that works best for you.
Do not have a mommy makeover if you plan on having more children
A mommy makeover works best when patients are sure they are done having children and really want to focus on themselves and getting their bodies to look as good as they feel. While a patient can certainly have another pregnancy after a mommy makeover, this will often result it requiring more surgery in the future.
Do not base your surgeon selection only on cost
While cost is a critical component for all patients, I try to discourage patients from seeking on the lowest possible price. Often in surgery you do get what you pay for, and most reputable Board-Certified plastic surgeons in a given city or region of the country have very similar prices.
Do not do too much too soon
It’s important to give you body time to heal, especially as you get 2-3 weeks out from surgery and are ready to get back into your normal routine. Really force yourself to take it easy and allow your body time to heal. Think of the procedure as an investment, and do your best to protect it.
Summary
Mommy makeovers are extremely popular procedures with very high satisfaction rates for women. The key points are for patients to make sure they’re ready for the procedure, research their surgeon, and then give themselves enough time and support to heal properly and smoothly.
