Mommy Makeover

A Mommy Makeover is a cosmetic surgery procedure that helps to address the effects of pregnancy and restore contours associated with a pre-baby body shape. It includes a combination of different procedures to address multiple areas in a single plan and is custom-tailored to the patient’s preferences. Mommy Makeover surgery remains highly popular in 2023, partially due to its ability to enhance several areas at the same time.

There is no set standard as to which treatments will be performed as part of a Mommy Makeover. Each patient has their own personal goals, and each procedure is personalized to meet the needs and expectations of the individual patient. A Mommy Makeover can be completed during a single operation or over multiple sessions.

Many pregnant women want to know: “How will pregnancy change my body?” During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts can grow by a full cup size or more. Unfortunately, volume loss and sagging skin can result from the breasts eventually returning to their pre-baby state. The abdominal muscles and tissues stretch during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby. It’s common for the muscles at the center of the stomach to separate during pregnancy, which is known as diastasis recti. You may experience a bulge on the stomach in addition to loose or sagging skin as a result. Resistant fat may cling to certain areas of the body.

While many of the changes experienced during the nine months of pregnancy can resolve after birth, there’s a possibility that stretched-out skin, muscles, and other tissues may not return to their firm state. Many women hold onto at least 11 pounds of the weight they gained during their pregnancy. Although surgery and aesthetic treatments are no alternative to staying healthy and physically fit, a Mommy Makeover is one method of crafting your ideal figure, with the added benefit of boosting self-confidence and making clothes fit better.

What does a Mommy Makeover include? The two areas that experience the most significant transformations during pregnancy—and are therefore most often prioritized in a Mommy Makeover—are the breasts and abdomen. Additional components may be added as needed or desired.

Both surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments may be employed in a Mommy Makeover. Dr. Laura Gowen may perform breast augmentation to restore fullness and/or a breast lift to elevate the position of sagging breasts on the chest. In other cases, a breast reduction may be helpful for addressing the appearance and burden of uncomfortably large, disproportionate breasts.

For patients who are concerned about a belly bulge remaining after child birth, a tummy tuck is used to flatten the stomach area by repairing the abdominal muscles while removing excess fat and skin. Liposuction is used on the abdomen and other areas where stubborn pockets of fat can be found.

Other aspects of a Mommy Makeover may include a thigh lift, arm lift, or a Brazilian butt lift to address the lower body.

Some of the most common non-surgical treatments include non-invasive fat reduction, skin-tightening treatments, and injectables. Although non-surgical treatments tend to produce less dramatic effects, they are ideal for creating significant, long-lasting outcomes that complement surgical results.

Is it a good idea to have a Mommy Makeover? How long should I wait to have a Mommy Makeover?

These are some questions patients will need to ask themselves if they are considering this surgery. Also, keep in mind that a Mommy Makeover isn’t only for new or recent mothers. If you have experienced a pregnancy at any time or have never been pregnant but believe you could benefit from a combination of procedures to create a slimmer and sleeker body shape, you may be a good candidate.

The overall health of the patient, time since delivery, breastfeeding status, and plans to have children in the future are all factors that should be considered and discussed with Dr. Gowen during your consultation. You can work with her to determine the right time for a Mommy Makeover.

Patients must be fully recovered from childbirth, at or near their ideal body weight, have realistic expectations, not be heavy smokers or drinkers, have finished breastfeeding, and in most cases have no plans to become pregnant again in order to be considered ideal candidates for a Mommy Makeover. Ultimately, the best way to determine whether you are a good candidate is to have an in-person consultation with Dr. Gowen. She will review your medical history and personal goals.