The “mommy makeover” is one of the most performed cosmetic surgeries in the country. This cosmetic surgery typically combines a breast procedure such as a lift or augmentation with a tummy tuck to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy appearance. Understanding how this procedure works and what it entails is key to discovering whether it is right for you.
What Does a Mommy Makeover Do?
Contrary to popular belief, the body doesn’t just snap back to its pre-pregnancy state after the birth of a baby. It can take up to two years for a woman’s body to return to “normal,” and even then, the tissues and body proportions may become permanently distorted.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breast tissue becomes engorged from milk, which can cause permanent stretch marks on the skin. After completion of breastfeeding, the inner glandular tissue becomes resorbed, leading to loss of breast volume and what remains is often thin, stretched out, saggy breast skin. To address these postpartum changes, a “mommy makeover” breast procedure is designed to restore shape by tighten the skin with a breast lift, and/or restore breast volume with the use of an implant or fat transfer.
The abdominal area is also greatly affected during pregnancy, and many women experience permanent stretching of their abdominal wall which includes the skin and rectus abdominis muscle layer. Women may develop variable amounts of loose saggy skin in addition to a “rectus diastasis” or widening of the rectus abdominis muscles. In a “mommy makeover” the procedure of choice usually involves an abdominoplasty, which tightens and removes the excess saggy skin, in addition to suture repair of the rectus muscles back to their midline anatomic position.
Why Do Celebrities Snap Back Quickly After Pregnancy?
One of the questions that many surgeons get asked is how celebrities look so amazing shortly after giving birth. First, it is important to understand that celebrities often hire a team of personal trainers and nutritionists to guide them through pregnancy, helping them to avoid excess weight gain. After the birth of the child, they continue a strict eating regimen, and when it is safe, start strenuous exercise programs. Because the average woman doesn’t typically have this support system, it is harder for her to achieve the same results.
In the “mommy makeover” procedure, your surgeon will help you to safely regain your pre-baby body when it is safe for you to do so. Just as it took you nearly a year to give birth, it will take time for your body to recover and be ready for surgery.
Who is a Good Candidate for Mommy Makeover?
The best candidates for the “mommy makeover” procedure are women who have completed their families, are at their ideal weight. If you get pregnant following a mommy makeover, you could lose the effects of the surgery. Women who are within 10-15 pounds of their goal weight are ideal candidates for a “mommy makeover.” If you lose more than 15 pounds following the surgery, you may experience sagging skin which can affect your surgical result.
Women who have realistic expectations for their post-surgery body are also good candidates. Because there are variations in how the body reacts to certain procedures, it is helpful to understand that the surgery won’t instantly transform a post-pregnancy body into a “perfect” one.
Relatively healthy women who don’t smoke or are willing to quit, who are realistic about their results and who are not planning to get pregnant again will find that they enjoy the best results.
A “mommy makeover” is a common and safe procedure that will transform both your body and your confidence. Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir are two of the most highly rated surgeons in Tucson, Arizona, and have decades of experience working with women of all body types. The team at Tucson Plastic Surgery is ready to help you to achieve your ideal body. Call us for a consultation today!