A mommy makeover is a combination of surgical procedures that can restore your body after pregnancy and childbirth. These procedures typically target areas of the body most affected by the physical changes of motherhood like the stomach and breasts. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of undergoing a mommy makeover, what to expect during your mommy makeover recovery, and how The Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery has been helping women regain their confidence with this procedure.
What Does a Mommy Makeover Include?
A mommy makeover usually includes several procedures that are done in one session, though they can sometimes require multiple stages. Here, we cover a few of the most common procedures included in a mommy makeover.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Diastasis recti is a common condition in pregnant and postpartum people that occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles, or six-pack ab muscles, separate due to being stretched. This can make a person’s belly bulge long after giving birth.
A tummy tuck is a procedure we use to repair these separated abdominal muscles. It can also be used to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure to remove stubborn fat deposits from areas like the hips, thighs, abdomen, or arms.
Breast Surgery
There are three main types of breast surgery included in a mommy makeover. Breast augmentation can be done to improve breast size using implants or fat transfer. A breast lift, or mastopexy, can be performed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. Finally, a breast reduction can reduce the size of overly large breasts. Breast reduction can be combined with a breast lift for even better results.
Mommy Makeover Benefits
A mommy makeover comes with many benefits, both physical and emotional, for women who want to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies and improve their confidence. Here, we cover a few of the biggest benefits our patients see after receiving a mommy makeover.
Reverses the Effects of Pregnancy
Pregnancy can leave lasting changes like stretched skin, sagging breasts, and stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. A mommy makeover is a way for women to reverse these changes and restore their body’s appearance. The Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, we achieve this through procedures like the tummy tuck, breast surgery, and liposuction.
Addresses Multiple Concerns Simultaneously
By combining procedures, a mommy makeover targets several problem areas in a single surgery, minimizing the need for multiple recovery periods. This helps patients save time compared to scheduling each procedure separately.
Boosts Confidence
One of the biggest reasons women seek a mommy makeover is to improve confidence. Studies show that a majority of women feel dissatisfied with their bodies post-pregnancy. A mommy makeover can help you feel more comfortable in your skin after the physical changes caused by pregnancy and childbirth. Many women report feeling more self-assured and happier after regaining their pre-pregnancy body, which can positively impact their mental well-being and quality of life.
Improves Physical Comfort
Pregnancy and childbirth can leave lasting physical discomfort for many women. For example, diastasis recti and enlarged breasts can cause back pain, posture problems, and general aches. One of the biggest mommy makeover benefits is that it can improve your overall physical comfort by reversing these problems.
Improves How Clothes Fit
Many women find that after childbirth, they no longer fit into their old clothes, even after they’ve returned to their pre-pregnancy weight. A mommy makeover can restore your body proportions, making it easier to find clothes that fit well and feel comfortable.
Customizable to Individual Needs
A mommy makeover isn’t one size fits all. The procedures can be tailored to address your unique concerns, from the abdomen and breasts to other areas like the thighs or arms.
Long-Lasting Results
When combined with a healthy lifestyle, the results of a mommy makeover are permanent, meaning women can find and keep their confidence for years to come.
Mommy Makeover Recovery
Recovering from a mommy makeover is usually straightforward, though your specific recovery will depend on the combination of procedures performed and whether you adhere to your post-operative care instructions.
Here, we cover a general guide to what you can expect during the healing process after receiving a mommy makeover.
Initial Recovery Period (First 1–2 Weeks)
During this period, you’ll need plenty of rest but should still move around gently to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. Most patients can perform light activities, such as walking around the house, by the end of the first week. Activities like bending, lifting, or straining should be avoided.
Pain, swelling, and bruising are normal during this period and can be managed with prescribed pain medication. You may also have surgical dressings or drains that are placed to remove excess fluid. These are usually removed within a week.
Mid-Recovery (Weeks 3–6)
Between weeks three and six, you’ll see a large decrease in pain and swelling. You will likely be okay to return to household tasks, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should still be avoided. You’ll also have follow up appointments during this time to make sure you are healing as you should.
Long-Term Recovery (2–6 Months)
Over the next two to six months, you’ll start to see your incision areas gradually fade, though scars can take up to a year to fully mature. You’ll also be given advice on scar care to help them fade faster. As swelling continues to go down, your mommy makeover results will become more apparent. Most patients can return to their normal routine, including exercise, after six to eight weeks with their surgeon’s approval.
Learn More About Mommy Makeover Results with The Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery
At the Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, we achieve excellent mommy makeover results through our customized treatment plans and caring professionals. Our board certified physicians have the experience necessary to help you reach your cosmetic goals.
Ready to get started? Please contact us to schedule a consultation if you’re interested in receiving a mommy makeover in Naperville, IL.