What is a Mommy Makeover?
Let’s face it, if you have birthed children, you know that it was tough on your body, particularly to your breasts and tummy. You aren’t alone. I see hundreds of Michigan women in consultation for a mommy makeover every year. They come to me after they’ve completed their families and are ready for some “me” care! Although I can’t make you look 16 again, a Mommy Makeover can do wonders to restore your body and your self-image.
What Procedures are used for a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is actually a combination of three procedures that address the areas most changed by pregnancy:
- A breast enhancement, most often a breast lift with or without breast implants.
- A tummy tuck, to firm the midsection and eliminate most—if not all—stretch marks.
- Liposuction to remove fat deposits in the abdominal area.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
If you’re a healthy adult woman with realistic goals for your appearance, you’re probably a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover. If you plan to have more children, I recommend that you delay your Mommy Makeover procedure until you’ve completed your family, because your body will be affected by pregnancy, and the benefits of your Mommy Makeover may be undone by pregnancy and nursing.
Keep in mind that a Mommy Makeover isn’t just for women who have borne children. It’s an excellent option for women who are concerned about sagging in the breasts and tummy as they age, and for some patients with weight loss, although massive weight loss patients generally need a bit more correction than provided by a Mommy Makeover alone. Remember, when you see me in consultation at one of my two Kalamazoo area plastic surgery locations, I’ll discuss all your options with you. At Southwest Michigan Plastic Surgery, my staff and I are 100% committed to your awareness of all your options, so you can make an informed decision regarding your Mommy Makeover—or any other—procedure.
Southwest Michigan Plastic & Hand Surgery
Is a Breast Lift Always Part of a Mommy Makeover?
Yes, it almost always is. Breast sagging after childbearing is a nearly universal phenomenon so, if that’s your concern, you’re in good company. A breast lift is an outpatient cosmetic surgery procedure to lift the breasts. If your breasts have also lost volume, adding breast implants to your breast lift is an option for you. These issues will be discussed in detail at your complimentary consultation with me at one of my two plastic surgery locations in Battle Creek and Portage.
Is a Tummy Tuck Always Part of a Mommy Makeover?
Yes, a tummy tuck is an integral part of a Mommy Makeover, to give you a nice, flat tummy to go with your rejuvenated bustline! Of course, if you don’t wish to have a tummy tuck, you can always choose just to have a breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction.
Where Is My Mommy Makeover Performed?
All of my cosmetic surgery procedures, including the Mommy Makeover, are performed in one of two local accredited ambulatory surgical facilities near my Southwest Michigan plastic surgery office. I always work with board certified anesthesiologists. Many of the operating room staff at these centers have been working closely with me for the past 15 years. These same-day surgery centers offer you the safety of a hospital operating room without the exposure to hospital-based bacteria, plus the benefit of a friendly, caring, and personalized experience.
How Is A Mommy Makeover Performed?
For details on each of the three parts of a Mommy Makeover, please visit these links:
Recovery From a Mommy Makeover
You’ll be sore both in the front and back of your abdomen after your tummy tuck procedure, and you’ll discover that keeping your knees bent when sitting in a recliner or in bed is the most comfortable. Walking bent over is the only way you’ll be able to get around at first. You’ll be tempted to stay in bed, but walking is the best thing you can do to reduce swelling, speed healing and clear your head. At first, you’ll walk only to and from the bathroom but on day 2 you need to walk around the house, expanding that over the first week to walking outside, weather permitting. You’ll become best friends with your compression garment, taking it off only to let the skin “breathe” and shower. Your drains won’t hurt but they will feel cumbersome and in the way when you shower, but they’re worth the irritation, as they funnel out all that extra fluid that would otherwise hamper your lovely, flat result.
You will have some discomfort in your breasts as well, though less than in your abdomen and back. If you’ve chosen implants to give you more volume, your breast skin will feel tight and swollen. Your incisions may itch. Some of my breast reduction patients require drains to remove extra fluid to give them a more beautiful result. As those in the abdomen from a Tummy Tuck, they aren’t painful, though they are a bit bulky. Ice packs are helpful with breast procedures.
Pain will be an issue for the first few days. I will give you prescriptions for pain medication at your pre-op appointment. Please fill them. If you take them, you’ll feel better but you’re likely to be constipated, which can be uncomfortable. Drink as much liquid as you can manage, stay away from fried foods and anything that constipates you. It is generally advisable to take a fiber based stool softener like Metamucil or Benefiber to help with constipation during the recovery period.
You will see me in my Southwest Michigan plastic surgery office within 1-2 days after your Mommy Makeover and weekly thereafter. During the first 6-8 weeks after your Mommy Makeover, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and any heavy lifting. That includes children, grocery bags and the like!
A Mommy Makeover can leave you feeling refreshed, youthful and delighted with your appearance. You give of yourself to your family all the time. Maybe it’s time to give this to yourself!
