Finding the right time for a mommy makeover

A mommy makeover is a procedure for women who are dissatisfied with the physical changes brought about by pregnancy and childbirth. While most women welcome the joys and responsibilities of motherhood, many are less inclined to accept the presence of excess skin, pockets of fat, loose abdominal muscles and the deflated appearance of the breasts.

This is where the combination of procedures that make up a mommy makeover can shine.

Are you a candidate for a mommy makeover?

Do you have elongated breasts?

Breasts are often left elongated and deflated from the size fluctuations and trauma caused by pregnancy and childbirth. The round, compact and perky breasts you once had may stretch and sag while the nipple-areola complex enlarges and shifts downward.

Breast lift surgery with or without augmentation is performed to restore youthful and perky breasts.

Have your abdominal muscles separated?

Often, pregnancy results in a condition known as diastasis recti, or the separation of the abdominal muscles. Tummy tuck surgery repairs this separation while trimming away lax abdominal skin.

Do you have unwanted pockets of fat?

Pregnancy causes drastic changes to your body, allowing fat pockets to develop in places that you may never have had fat before. Unfortunately, even if you can find time to incorporate a healthy diet and exercise into your lifestyle, some areas of fat are often resistant.

The only sure way to rid yourself of these unwanted pockets of fat is liposuction.

Are you ready for a mommy makeover?

When did you have your child?

Your body takes time to heal after having a child. Although it may sound appealing to jump onto the surgical table immediately following the birth, it is important to have patience. A healthy and fit individual will heal better than a person whose body is already working overtime to recuperate from childbirth.

Also, the quality of your results will increase the closer you are to your desired weight. If you gained weight during pregnancy, you might want to try and lose some of it naturally before resorting to surgery.

Typically, surgeons suggest waiting six months to one year before undergoing a mommy makeover.

Can you reasonably handle your recovery period?

Any new mother can understand the difficulties of taking care of a young child. Suddenly, your schedule is not your own and you are at the beck and call of your little one.

This can prove difficult for someone who is recovering from surgery. A mommy makeover requires you to rest for several weeks—weeks that you will not be able to carry, play wit, or take care of your child alone. You must have someone present at all times that will be able to help with these activities.

Are you done having children?

This question is essential when determining your Mommy Makeover candidacy. Additional pregnancies will impact—possibly reverse—your surgical results. It is strongly suggested that you postpone any surgical procedure until you are sure that there will be no more pregnancies in your future.

Starting your mommy makeover journey

If you think that a mommy makeover might be right for you and your aesthetic goals, be sure to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. You can use the ASPS Plastic Surgery Connect referral service to find ASPS member surgeons in your area.