5 Things to Know Before That Mommy Makeover Procedure

It’s among the greatest joys you’ll ever experience in life. Becoming a mom changes your world instantly — and, if we’re being honest, it also transforms your body in myriad ways. While you may relish every moment of those late-night diaper changes and intimate bonding moments with your little one, you might not be quite so excited about issues like sagging breasts, a softer belly, or the extra fat that just doesn’t seem to budge despite your most ardent efforts.

Enter the mommy makeover. The surgical procedure is a surefire way to achieve the look that you want, whether you’re aiming to restore your figure to what it was pre-childbirth or you’re interested in an even more svelte, sleeker appearance from top to bottom. Through the magic of plastic surgery, you can rock that defined stomach, enjoy more lifted breasts, and feel a surge of confidence every time you look in the mirror. Before you book your appointment, here’s everything you need to know.

Wait Until You’re Done Having Kids

Understandable though it may be that you might want to book an appointment with your plastic surgeon as soon as you’re well enough after the birth of your first child, it’s not wise to jump into mommy makeover territory if you have even a thought about potentially conceiving again in the future. This is critical for a couple of reasons. If you undergo any type of procedure now, it’s entirely possible that the results will be undone when you have another baby.

It also puts you through unnecessary surgical procedures multiple times. Why worry about undergoing several tummy tucks when your surgeon can perform one meticulous procedure and ensure you the midsection of your dreams? That’s a lot easier to accomplish when you know there’s no chance that you might have another little one. Wait until your family is complete before you go under the knife.

Not Everyone Is the Right Candidate

Just because you’ve had a baby doesn’t necessarily make you a prime candidate for a mommy makeover. Think long and hard about your goals and reasons for undergoing the procedure. Do you feel pressured because of images that crowd your social media feeds? Or do you genuinely want to do this for yourself? There’s a big difference between the two, and it’s important to understand your motivations and be honest with yourself about why you may or may not be the best candidate for a surgical makeover.

In general terms, those who meet the following criteria are excellent candidates for a mommy makeover:

You’re at a maintainable weight
Your overall health is satisfactory
You have a realistic outlook
You have no plans to give birth again

Multiple Procedures May Be Necessary

There’s no one-size-fits-all mommy makeover. The ultimate “makeover” is one that actually meets your body’s specific needs. It’s tailored to your goals, ensuring that you’re completely satisfied with the end result. After all, not every mom might need a breast lift, and not everyone may want to get a tummy tuck. Here are some of the most common procedures involved in mommy makeovers:

Breast Augmentation: A breast augmentation is designed to modify the appearance of your breasts with implants or via fat transfer. You and your surgeon will determine the most appropriate location to make an incision, which will affect the outcome of the procedure. When you want to simply lift your bust line without actually adding a size to your breasts, you might consider a lift. This is an ideal solution if you’re dealing with sagging breasts and a loss of elasticity.
Buttock Augmentation: If you’re concerned about the shape or silhouette of your buttocks, consider an augmentation. Your surgeon may elect to add implants to create a fuller shape, or might choose to add fat grafts depending on your desired silhouette. This is more commonly known as a Brazilian Butt Lift, and it’s an exceptional way to achieve that perky bottom you’ve always wanted. The end goal of augmentation is to lend your figure a more balanced appearance while adding fullness to your derriere.
Liposuction: If it’s tough to lose those last few inches and the excess fat just doesn’t seem to move, liposuction may be the best choice. This procedure involves removing fat from the body to produce a more contoured silhouette. It can be performed nearly anywhere, including the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, chest, back, and upper arms. It’s often a key part of a traditional mommy makeover procedure.
Tummy Tuck: A tummy tuck is essential if your primary area of concern is your abdomen. It’s designed to eliminate excess skin and fat, leaving you with a smoother, firmer, more defined, and contoured silhouette. It differs from liposuction because it focuses on more than just fat removal. During the tummy tuck procedure, your surgeon will focus on tightening the muscles to achieve a proportionate appearance.

Be Prepared for Ample Recovery Time

Give yourself a break as you recover. Since you’re a mom, this may involve entrusting your significant other or hiring a childcare provider to care for your little one fully while you rest and heal. At a bare minimum, you can expect to follow very specific wound care instructions to ensure that your incision heals properly. You may need to apply topical treatments to facilitate the process and periodically take medication or painkillers to ensure that this stage goes as smoothly as possible.

If you have drains, you may need a nurse to visit every now and then to ensure that they’re clean and flushed. Dressings may require frequent changes, and you’ll need to find out when it’s suitable to shower again. For some procedures, it may be several days before you can get fully wet again. Be sure to find out about your follow-up appointment so you can be sure you’re on the road to complete recovery.

Results Might Not Be Immediately Obvious

Don’t be alarmed or upset if you don’t look in the mirror and think “dream body!” right away. This is a natural part of the healing process. Slow and steady progress is what you want to see. Expect your breast implants to settle with time, and for any visible scars to fade away over the coming months. Don’t be surprised, however, if they don’t fade away completely. That’s usually a small price to pay for the end result.

Always be mindful of how you feel during your recovery process. Follow all of the instructions provided to you by your plastic surgeon, as this is vital to feeling better and achieving quick healing. Within a few months, you’ll see the real results of your mommy makeover — and you’re sure to be delighted.

5 Things to Know Before That Mommy Makeover Procedure