Pregnancy introduces physical changes that may not respond to lifestyle habits alone. During the childbearing years, people can experience weight gain, stretched skin, and changes in abdominal musculature that benefit from professional help. Here is more information about the procedures involved in a mommy makeover, and there is information who is a good candidate for this group of procedures:
Mommy Makeover Procedures
A mommy makeover consists of a customized group of surgeries that address physical changes after pregnancy. With this type of makeover, surgeons may perform a single or multiple separate surgical procedures to achieve the final result. This combination typically focuses on the midsection and the breasts; these areas experience the most significant transitions during gestation and nursing. This group of procedures is an option when diet and exercise fail to correct skin laxity or muscle separation:
- Liposuction
- Abdominioplasty, or tummy tuck
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
Abdominal Surgeries
There are two procedures used to change the shape of the abdomen: liposuction and abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. Liposuction removes excess fat from targeted areas of the body through a suction technique. During this procedure, a surgeon inserts a thin tube called a cannula through small incisions to break up fat cells. This method is effective for treating the hips, thighs, and abdomen. The procedure only removes fat, and it does not address significant skin laxity or weakened muscles.
A tummy tuck addresses different physical issues than liposuction. Pregnancy causes the abdominal muscles to stretch or separate; this surgery allows a doctor to tighten those tissues. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the midsection. Affects of an abdominoplasty include a flatter abdominal profile and a smoother waistline. Combining liposuction and a tummy tuck provides a more comprehensive contour than performing one alone.
Breast Restoration Procedures
To increase the size or change the shape of breasts, providers can perform breast augmentation using implants. This procedure restores volume lost after pregnancy or breastfeeding. A surgeon places silicone or saline implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscles, and the surgery improves symmetry and provides a fuller appearance. Recovery times may vary, but most individuals return to work and normal activities within a few weeks.
Breast reduction surgery removes excess glandular tissue and skin to reduce the size of the breasts. Some women choose this procedure to alleviate physical discomfort like back pain, and it can also alleviate some types of skin irritation. The surgeon also reshapes the remaining tissue to create a more proportional look. This surgery can improve physical mobility and make it easier to find well-fitting clothing.
Ideal Surgical Candidate Profile
Good candidates for these procedures are individuals who have finished having children and are at a stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can alter the results. Potential patients should be in good overall health and maintain a non-smoking lifestyle; smoking hinders the healing process. Having realistic expectations about the outcome is another requirement for a successful experience.
Certain lifestyle or genetic factors may disqualify a person from undergoing a mommy makeover. People with chronic medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease might face higher risks during anesthesia. If a person plans to become pregnant in the future, they should delay the surgery. Future pregnancies will stretch the skin and muscles again, and that would undo the surgical corrections.
Learn More About Mommy Makeovers
Pregnancy causes various physical changes, and a mommy makeover involves a combination of procedures tailored to the individual. These surgeries include breast and abdominal work. To learn more about a mommy makeover and the procedures involved, consult a plastic surgeon near you.
