There is no doubt that pregnancy and childbirth is a wonderful, natural event. However, the effects that it has on the female body are immense. The expectant mother will find that her breasts grow, preparing to fill with milk and of course her stomach will expand to accommodate the new life growing inside her. After her little one has been born, both will then shrink again, but the new mommy is often left with excess fat and sagging skin that can make her feel self-conscious. Often, diet and exercise can facilitate some improvements, but often the changes that occur as a result of the miracle of carrying a new life are extremely difficult to reverse. For this reason, many moms are opting for something called a ‘mommy makeover’.

What is a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is a name given to cosmetic surgery that is carried out on females who have previously had children, with the purpose of reversing some of the changes that have happened to her body as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. There are numerous areas of the body that can be addressed, but some are more common than others.

One of the main differences between a mommy makeover and conventional cosmetic procedures is that a mommy makeover is typically performed as a single stage procedure. This means that you will only need to be put under a general anesthetic once, and you will only have one, albeit more complicated, recovery period. This can be far easier for busy parents who have the responsibility of juggling childcare during their recovery.

So, what cosmetic procedures produce the best mommy makeover results?

Abdominoplasty

Also known as a tummy tuck, unsurprisingly, abdominoplasty is the most popular procedure included in a mommy makeover. This is because it is the abdominal area that undergoes the biggest change during pregnancy. While every bump is different, some women find that their stomach stretches far beyond what they expect. The trouble is, this causes the skin to stretch too, often beyond what it is really capable of. This means that after the baby is born and the stomach does back down, new moms can be left with over-stretched, sagging skin that never quite goes back to how it was.

Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that involves making an incision across the very lowest part of the abdomen, just above the bikini line, so that the skin can be pulled tight and any excess skin and fat can be removed. In some instances, it may be necessary to access the underlying muscles so that they can be repaired too.

Breast Lift/Augmentation

The breasts are another area that undergoes a transformation during and after pregnancy. Again, the skin can stretch beyond its usual capabilities and this may not spring back into place after your breasts have reached a stable size. Lost volume is another problem, with many women finding that they do not have enough fat in their breasts to fill the loose skin. This can cause the breasts to sit lower than they did before too.

Breast augmentation surgery involves the placement of implants into the breasts to boost volume and enhance their appearance. Silicone and saline implants are available, and your surgeon will help you to find the appropriate type and size to restore the curves of your chest while still remaining natural.

In many instances, breast augmentation surgery is combined with a breast lift. This is where the skin above the breast is tightened and pulled up so that the breasts sit higher on the chest wall, making them appear fuller and more youthful than before.

Liposuction

If you have stubborn pockets of fat on your body that just won’t disappear regardless of how much time you spend dieting and exercising, you may wish to consider liposuction. Many new moms add liposuction into their mommy makeover procedure as it gives them the opportunity to remove any lumps and bumps that make them self-conscious. After the treatment, moms can enjoy a smoother, slimmer and more streamlined appearance.

Liposuction involves an injection of saline solution into the target area to break up the fat cells, which are then sucked out using a thin metal tube, attached to a vacuum, that is inserted into the body. Despite being invasive, liposuction is very straightforward. It can be performed on virtually any area with the hips, buttocks, thighs, abdomen, flanks and upper arms being the most commonly requested parts of the body to target.

Abdominoplasty, breast augmentation/lift and liposuction are just three of the cosmetic procedures that can help you to regain your pre-mommy body. If you would like to find out more about any of these treatments, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to see if you are a suitable candidate for a mommy makeover, please contact our offices.