A mommy makeover is a set of rejuvenation procedures to help women regain their pre-pregnancy body shapes. During pregnancy, the abdomen will expand to accommodate the baby growing inside. The expansion can permanently tear the tissues that join the lateral sections of the abdominal muscles.

The tear in the abdominal muscles causes the stomach to stick out during pregnancy. After giving birth, a mom is left with loose skin around her abdomen. Loose skin around the area may be embarrassing for her, hence the need for a mommy makeover.

Consultation

A mommy makeover on its own is a descriptive term and not a single procedure. For this reason, your first step should be seeking consultation. Schedule a consultation with a surgeon before deciding. During the consultation, you can inquire about your goals and expectations concerning the procedure.

When to Have a Mommy Makeover

Most health experts recommend that you only schedule the procedure after having all your kids. It is also best when you are not planning to have more children later. Having more kids after undergoing a mommy makeover may negate the results of the procedures. For this reason, it is advisable to hold off on a mommy makeover until you are sure.

It is best to hold off on a mommy makeover until you are at the weight that you are comfortable. Light exercises and dieting can help you recover faster from the surgeries. However, you may not want to lose too much weight before the procedure.

As a suggestion, reach a weight that you are sure to maintain. In addition to this, schedule a mommy makeover when you have help with the other children. You can schedule it when your spouse has time off work or when a close relative is around to assist.

Mommy Makeover Procedures

The mommy makeover procedures are not standard for all post-pregnant women. The surgeon will tailor the cosmetic procedures depending on your anatomy, needs, and lifestyle. Several factors affect the kind of procedures that your surgeon can recommend. These factors include age, breastfeeding, menopause, pregnancy, and weight gain or loss.

The most common procedures in mommy makeovers affect the abdomen and breasts. These procedures may include tummy tucks or tightening, breast lifts, and breast augmentation. You can add other cosmetic procedures if you want to improve your appearance. You can opt for injectables, liposuction, or whatever cosmetic procedure is safe after consultation.

Length of Procedure

The length of the procedure is not the same for all women. The duration depends on the procedures that you want to have. On average, the procedure may take between four to six hours. Surgeons perform mommy makeover procedures on an out-patient basis. The advantage of this is that you can walk out of the hospital after the procedure.

Recovery From Mommy Makeover

The procedures you undergo dictate your recovery time from a mommy makeover. On average, it is advisable to give yourself around two weeks of rest at home. The initial stages of recovery may include tenderness, bruising, and swelling around those areas. These may take a few weeks to diminish as you begin seeing the results.

Follow your surgeon’s guidance about increasing physical activities as you heal. You can expect to see the results of the mommy makeover in six months to one year.

For more on mommy makeovers, visit Rich & Humenansky Plastic Surgery of the Face & Body at our office in Columbia, South Carolina. You can also call (803) 799-3223 to book an appointment today.