What is a Mommy Makeover? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Bringing new life into the world is a beautiful journey, one that inherently causes numerous changes to a woman’s body. These changes are natural and a testament to the incredible capabilities of the human body. It’s important to emphasize that these changes are not flaws that need fixing; they are signs of life’s passage and should be embraced and celebrated.

However, it’s also perfectly normal for some women to feel a desire to reclaim or enhance their pre-pregnancy bodies. This is where “mommy makeovers” come in. Whether it’s to boost confidence or address functional concerns, the goal of a mommy makeover is not just aesthetic improvement.

In this post, we’ll dive deeper into what a mommy makeover in Atlanta entails, explore the various options available, and discuss why this might be a path some mothers decide to take.

Q1: What is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover refers to a set of cosmetic procedures a mother elects to have to address certain physical changes that often occur during pregnancy and childbirth. It usually involves multiple procedures, each chosen to address specific concerns, performed together in one surgical session. 

Q2: What is Included in a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy makeovers typically consist of a tummy tuck combined with a breast procedure, as these two areas are most affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Common breast procedures are breast lifts and breast augmentations. Sometimes the breast is unaffected, so the second procedure could be liposuction of other body areas.

Some women also choose to include other procedures such as thigh lifts or labiaplasty. Each mommy makeover is unique as procedures are chosen based on the needs/wants of the patient. 

Here’s a more detailed look at the common components of a mommy makeover to help you determine the best combination based on your specific goals.

Breast Augmentation

This procedure is ideal for women who notice a decrease in breast volume or fullness following pregnancy and breastfeeding. If your goal is to enhance the size and improve the contour of your breasts, breast augmentation could be a good fit for you.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast lifts are commonly chosen by women whose breasts have sagged as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or the natural aging process. If your goal is to raise and firm up your breasts to achieve a more youthful and uplifted appearance, a breast lift could be the appropriate choice.

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Breast reductions reduce the size of and reshape breasts to be more proportionate to the rest of the body. If you have large, heavy breasts that cause chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, breast reduction can provide significant relief. 

Take the Quiz: What is the “Breast” Procedure for You?

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Women who have had children are more likely to experience rectus diastasis, a condition where large abdominal muscles separate. This causes a noticeable bulge to form in the middle of the abdomen upon straining. Stretch marks (striae) from the pregnancy can also be visible on the belly. 

This procedure is best for women who have stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy and have not returned to their pre-pregnancy state through diet and exercise alone. If your goal is to achieve a smoother and firmer abdominal profile with tightened muscles, a tummy tuck might be suitable for you.

Take the Quiz: Are You a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Other Common Mommy Makeover Procedures

Liposuction

Ideal for those who have localized fat deposits that do not respond well to diet and exercise, often in areas like the abdomen, hips, and thighs. If your goal is to refine and reshape specific areas of your body to achieve a more contoured figure, liposuction could be beneficial.

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Suitable for women who experience changes in vaginal muscle tone, sensitivity, or appearance due to childbirth. If your goal is to tighten the vaginal muscles and/or reduce the size of the labia for aesthetic or comfort reasons, vaginal rejuvenation might be the right choice. 

Q3: What is a Mini Mommy Makeover? 

A “mini mommy makeover” is a scaled-down version of the traditional mommy makeover, designed to address post-pregnancy changes with a less invasive approach. It typically involves fewer and less extensive surgeries, leading to a shorter recovery time than the full mommy makeover.

Common components might include:

• Mini Tummy Tuck: Unlike a full tummy tuck that involves the entire abdominal area, a mini tummy tuck focuses only on the lower abdomen. It removes less skin and fat and usually has a shorter incision.
• Breast Lift or Augmentation: Depending on the individual’s needs, smaller implants might be used, or a less extensive breast lift might be performed to correct mild sagging.
• Liposuction: This might be performed on targeted areas with smaller fat deposits.
• Non-surgical Options: Some choose to opt out of surgical procedures altogether and focus on things like Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments, etc.

A mini mommy makeover is suitable for those with mild to moderate aesthetic concerns looking for a less intensive surgical option to minimize downtime.

Q4: What is the Average Cost for a Mommy Makeover?

The average cost of a mommy makeover in Georgia is $12,000 – $15,000. Keep in mind, though, that the cost varies depending on several factors. This includes the number and exact type of procedures involved, what city/state your provider is located in, the surgeon’s level of experience, and the extent of surgery required.

It’s important for anyone considering a mommy makeover to consult with several board-certified plastic surgeons to get detailed estimates that include all possible fees. Many surgical practices also offer financing plans to help manage the costs. Remember, choosing a surgeon based on price alone should be avoided; expertise, experience, and your comfort with the surgeon are crucial factors to consider.

Q5: What is the Recovery Time for a Mommy Makeover?

Typically, patients can return to most of their normal activities, including some forms of exercise, by the 4th to 6th week. This varies from patient to patient and depends on the procedure(s) done. 

Tummy tuck patients generally can start walking in the neighborhood the day they get home from surgery. Within one week, they can usually drive. After a few weeks, they can pick up their baby, and within 5 to 6 weeks, they can return to the gym to exercise and do heavy lifting. 

Breast lift and implant patients can also walk when they get home. They can drive once they have stopped taking pain meds, usually within a week after surgery, and resume lifting their baby and exercise at four weeks. 

Similarly, most liposuction patients can start going on short walks in the neighborhood within a few days after liposuction to promote circulation and aid recovery. Driving can be resumed once they’ve finished taking prescription pain medication, usually within a week after the procedure. It’s recommended they avoid lifting their baby for at least two weeks.

If you have a desk job, ten days is typically an adequate amount of time off from work as long as you keep in mind the lifting restriction. Take it easy when starting back to work. Listen to your body.

In general, most patients find the first week to be the most challenging and begin to feel much better by the second week. Full healing and the ability to undertake vigorous exercise like running or heavy lifting might take up to 8 weeks. It can take several months to a year for swelling to completely subside, incision lines begin to fade, and breast shape to settle. 

Q6: How Should I Prepare for a Mommy Makeover?

Ensure you eat healthy, nutritious meals and have a good workout routine. Do the heavy cardio/weights now, as you will have to wait several weeks after surgery before resuming. Since you will be unable to pick up your young children for a few weeks following the procedure, it’s advised that patients have childcare set up in advance. 

Additionally, for the first few days, you may also need to arrange help for yourself at home. To help speed your recovery, take it easy those first few weeks.

Q7: Can Women Still Breastfeed After Getting a Breast Lift?

At least 50% of women should still be able to breastfeed after undergoing a breast lift procedure. The same applies to those who undergo a breast reduction. There are many techniques that plastic surgeons can use to perform a breast lift. 

Often, retaining sensation in the nipple and the ability to breastfeed depends on how much breast tissue is left attached to the areolar complex when the nipple is moved to its new position.

Q8: How Soon After Childbirth Can a Woman Get Plastic Surgery?

It’s recommended that mothers wait at least 3 to 6 months after giving birth before getting any plastic surgery done on their abdomen or breasts. This will allow any retained fluid to leave the system and your hormone levels to return to normal. Giving your body enough time to heal before pursuing plastic surgery will ultimately lead to a safer and more predictable cosmetic result.

Learn More with a Mommy Makeover Consultation Today

Ready to learn more about a tummy tuck in Atlanta? Voted Atlanta plastic surgery, Dr. Mark Franklin Deutsch and his award-winning team at Perimeter Plastic Surgery are happy to help. We’ll answer all of your questions and work collaboratively to find the best possible solution for you.

Contact us online or call 404-255-0886 to learn more and receive a mommy makeover consultation!

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