What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures meant to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy physique. It can be hard for a woman to feel confident after giving birth due to the massive changes that occur. Fortunately, these procedures are helpful to regain that confidence for an enhanced body contour that’s as close to a person’s pre-baby body as possible.
A mommy makeover usually includes procedures that focus primarily on the breasts and abdomen but can also address other areas of the body. The procedures are chosen based on your personal needs and concerns. By consulting with Dr. Howland, you will set up a totally personalized treatment and procedure plan that’s perfect for you.
Before & After
What Are the Procedures Used in Mommy Makeover Surgery?
Since the mommy makeover procedure is designed to be personalized to every patient and their specific concerns, there are many procedures to choose from. This combination of procedures usually includes a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and/or liposuction.
TUMMY TUCK
A tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical method of removing the excess skin and fat cells from the abdominal area. There are multiple kinds of abdominoplasty, typically called full, mini, and extended tummy tucks. These procedures help to address different areas of the abdomen as well as the amount of excess skin and fat.
Tummy tuck surgery does involve some recovery time due to the extent of the procedure and the reconstruction of the abdominal muscles if needed. With whatever specific techniques you choose, a tummy tuck will leave you with a firmer, smoother, and flatter-looking abdomen.
BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty or breast implants, is a type of surgical method that helps to increase breast size and symmetry (if needed). This is done by using silicone implants, saline implants, or fat transfer.
Breast augmentation is also a helpful procedure to restore symmetry in your breasts. Especially after having a child and breastfeeding it is very easy for your breasts to become asymmetrical by losing more volume in one than the other. This procedure will you gain back the confidence in your figure and help you fit better into some of your bras and clothes.
BREAST LIFT
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure that helps to address sagging and uneven breasts, decreased volume in the breasts, sagging skin, and drooping nipples. This procedure is done by removing skin and making small incisions around the breast to help recreate your breast to a more youthful shape and look. Often times a breast lift procedure is paired with breast augmentation, for both a more youthful size and position on the chest wall. This is a common combination for mommy makeover procedures.
BREAST REDUCTION
Getting breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is helpful to remove the discomfort associated with large breasts. During pregnancy or with certain genetics, the breasts can grow extensively, making people feel uncomfortable and causing new back, neck, or shoulder pain due to the larger breasts.
Breast reductions are highly satisfying procedures that remove excess breast, fat, and skin tissue and then reshape the breasts. A breast reduction is often paired with a breast lift to help refine your breast shape further after the reduction.
LIPOSUCTION
One of the most common fat removal procedures is liposuction, also known as lipoplasty. Liposuction is a procedure that helps to remove excess fat cells from specific areas of the body. Unlike a tummy tuck, liposuction can focus on removing excess stubborn fat from more places than just the abdomen.
Liposuction is performed by making small incisions on the area of concern, then using a small tool called a cannula to physically suction the fat deposits out. New mothers use liposuction as a further way to hone their body contour beyond diet and exercise and to get rid of stubborn fatty deposits in places such as:
- Back
- Neck
- Thighs
- Abdomen
- Upper arms
- Under the chin
Liposuction can help to remove the excess fat cells in all these areas, leaving your skin to contour to its natural place.
Who is a Good Candidate for Mommy Makeover Surgery?
Part of preparing for a mommy makeover is looking at the costs, risks, before and after photos, and attending consultations with Dr. Howland. You should also decide if this is the right path for your best body contour or if another procedure is enough to satisfy your needs.
If you have experienced one or multiple pregnancies and are now unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs, a mommy makeover may be the most efficient way to help. Not only can these procedures improve the way clothing fits, but it can also boost self-confidence! Some good candidates are people who:
- Are in good health
- Near their goal weight
- Finished having children
- At least 6 months post-childbirth
If you are having body confidence issues after giving birth, then getting a mommy makeover can help.
What to Expect from Mommy Makeover Surgery
RECOVERY TIME
The recovery time for the mommy makeover can vary depending on which procedures you undergo. With any of the mommy makeover cosmetic procedures, it is going to take a little bit for you to go back to full daily activities. It will take a few weeks for you to be able to resume full movement but can take up to a year to see full results from your procedures as they are healing.
There will be some normal post-surgery aftercare and restrictions as well as experiencing side effects like bruising and swelling. It is important to consult with your doctor about your concerns and your recovery options.
Depending on the combination of procedures that you choose to undergo, Dr. Howland will be clear about how much downtime you should expect. Drains may be placed to collect any excess fluid during recovery. Compression garments may also be required to alleviate swelling and bruising. Discomfort can be controlled with pain medication. Because mommy makeover procedures are performed at the same time during this outpatient surgery, patients only have to experience one recovery period.
Mommy Makeover Results
Because a mommy makeover is a highly individualized process, the procedure will be different for each patient. For example, those who undergo any combination of breast procedures can expect to experience symmetrical, proportionate, perky breasts, while those who undergo body sculpting procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction can look forward to a slimmer, more youthful-looking figure. Learn more about what to expect by reading our blog What to Expect with a Mommy Makeover.
Your Mommy Makeover Consultation in Draper, UT
Patients in the Salt Lake City and Draper areas who are interested in taking the first step towards a more youthful body silhouette can contact our office today to learn more about a mommy makeover!
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