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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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mommy Makeovers dangerous?

Mommy makeovers are considered safe for appropriate candidates. Like all surgeries, there are some risks, but these can generally be avoided by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and carefully following their advice before and after your mommy makeover.

How long does it take to recover from a mommy makeover?

Recovery time varies after a mommy makeover, especially depending on the procedures you have included. A majority of mommy makeover patients take about two weeks away from work or other routines to recover.

Can a tummy tuck be considered medically necessary?

A tummy tuck may be considered medically necessary if the procedure is chosen to repair diastasis recti or a hernia or to relieve back pain due to heavy loose skin in the abdominal area.

How many plastic surgeries can be done at once?

On average, patients who combine procedures choose to have two or three done at once. During a consultation for your mommy makeover, Dr. Howland will advise how many surgeries can be safely performed in one setting.

Do you lose weight after a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover may result in some weight loss because of removing excess skin or fat, but weight loss is not the primary goal of the surgery.

How much did you pay for your mommy makeover?

The average cost for a mommy makeover ranges between $5,000 and $20,000. The final cost can vary significantly depending on the procedures you choose.

How do you prepare for a mommy makeover?

Before your mommy makeover, you should have any necessary lab or medical evaluations completed, take medications as instructed, and avoid smoking, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs.

How much fat can be removed during liposuction?

During a single liposuction procedure, it is considered safe to remove up to 5 liters, or about 11 pounds, of fat.

What does a mommy makeover cost?

The cost of a mommy makeover cost varies based on the specific procedures you choose for your mommy makeover.

What is included in the mommy makeover?

For a mommy makeover, you can choose to include any of the following procedures: tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction. During a consultation, Dr. Howland will help you choose the best options for you.

How many sizes do you go down after a mommy makeover?

On average, patients who’ve undergone a tummy tuck or liposuction procedure can expect to drop around 2 clothing sizes. As with all operations, the results are different for every patient, and your lifestyle after the mommy makeover is a huge factor in the lasting results. In order to drop two clothing sizes, a patient should maintain a healthy lifestyle including a nutritious diet and routine exercise.

What is the maximum weight for a mommy makeover?

There is not an exact number used to determine who is and isn’t a candidate for a mommy makeover. Instead, candidacy is based on the individual’s overall health. Whether the weight comes from muscles or fat, everyone carries weight differently. As a result, a consultation is required to determine the current health of the patient and whether their weight could cause major risks. nAll this being said, ideal candidates are already around their ideal weight and will be able to maintain said weight to ensure results do not deteriorate.

How do I prepare my body for a mommy makeover?

Prior to a mommy makeover, Dr. Howland will require a medical evaluation to ensure you are not at risk for complications. Informing your surgeon of any current medications and adjusting as necessary is imperative to a healthy recovery and process. It is important to avoid smoking and anti-inflammatory drugs as they can slow down the healing process and increase bleeding. nMothers should ideally be finished having children and will be at minimum six months post-partum. This six-month waiting period is vital because your body is already undergoing an intense healing process. Waiting until your body has recovered ensures optimal results without added pain or complications.

What is the first workout after a mommy makeover?

The compound procedures included in a mommy makeover take a toll on the body, so you will be put on bedrest post-operation. You’ll want to have a friend or family member available to help you for the first week of recovery. Dr. Howland will give you a personalized recovery plan after the procedures, and most patients can expect limited movement to last a few weeks. In order to ease your body back into routine exercise, you can start by taking short walks for the first couple of weeks. It may take a few months until you can safely complete more strenuous workouts.

How long do I have to sleep elevated after mommy makeover?

The length of elevated sleep is dependent on the type of tummy tuck received and your overall recovery process. On average, patients can expect to sleep in an elevated position for at least one week but must avoid stomach sleeping for 4 to 6 weeks on a full tummy tuck. With a mini tummy tuck, patients may be able to sleep normally earlier than that. Regardless of the type of procedure, listening to your own body’s signals will give you a better understanding of your needs. If after a week, you are comfortable lying down, you can try to sleep on your back or in the fetal position. If you are still experiencing discomfort, continue with the elevated position. Dr. Howland can help you manage discomfort and other issues as they arise.

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