By now, you’ve probably heard the phrase “mommy makeover” somewhere at least once or twice. It’s all over reality TV and is quickly becoming a household name, like the tummy tuck, nose job, and facelift.
Although many people are familiar with the concept of a mommy makeover, the average person still has a lot of questions about the procedure, including who it’s for and what to expect from the surgery. Whether you’re thinking about a mommy makeover for yourself or you’re just curious and want to learn more, here are a few answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the procedure.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
The truth is, no two mommy makeovers are entirely alike. A mommy makeover is a custom procedure that can be whatever you want to make it. That said, the phrase usually refers to a combination of plastic surgeries that are performed together to help a woman in restoring her body after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Usually, a mommy makeover involves at least one breast procedure, such as a breast augmentation and/or breast lift, as well as a tummy tuck. It might also include other surgeries, such as liposuction, labiaplasty, or a body lift. The procedure can be fully customized based on the patient’s areas of concern.
For example, if you’ve noticed that your breasts have lost volume and have become droopy and that you have a little extra fat in your abdominal area, you might choose to have a breast lift, breast augmentation, and liposuction. If you have a lot of extra skin in your tummy area from pregnancy and breasts that are large enough to cause back and neck pain, a tummy tuck and breast reduction might be more appropriate. It all depends on what your goals are.
Can You Get Pregnant Again After a Mommy Makeover?
Mommy makeovers are usually recommended for women who are done having children. That recommendation isn’t because having the surgery prevents you from getting pregnant again, but to help maintain the results of the procedure.
A mommy makeover usually involves considerable time and financial commitments on your part. If you get pregnant after you’ve had your mommy makeover surgeries, there is a good chance that the pregnancy will negatively affect your results. You might develop additional loose skin around your abdomen or your breasts might change in shape or size.
You are free to get pregnant again after a mommy makeover. The procedures shouldn’t have any impact on your fertility. But if you don’t think your family is finished, you might consider waiting until after you’ve had your last child to schedule a consultation for a mommy makeover.
Do You Have to Be a “Mommy” to Have a Mommy Makeover?
Don’t let the phrase “mommy makeover” fool you. Even though the combination of surgeries most often appeals to moms and women who have had children, mommy makeovers aren’t exclusively for mommies.
If you don’t plan on having children but aren’t happy with your abdominal area or the size of your breasts, you can go right ahead and schedule a consultation to talk to a surgeon about combining a tummy tuck and breast augmentation.
If you’re not a mom but are interested in the surgeries included in a mommy makeover, your surgeon will typically agree to go forward with the procedures, provided you’re a good candidate in other ways.
How Much Time Do You Need for a Mommy Makeover?
You’ll want to block off a fair amount of time before and after a mommy makeover. You’ll want time before the surgery itself to speak with a surgeon and prepare. You’ll also want to give yourself plenty of time after the procedures to recover.
Although combining breast and body procedures does save time in the long run, it’s worth noting that your recovery period might be a little longer after a mommy makeover than it would be if you had just a single surgery. You might want to give yourself at least two weeks to recover before going back to a desk job, and maybe a few more days beyond that, just to be on the safe side.
Your surgeon can give you specific details about how much time to allow for recovery and what you can do or should avoid during the initial recovery period.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
If you don’t have to be a mom to have a mommy makeover, then what makes someone a good candidate for the surgery?
Your health might be the most important factor. Usually, surgeons will only perform elective plastic surgery on people who are in good health. If you have untreated medical conditions, getting those conditions under control is a must before moving forward with a mommy makeover.
Your expectations are another factor that influences whether or not you’re a good candidate for a mommy makeover. It’s a good idea to ask yourself why you want the surgery in the first place and what you hope to get from them. Your plastic surgeon can help you set realistic expectations and give you a good understanding of what a mommy makeover can and can’t do for you.
Dr. Paul Vitenas is a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Houston area. He regularly performs mommy makeovers and also offers breast and body surgeries as standalone procedures. To learn more about a mommy makeover and find out if it’s right for you, call 281-484-0088 today to set up a consultation.