The Skinny
A radiating light seems to surround expectant mothers and make the protruding belly, swollen ankles, and puffy face disappear. Otherwise known as the pregnancy glow, this small miracle is wonderful during pregnancy, but what happens after you’ve welcomed your new addition and your body doesn’t entirely get back to what it once was? Hormonal and physiological changes during and after a pregnancy are accompanied by a variety of physical shifts that permanently affect the structure and appearance of a woman’s physique.
Abdominal skin and muscles expand during pregnancy to accommodate a growing baby, the vagina, labia, and perineum stretch (or possibly tear) during delivery, scars develop from cesarean procedures, stretch marks and spots of hyperpigmentation form on the skin, and the significant changes in breast tissue all create the post-baby body (learn more in our complete guide to Mommy Makeover Concerns). Through a so-called 'mommy makeover,' plastic surgeons have created a host of procedures specifically designed to help mothers get back to their ideal aesthetic.
The Specifics
Who is a candidate for a mommy makeover?
Candidates for a mommy makeover include women of any age who are seeking to restore their pre-baby body. In general, candidates will need to have had adequate time to recover from their pregnancy prior to pursuing an elective cosmetic procedure. Additionally, women who plan to have future pregnancies and/or breastfeed will need to consider the most appropriate timing of plastic surgery or cosmetic interventions. Mommy makeover procedures can address the breasts, abdomen, lower body, vagina and vaginal area, skin, and general contours of the body.What can you expect from mommy makeover procedures?
Mommy makeover procedures are intended to address the most commonly impacted areas of the body following pregnancy and delivery. Depending on a candidate's individual needs, procedures may be surgical or non-surgical.In general, a surgical procedure will be more invasive, but also carry more significant results. Non-surgical options usually have less recovery time, but may require more treatments or maintenance. The most appropriate procedure for an individual candidate can be determined through consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
When should you consider mommy makeover procedures?
The timing of a mommy makeover procedure will be dependent on the individual candidate. The biggest factor in the timing of a procedure is the time since delivery. Pregnancy is a stressful event as is surgery and so women should give their body adequate time to recover before pursuing procedures.Women should also consider their future plans regarding pregnancies and breastfeeding as all of these procedures will be affected by future pregnancies, and certain procedures may interfere with the ability to breastfeed.
Why should you consider a mommy makeover procedure?
A mommy makeover procedure can help get back the pre-baby body so you enjoy the best of both worlds. While admitting that you are grateful and excited for your new bundle of joy, but also missing your old physique may be challenging, a mommy makeover can help to restore a new mother’s confidence and bring her body aesthetic more in line with her personal goals. Also, for some women, mommy makeover procedures can restore sexual function and possibly improve incontinence concerns.Breast & Nipple Shape & Size
Depending on the state of your post-pregnancy chest, there are procedures to augment, lift, reduce, and refile the size and shape of the breasts and nipples.Female Breast Anatomy
Abdominal Laxity & Diastasis Recti Repair
Whether your pregnancy resulted in diastasis recti or not, there are an array of treatment options to refine abdominal contour.The Anatomy of Diastasis Recti
Thigh & Butt
Sculpt the butt and thigh region with these lifting, firming, and toning procedures.Vaginal Rejuvenation
Vaginal child birth can cause damage that is correctable via various vaginal rejuvenation techniques. If sexual health is your concern, there are treatments for that, too.Body Contouring & Liposuction
Permanently remove unwanted fat cells and improve overall contour with these surgical and non-surgical procedures.The Anatomy of Belly Fat
Stretch Marks, Scars, & Skin Tone/Texture Concerns
If pregnancy left you with unwanted skin tone and texture concerns, there are laser and radiofrequency therapies to help.The Takeaway
A mommy makeover can include any combination of procedures to help post-pregnancy women restore their pre-pregnancy shape. You don't have to settle for the effects of pregnancy on your physique. A mommy makeover surgery can restore self-confidence and get your pre-baby body back.
