Your friend just got back from an extended “vacation” looking skinnier than she has ever been–with a body that seems markedly better than the last time you saw her. When you ask her what she has been doing, she tells you that she just got a mommy makeover, a head-to-toe solution that is said to bring back a woman’s pre-pregnancy body by removing stubborn fat, loose skin, stretch marks, and more.
If you have just given birth recently, you are probably wondering (1) what a mommy makeover is, (2) if you are a great candidate, and (3) how much weight you stand to lose. This article tackles all these and more.
Weight Loss with the Mommy Makeover
But first, let us manage expectations about this one-day combination procedure. Here is what a Mommy Makeover is not:
- It is not a magical weight loss solution
- It will not give you back your pre-pregnancy body
- It is not safe to do immediately after pregnancy and childbirth
Celebrities and Weight Loss
You may be wondering how some celebrity moms manage to get back in shape just weeks after childbirth. The truth is they work closely with personal nutritionists and trainers during and after pregnancy. Their routine includes enough exercise and a healthy diet to prevent pounds from piling on.
Many celebrities also opt to breastfeed their babies because it burns a lot of calories. It is one of the safest ways to lose weight and goes hand in hand with regular workouts and a balanced diet. Their personal trainers also engage them in challenging exercises that will not strain their bodies as they shed the extra pounds.
Managing Your Weight During Pregnancy
If you insist on getting back in shape immediately, you need to adopt a similar diet and exercise regimen. Being pregnant is not an excuse to eat anything you want, and if you do, you will likely pay for this in the long run. Not only will you have more excess skin, but you will also have more fat to burn after childbirth.
You may also find that your doctor might recommend a mini-abdominoplasty if you avoid gaining weight, which leaves fewer scars and has a quicker recovery period.
What Pregnancy Does to Your Body
That said, diet and exercise may not be enough to get your old body back, especially when it has stretched to grow and accommodate another human being. Here are some of the things you can expect after you get pregnant:
- Damaged muscles and loose skin around your stomach, leaving permanent tears on abdominal muscle tissues
- Tummy protrusions even if you are already slim, because your abdominal muscles can no longer compress the fat-covered tissues and organs
- Abnormal weight gain due to hormonal changes
- Regular breastfeeding may cause your breast to shrink and sag
- Distorted and stretched labia skin
A mommy makeover can help address all of these problems.
What Are the Procedures Involved in a Mommy Makeover?
Before deciding to have a mommy makeover, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if you qualify. A plastic surgeon who prioritizes your safety and comfort without compromising your aesthetic goals can also tell you which procedures you need and which ones you can omit.
Here are the typical procedures that make up a mommy makeover:
Breast Lift and Augmentation
Generally, mothers in their 30s or 40s need a breast lift after childbirth. Breasts increase in size because of milk production, but they dramatically lose volume after the breastfeeding stage. If your breasts are saggier than usual, consider having a breast lift.
But if you liked the size of your breasts when you were breastfeeding, you can opt for breast augmentation instead and add volume to your deflated breasts. Unlike a breast lift, breast augmentation involves inserting saline or gel implants into your breast pockets, restoring lost volume.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat from specific sections of your body, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and neck. The surgeon inserts a cannula to break down and harvest the fat.
Liposuction typically precedes a tummy tuck because you cannot tuck in loose skin without removing the fat underneath it. Pregnancy hormones can add stubborn pockets of fat that you cannot lose through diet and exercise. If you have enormous love handles, this may be the right procedure for you.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck tightens the skin and muscles on the lower part of your abdomen. If you have damaged abdominal muscles, your surgeon will stitch the torn tissues for proper healing.
In this procedure, excess skin, which becomes noticeable after liposuction or a sudden weight loss, is removed. Tummy tucks are also known for diminishing the appearance of stretch marks and blemishes.
As it turns out, tightening the abdominal region also does the same for the soft tissues supporting the pelvic floor, bladder, and urethra, which regulates urine flow.
Cesarean Section Scar Improvement
If you have an unsightly C-section scar, your plastic surgeon can use several techniques to improve it. Some scars may also be significantly diminished during a tummy tuck, depending on length and size.
How to Prepare for a Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a series of invasive surgical procedures, which means your surgeon must clear you. There is no such thing as walking into your doctor’s office and requesting it done on the day itself. Your plastic surgeon will examine you to confirm a few things.
Excellent Overall Health
Good health is a must. If you are a smoker, give up the habit about three weeks before the operation. If you have type-2 diabetes, consult with your surgeon about proper management to reduce the risks. If you are taking any medication, you must let your surgeon know, especially if it may have a bearing on the outcome.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
It would help if you were near your target weight. A mommy makeover is not an alternative to standard weight loss techniques. While it may eliminate some fat, you need to lose the bulk of the weight you gained during pregnancy before going under the knife. The general rule is to keep any additional weight below 25 pounds before the mommy makeover. For instance, if your ideal weight is 110 pounds, your current weight must not exceed 135 pounds.
No More Subsequent Pregnancies
Normally, plastic surgeons advise anyone inquiring about the procedure to go through it if they are no longer planning to get pregnant. Getting pregnant after undergoing a mommy makeover in the past not only exposes you to the same physical changes, but also means tearing apart the corrections that have been made. While your doctor can perform revision surgeries, there is always a risk of complications.
When Is the Best Time to Get a Mommy Makeover?
The best advice is to wait at least six months for your body to recuperate, so that you can undergo a mommy makeover. Remember that this is a series of invasive cosmetic surgery procedures. Stressed and broken tissues in your abdomen need time to heal before you go under the knife. You may also want to use this time to save up for this procedure.
How Much Does It Cost?
Expect a mommy makeover to cost more than the typical cosmetic surgery because it consists of multiple procedures. On average, you need to prepare between $10,000 and $20,000. Some surgeons offer financing options.
Contact a Plastic Surgeon Today
Mommy makeovers can help you reclaim your pre-pregnancy body. But while it will certainly enhance your body cosmetically, it is important to note that it is not a weight-loss procedure. Curious about getting a mommy makeover? Visit board-certified surgeons offering this in your area. For Beverly Hills or West Hollywood, get in touch with Dr. William Bruno’s practice to see if you qualify.
