You’ve probably heard of a mommy makeover, and may even know someone who’s had one. However, if you’re like many women, you may not understand what this surgery entails, what concerns it can correct, and who it’s for. That’s because a mommy makeover usually isn’t a single procedure, and it differs for every patient.
A mommy makeover is a customized combination of procedures that address unwanted changes from aging, childbearing, and weight fluctuations. Those typically include stretched, sagging skin, stubborn fat pockets, deflation, and sag of breasts and buttocks. But where those issues are most noticeable and how they affect your appearance is different for everyone.
What Procedures Can I Include in a Mommy Makeover?
Dr. Scott Spiro customizes every mommy makeover for his patients’ specific needs. Many women choose to combine a tummy tuck and breast surgery to target various aesthetic issues related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the natural aging process. However, there’s no rule saying you must target your abdominal region and breasts with a mommy makeover. Depending on your preferences, you may also consider:
- Liposuction to remove excess fat and resculpt areas like your abdomen, hips, waistline, thighs, upper arms, back, or buttocks
- Fat grafting to add volume to your breasts or buttocks, or in your cheeks or lips to give your face a younger and more attractive look
- A total body lift to tighten and smooth stretched skin and remove excess fat from your abdomen, hips, buttocks, back, arms, or thighs.
- These combinations are then known as:
- upper body lift: arm, breast, and back
- mid body lift: abdomen, flanks, hips, and buttocks
- lower body lift: thighs
- These combinations are then known as:
- A total body lift to tighten and smooth stretched skin and remove excess fat from your abdomen, hips, and buttocks
- A facial rejuvenation procedure, such as a facelift, neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery
- Non-surgical med spa treatments like dermal fillers and Botox for a refreshed appearance without downtime or anesthesia
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
You may be a good candidate for a mommy makeover if you are unhappy with how your abdomen, breasts, and other parts of your body have changed after having children, losing weight, or growing older.
Ideal candidates for a mommy makeover:
- Are physically healthy
- Are not planning to have additional children
- Are not significantly overweight
- Have realistic expectations for the outcomes of the surgery
You must be free of all nicotine, cannabis products, and ADHD medications for at least six weeks before and after your surgery.
The Benefits of a Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover can make you look younger, healthier, and more attractive by:
- Flattening, firming, and smoothing your abdomen
- Lifting and reshaping sagging breasts
- Increasing or reducing the size of your breasts
- Removing stubborn, exercise-resistant fat deposits almost anywhere on your body
- Correcting signs of facial aging, including wrinkles and skin laxity
How to Prepare for Your Mommy Makeover
In your consultation with Dr. Spiro, he will provide instructions on what to do before your procedure, such as getting lab testing or avoiding medications and supplements that can increase your bleeding risk. You’ll need to stay free of nicotine and cannabis products at least six weeks before your surgery and stop drinking alcohol in the 10 days leading up to your procedure, Certain ADHD medications, which are amphetamine-based derivatives, must be stopped one month prior to surgery.
You’ll also need to arrange for a responsible family member or friend to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.
What to Expect During Recovery
You’ll need to take time off for recovery after your mommy makeover. If you have breast surgery or a tummy tuck as part of your mommy makeover, you will need help with household tasks for the first few weeks, as you won’t be able to lift anything heavy. Most patients can return to work after 10 days to two weeks, and begin resuming regular workouts in four to six weeks.
Mommy Makeover Results and Longevity
You’ll see some of the results of your mommy makeover right away, but post-surgical swelling will partially obscure them at first. Be patient and look forward to seeing the transformation in your body contours and self-esteem. The results will continue to improve as the last of the residual swelling disappears, which usually happens between three to six months after your surgery.
A mommy makeover creates long-lasting improvements. The changes made with a tummy tuck or liposuction are permanent if you maintain a stable weight and follow healthy eating and exercise habits. Breast surgery results are also enduring. However, your skin will continue to lose resilience as you age, so some sagging may recur, but not for many years.
Choosing Your Mommy Makeover Surgeon
If you are considering a mommy makeover, your first step is to find a plastic surgeon to work with. Always look for a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This baseline credential shows that the surgeon has the training and experience to practice safely and reliably. Beyond that, search for a surgeon with a track record of providing excellent results with the specific surgeries you’re considering. Look at before-and-after pictures and read patient reviews.
Once you’ve done this preliminary groundwork, you can schedule consultations with potential surgeons. These private meetings are your chance to ask all your questions and get a feel for a surgeon’s personality and aesthetic philosophy. During this discussion, decide if this is a person who listens to you, explains things plainly, and comes across as a caring person you can trust.
Dr. Spiro is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing breast, body, face, and non-surgical procedures. He regularly earns spots on national and New Jersey “top doctor” and “best surgeon” rankings and produces numerous podcasts on this and other important topics.
Learn how a mommy makeover can restore your body’s contours and renew your pride in your appearance. Contact Spiro Plastic Surgery online or call (973) 736-5907 to schedule a consultation with Scott Spiro, M.D.
