As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes, including a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone, leading to breasts and stomachs that seem to just stretch out as we get older. These physical transformations can impact our self-confidence, but there is one treatment that can turn back the body clock. A Mommy Makeover can restore our bodies after pregnancy, breastfeeding and aging changes. It typically involves breast enhancement and abdominal contouring. Here, we explore what a Mommy Makeover entails and how it can help restore a youthful body in one fell swoop.
What Does a Mommy Makeover Include?
According to Thompsonville, PA plastic surgeon Simona V. Paulter, MD a Mommy Makeover is made up of various procedures that are tailored to each patient’s needs. For breast contouring, options may include breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, or a combination of these. Abdominal procedures may involve a tummy tuck with or without liposuction, liposuction alone, or a mini tummy tuck. Some patients may also opt for an arm lift, thigh lift, or labiaplasty as well.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The ideal candidate for a Mommy Makeover is generally a woman who has gone through multiple pregnancies or experienced significant weight loss. “A good candidate is in good health and has some body changes to address like sagging breasts, loose stomach skin, and excess fat pockets in areas like the thighs and hip,” Dr. Paulter explains. It is also crucial to have realistic expectations and not plan on having more children in the future.
Cost and Recovery Time
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Mommy Makeover costs can vary depending on several factors. These include the type and number of surgical procedures, the surgeon’s experience, and the geographical location of the surgery. In the U.S., pricing generally ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. If multiple procedures are involved, the cost may be higher.
As per Dr. Paulter, these cases are often lengthy, and an overnight hospital stay may be recommended. Recovery time can also vary, but combining breast and body procedures allows for a single recovery period, minimizing time away from family and work. Generally, patients can expect a downtime of several weeks to fully recover. Initial healing typically takes about one to two weeks, during which time patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
“Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least four to six weeks to allow the body to heal properly. It’s crucial to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure a smooth recovery process,” adds Dr. Paulter.
New Approaches and Advances
Louisville, KY plastic surgeon Chet Mays, MD says he focuses on 360-degree sculpting when doing a Mommy Makeover, considering the entire body canvas rather than just one area. “By utilizing power-assisted liposuction, I’m able to sculpt the upper back, lower back, hips, and waist, creating a three-dimensional shape,” he explains. “I also perform fat transfers, injecting the patient’s own fat into areas like the buttocks and hips to enhance volume and shape. This approach aims to create natural-looking results while maintaining the body’s proportions.”
Houston, TX plastic surgeon Olga Bachilo, MD highlights the importance of multimodal pain management in Mommy Makeovers. “This approach minimizes the use of narcotics, leading to improved patient outcomes,” she says. “Patients experience less pain and discomfort, and recovery is expedited. This has revolutionized the field and transformed the recovery experience for many patients.”
Dr. Bachilo also offers vaginal rejuvenation as a Mommy Makeover option. This comprehensive approach includes surgical procedures like labiaplasty or vaginoplasty to tighten and tone vaginal muscles and skin. “Alternatively, they can also choose the nonsurgical option of ThermiVa, a painless and noninvasive treatment utilizing radiofrequency technology to tighten vaginal muscles without surgery.”
A Confidence Boost
One thing we know for sure: Mommy Makeovers are safer than they’ve ever been and more efficient, giving patients the chance to address multiple concerns at once. This procedure can help create a renewed sense of confidence for those who’ve been unhappy with certain areas of their body. Beyond a physical transformation, a Mommy Makeover can enhance self-esteem and well-being from the outside in.
