What is a “mommy makeover?”
A “mommy makeover” is a term used to describe a personalized combination of procedures designed to restore the body after pregnancy and childbirth. Often, a tummy tuck is part of that procedure, but a “mommy makeover” can include everything from breast augmentation to breast reduction or lift, chin liposuction to monsplasty, and labiaplasty — it’s tailored to each woman’s unique goals and needs. “Mommy makeover” procedures can be done all at once or in stages. The goal is to help each woman feel strong and self-confident in her body again.
How long after pregnancy should someone wait before considering surgery?
We really want women to wait at least six months after pregnancy before pursuing surgery to give the body time to fully heal and stabilize. We definitely want each patient to be happy with their weight before pursuing any type of body contouring procedure. For a breast procedure, we recommend waiting at least three months after breastfeeding to decrease complications with infection and healing.
What can happen during pregnancy that a tummy tuck can improve on?
Our tissues can tolerate a remarkable amount of stretch, but they can’t always snap back to their original tautness. In addition, the increased abdominal pressure from a growing pregnancy will often stretch and spread apart the rectus abdominis, or “six pack” muscles, causing what we call a rectus diastasis. A tummy tuck brings those muscles back into alignment, narrowing the waist and flattening the tummy area. It also removes excess skin that did not snap back to contour the entire abdominal area.
What changes can pregnancy and breastfeeding have on someone’s breasts?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding often come with rapid changes in weight, fluid, and hormones. The ductal tissues in the breast enlarge in preparation for milk production. Whether someone breastfeeds or not, soft-tissue changes do not always completely reverse after pregnancy. Some women will have larger breasts than they desire, prompting them to pursue breast reduction. Some will notice a deflated, stretched-out, or drooped appearance to the breasts. This can be improved with a breast lift, breast implants, or both.
What if I get pregnant again after a mommy makeover?
It is best to wait until you are finished having children before having body contouring surgery. A future pregnancy won’t harm your health because of a tummy tuck or breast lift, but it will stretch the skin and muscles again, possibly undoing your results.
Who is a good candidate for a “mommy makeover” procedure?
We love seeing patients for consultation when they feel they are done with childbearing and breastfeeding, are happy with their weight, have established healthy eating and physical movement habits, but are still bothered by changes in their bodies. They often have little ones at home, so we always discuss the recovery time and activity restrictions recommended for their specific mommy makeover. Preparation is key for any surgical procedure, and part of ensuring a good recovery is making sure you have the right support system in place.
How do I choose the right surgeon?
Patients usually come to us for cosmetic surgery because they feel uncomfortable in their bodies. The areas that are changed by pregnancy can be private, emotionally charged parts of the body. It is crucial that women feel comfortable sharing their concerns with their surgeon and can be confident that their surgeon is listening to them and skilled at addressing their concerns. Based on my experience and published large-scale surveys, female surgeons do this better. At a minimum, a patient should ensure their surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, has operating privileges at a certified surgical center, and has experience with the procedures they plan to undergo.
Sarah Hammond, MD, is a board-certified plastic reconstructive surgeon specializing in aesthetic and complex reconstructive procedures. She is known for her patient-centered approach and surgical precision, with a focus on delivering empowering, individualized results.
By Sarah Hammond, MD
