The Mommy Makeover is a highly popular procedure for its ability to correct multiple concerns with just one operation and recovery period. However, you don’t have to be a mom to undergo a customized combination operation.
What we label as a Mommy Makeover can really be any combination of procedures you see fit. The classic combination is tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast augmentation or lift, but some patients take the opportunity to pursue other options, as well. Brazilian butt lifts are becoming a more popular add-on component to our Mommy Makeover procedures, for example.
Here are a few ways to judge whether this combination approach is a good fit for you.
Has your body changed in multiple areas?
Most people think being a mommy is the first prerequisite to the procedure, but that’s not true. The procedure is called a Mommy Makeover because it targets several areas of the body that usually change after pregnancy, and many patients who choose the treatment are indeed mothers. However, weight loss and even the simple passage of time can change the body in similar ways. If you have seen your breasts lose volume or sag, your abdomen lose a firm contour, and fat collect around your body, you may be a good candidate.
Does your stomach look “flabby” no matter how many crunches you do?
I hear this all the time from my patients. When what used to be a very reliable workout routine is no longer slimming your abdomen, lost skin elasticity may be to blame. Even as the underlying muscles strengthen and your workouts burn body fat, the skin and tissue that expanded to create your baby’s womb may not be able to recede to the same place as prior to pregnancy. The same goes even if you haven’t been pregnant but you’ve lost a lot of weight around the midsection. If you’ve shed the fat but your pre-pregnancy wardrobe just doesn’t feel right, that’s where the tummy tuck portion of the procedure can help.
Has the shape of your breasts changed?
It’s quite common for mothers to notice a difference in their breast contours after breastfeeding their children. Skin and ligaments stretch as the mother nurses, but they don’t “bounce back” once the nursing is done. Similarly, women who gain and then lose weight are often left with sagging breasts, which can also simply be a result of aging. The solution is a breast lift, breast augmentation, or another enhancement surgery to restore volume and lift the breasts to a perky position.
Are you happy with your current weight, but unhappy with fatty areas?
This is arguably one of the most important points when considering this procedure. If everything else has returned to normal and you’ve come to a stable weight since having your last child, your body has likely settled into a state that’s ready for surgery. For most women, there are also some stubborn bulges of fat that remain despite good diet and exercise habits. This is where the liposuction component of a Mommy Makeover comes in, targeting fat pockets in the midsection, thighs, hips, buttocks, or virtually any other area.
Is there a “right” age for a Mommy Makeover?
Many women interested in a Mommy Makeover often aren’t sure if it’s the “right” time for them. Young moms worry it may be too early for them to get the best results out of the surgery, while older women are concerned it may be too late. The good news is, neither of these scenarios is likely.
Younger Candidates
Even though undergoing a Mommy Makeover won’t affect your ability to get pregnant, I typically recommend holding off on the procedure until you are finished having children. Pregnancy can cause additional stretching in the abdomen and changes to the breasts that may transform your results and require further surgical correction down the road. Waiting until you’re not planning on becoming pregnant again—no matter what age that may mean for you—will allow you to enjoy your outcome for as long as possible.
When it comes to choosing a Mommy Makeover soon after having children, it’s important to wait until you are no longer breastfeeding, because hormonal changes during this time can affect your results.
A young mom will likely get the best results from her Mommy Makeover by including:
- Breast lift with implants to improve shape while restoring volume
- Tummy tuck including diastasis recti repair to tighten separated muscles after pregnancy
- Liposuction to smooth out post-baby bulges
Older Candidates
It’s rarely “too late” for a Mommy Makeover. If you’re healthy enough to be under general anesthesia for several hours safely, you’re likely a candidate. Combining procedures can even be beneficial for more mature patients because it allows you to enjoy the results of multiple procedures while only undergoing anesthesia a single time. Alternatively, our team offers epidural anesthesia with IV sedation, which in most cases results in a speedier recovery and less likelihood of post-operative nausea. During your consultation, we’ll discuss any current health issues and medical history to ensure you won’t be at an increased risk for complications.
Older patients will likely get their best Mommy Makeover results by including:
- Breast lift with or without implants to address sagging
- Tummy tuck to tighten drooping skin
- Facelift to restore a youthful appearance to the face
- Dermal fillers to add volume beneath the skin
Deciding if you’re ready for a Mommy Makeover is a highly personal process. It’s unlikely you’re “too early” or “too late,” but it is important to take into account future plans and health considerations as you think about getting the procedure.
When you visit my practice to discuss your options, I’ll offer personalized recommendations based on my experience and help guide you through your decision with all your concerns and goals in mind. To see examples of the results you can expect, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
Ultimately, what matters most in determining your candidacy is understanding what you would like to change about your body. If you’re considering the procedure, I invite you to call our office at (239) 262-5662 or use the online form to request a consultation.
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