Deciding to undergo plastic surgery is a significant step, especially when it comes to restoring or enhancing your body after pregnancy or weight loss. You may be weighing getting a tummy tuck vs. a Mommy Makeover to achieve your desired results. The best way to decide is by consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. However, this post should help you understand more about each, and get an idea of which procedure is right for you.
What Is the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and a Mommy Makeover?
A tummy tuck is a single surgical procedure for improving the appearance of the abdomen (though it can include the flanks, back and love handles, depending on the extent of the operation). A Mommy Makeover, which usually includes a tummy tuck and breast enhancement, is a custom surgical package that reflects the unique aesthetic needs of each patient.
Learn more about the two procedures below:
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, focuses exclusively on the abdominal area. This procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles to create a flatter, firmer midsection. There are several types of tummy tucks:
Full Tummy Tuck
Addresses the entire abdomen, from the lower ribcage to the pubic area. It involves a hip-to-hip incision and an incision around the bellybutton.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Targets only the lower abdomen below the bellybutton. It involves a smaller incision and is suitable for patients with less excess skin.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Similar to a full tummy tuck, this procedure also includes the flanks or love handles for more comprehensive contouring.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck improves the abdominal contour by removing excess skin and fat to create a smoother and more toned appearance. In patients with diastasis recti, a tummy tuck tightens muscles that may have weakened or separated during pregnancy. In addition, many patients experience enhanced confidence and higher self-esteem following their procedure.
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What Is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is a more comprehensive approach that combines multiple procedures in a single surgery. It typically addresses various areas of the body affected by pregnancy and childbirth and commonly includes a tummy tuck as well as:
Breast Surgery
This may include a breast lift, augmentation, reduction, or a combination to restore breast volume and position and enhance body proportions.
Liposuction
Liposuction provides additional body contouring by removing stubborn fat deposits from areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms.
Other Procedures
Depending on a patient’s needs, the surgery may be customized to include additional procedures, such as:
It’s important to note that you do not have to be a mother to choose this custom combination of surgical procedures.
Benefits of a Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover is tailored to meet the specific goals of each patient, allowing for a highly personalized approach. It also addresses multiple concerns in a single surgical session, which means that patients only need to have one recovery period and can save on per-surgery costs, such as anesthesia and facility fees, by bundling their operation.
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Choosing the Right Procedure for You
Choosing between a tummy tuck and a Mommy Makeover depends on your individual goals and the areas of your body you wish to address. The following can help guide your decision-making.
Goals & Concerns
If your primary concern is the appearance of your abdomen, a tummy tuck might be sufficient. However, if you have multiple areas affected by pregnancy, such as sagging breasts and excess abdominal skin, a Mommy Makeover would provide more comprehensive results.
Health & Recovery
Consider your overall health and ability to recover from multiple procedures. While a Mommy Makeover combines surgeries and only requires one recovery period, it also means a more extensive recovery.
The length of your surgery and how long you would be under anesthesia is another consideration. Sometimes, a Mommy Makeover will need to be staged across two operations for your health. You’ll also want to consider your mental and emotional readiness for surgery. Our related blog post can help you gauge whether now is the right time for a Mommy Makeover or other procedure.
Get Started
The best way to determine the right procedure is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can assess your individual needs, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate approach. To explore your plastic surgery options and determine which procedure is right for you, please request a consultation online or call us at (239) 262-5662 to get started.
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