What Is The ‘Mommy Makeover’ And Why Is It So Popular Right Now?

You may have heard of the “Mommy Makeover” through celebrities like NeNe Leaks, Kate Gosselin and Patricia Heaton — but what is it?

A mommy makeover is a popular surgery technique that addresses a handful of common issues that women face post-pregnancy and breastfeeding. It has been made popular by Hollywood and has gained popularity, as each procedure is custom-tailored to fit the individual patient’s unique needs.

However, surgery usually kicks off with a breast and abdomen contouring procedure. This is because the breasts and the abdomen are the main areas that adapt for our babies. If a mother decides to breastfeed, the breasts will obviously enlarge and sometimes, will increase as much as a full cup size or more. But reverting back to “normal” may mean loss in the breast volume as well as noticeable sagging.

Throughout a pregnancy, the abdominal muscles, skin and tissues stretch to safely accommodate the growing baby. But post-childbirth, these layers may not always bounce back to their taut, pre-baby shape.

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So what is the full scope of the surgical procedure? Common mommy makeover procedures include:

Breast Augmentation

Popularly known as a “boob job,” breast augmentation involves using breast implants or fat transfer to enhance your breasts.

Breast Lift

Breast Lift or mastopexy raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to create a more youthful breast contour.

Breast Reduction

A breast reduction removes excess breast tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and alleviate discomfort.

Tummy Tuck

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck eliminates excess fat and skin and restores weakened muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty

This procedure is a body lift that improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. Excess sagging fat and skin are also removed.

Liposuction Liposuction

Popularly known as “lipo” – this procedure slims and reshapes areas of the body by removing excess fat and improving body contours.

But that is not all! A mommy makeover can also include a thigh lift, arm lift or a Brazilian butt lift. So now we know what the mommy makeover package looks like but what are the logistics? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a mommy makeover can be performed during one single operation, or for safety reasons, may be spread out over multiple surgical sessions depending on the surgeon.

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While that all sounds magical and wonderful, we have some tips you should know about before handing over your credit card information…

The mommy makeover will be performed as an outpatient surgery – which allows you to recover at home. However, during the first 24 hours, your surgeon may recommend an overnight recovery suite for additional assistance.

Recovery from a mommy makeover can take from one to two weeks but will ultimately depend on the specific procedures you select — so be sure to schedule your recovery taking up to two weeks, as you will be sore, bruised and swollen. That being said, you will need assistance around your home post-surgery, so it may be helpful to have someone help you with chores and childcare during this time.

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In addition, you most likely will not be allowed to drive until certain pain medications have been stopped. And speaking of pain, swelling may last from six months to a year. Exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks after your mommy makeover, as well as zero heavy lifting (this includes carrying babies over 10 pounds).

However, it is recommended to clock in some hours at the gym to make sure your results from the mommy make-over last for a long time. This includes a balanced diet and routine exercise schedule. Be sure to select a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also a member of ASPS as the mommy makeover is a combination of invasive techniques. Having the best and most experienced plastic surgeon available will keep you safe as one should never risk their health and safety to save money.

Before you run out and book the famous procedure, it is recommended to spend some time researching. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is an excellent resource to help new mamas understand what goes into each and every procedure. The next step is to find and secure a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon in your area and schedule an in-person consultation. In that consultation, your surgeon will determine the exact cost of your mommy makeover, as well as discuss payment options and the possibility for health care financing.