Procedures designed to reverse the body changes that go along with pregnancy and childbearing are collectively known as a Mommy Makeover. Mommy Makeovers may include a combination of procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, implant exchange, tummy tuck, and liposuction. Achieving safe and satisfying results from Mommy Makeover surgery requires a board-certified, highly trained, and experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Wesley G. Wilson of University Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 

Is a Mommy Makeover right for me? 

Being a mother and having children is one of the most rewarding experiences a woman can have, but it comes at a price. A woman’s body must stretch as the baby grows, and abdominal muscles and skin change. Breasts enlarge and stretch during pregnancy. Breastfeeding can also change the way the breasts look. Unfortunately, the body does not easily snap back into shape. Muscles can remain separated, causing a tummy bulge that doesn’t go away even with crunches and a lot of exercise. Stretch marks, loose and saggy skin cause women to be embarrassed by the way their tummy or breasts look. If a C-section was necessary, the scar could create a shelf or overhang to make one even more self-conscious. Breasts also change, becoming less full, pointing downward, and looking fallen and droopy. 

Genetic makeup and heredity dictate whether these changes happen after just one child or multiple children. Certainly, diet and exercise help regain your pre-pregnancy physique but cannot tighten weakened, separated muscles or loose skin. Nor can diet and exercise alone restore breast shape and fullness. 

What is a Mommy Makeover? 

Mommy makeovers may include a combination of procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, implant exchange, tummy tuck, and liposuction. 

Benefits of Mommy Makeover Surgery 

Mommy Makeover surgery can often help women boost their appearance, happiness, and enjoyment of life. This “makeover” will be custom-tailored to your needs and return your body to a more youthful and pre-pregnancy contour. Having a positive self-image and feeling sexy, youthful, and attractive can only improve your interactions at work or with your family and loved ones.

Am I a Candidate for Mommy Makeover Surgery? 

While Mommy Makeovers can be performed on any woman over the age of 18, most women wait until they are finished with childbearing and breastfeeding before undergoing this combination of procedures. 

Mommy Makeovers have no set procedures. Each combination of surgeries is custom selected by a woman and her surgeon. Typically, the plan addresses a mom’s breasts and abdomen, which are almost always impacted by pregnancy and childbirth. Breasts can be surgically enhanced, reduced, and lifted. Your tummy can be reduced and tightened by procedures such as tummy tuck and liposuction. Additionally, you may want to consider approaches to address post-childbirth changes in your thighs, arms, and buttocks. 

Preparing for your Mommy Makeover 

You’ll need to provide your surgeon with your complete medical history, including all previous surgeries. Disclose all medications and supplements you are taking, as some may promote excessive surgical bleeding. Your smoking history may, in some cases, disqualify you. At the least, you will likely be directed to stop smoking for a period before and after your Mommy Makeover. 

Mommy Makeover Procedure 

Depending on the number and extent of the procedures included in your Mommy Makeover, your choices can often be combined into one surgery session, generally limited to no more than five hours in duration. But you and your doctor may opt for your procedures to be spread out over multiple surgical sessions. 

Your Mommy Makeover can usually be performed as outpatient surgery at UT Day Surgery, but in some cases, your doctor may recommend an overnight stay in a hospital recovery suite. After your skin is prepped to reduce the risk of infection, you will be given a general anesthetic by a licensed medical professional who will monitor your condition both during and immediately after your surgery. You’ll need to arrange to have someone drive you home and make sure you have lined up some help around the house for at least a few days. 

Mommy Makeover Recovery and Results 

You’ll have some post-surgical soreness, bruising, and swelling for about two weeks following your surgery. Most women return to work or school in two to six weeks. Don’t drive until you have stopped taking any prescription pain medication—no heavy lifting (including babies weighing more than ten pounds) for at least six weeks. You will immediately see many of the results from your Mommy Makeover, but it may take up to six months for you to achieve your full benefits.