New mothers are often discouraged to find that their bodies have changed permanently from pregnancy, labor, delivery, and breastfeeding. As these changes begin to settle, many women find themselves more and more frustrated with their “new” bodies. Breasts may sag and lose firmness, the tummy area may appear loose and stretched, and sometimes fat deposits remain around the hips, abdomen, and other places. Some women even lose the natural curve of their waist, making them feel less feminine and maybe even affecting their self-esteem. This time of joy and discovery with their new baby or all of their children shouldn’t be about worrying over their appearance, yet for some mothers, this is the reality. A Mommy Makeover procedure with a trusted plastic surgeon can reverse such changes, improve self-esteem, and help moms regain much of their old bodies back again. But when it the right time to plan your Mommy Makeover?
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
Rather than one standard procedure to solve all motherhood body woes, the Mommy Makeover is a unique and custom-designed set of surgeries or other procedures made just for you. Working with your plastic surgeon, you will have the opportunity to discuss the specific concerns you have for your body and what methods may be used to correct them. Most Mommy Makeovers are comprised of the following three basic procedures:
- Breast Enhancement Surgery – After pregnancy and breastfeeding, all breasts are different. Some need a breast lift, others need a breast augmentation, and some may even need a breast reduction. These procedures can help recreate the breasts of your pre-baby days or even improve upon them. Also, if your areolas became enlarged during your journey to motherhood, this can also be addressed during any one of these breast enhancement procedures.
- Tummy Tuck – Probably the most popular choice for Mommy Makeover surgeries, this procedure goes right to the source of many post-baby body problems. Eliminate the wrinkly, saggy look of your tummy with this surgery, which tightens the muscles and removes excess skin and fat. You’ll also get some of the curve back in your waistline, as long as you discuss this with your doctor as part of your expectations for the procedure.
- Liposuction – Sculpt a new body for yourself with this procedure which removes fat cells from troublesome spots where diet and exercise won’t help. After motherhood, many women experience stubborn fat deposits around the abdomen and flanks. When nothing seems to work to get rid of them, they may become frustrated. Instead, add liposuction to your Mommy Makeover to get a sleeker, more youthful shape to your body.
Sometimes other cosmetic surgeries and treatments can be added to a Mommy Makeover. If there’s a specific area that troubles you, even if it’s not because of motherhood, talk about it with your plastic surgeon during your Mommy Makeover consultation. You may be surprised how much progress you can make toward the new you with this procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
The ideal candidate for a Mommy Makeover, obviously, is a woman who has experienced the bodily changes of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and breastfeeding and wants to reclaim her body for herself. She should be finished with breast feeding, not planning on any more children, be in good health, and have enough support at home for her recovery time. During your visit with your plastic surgeon, he or she will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the Mommy Makeover, as well as the individual procedures that comprise it. You will be made aware of all potential risks as well as rewards, the length of your recovery time, and what else to expect from surgery and your life after surgery.
Is There a Perfect Time for a Mommy Makeover?
With all that in mind, it’s easy to see that the Mommy Makeover can be a very involved surgery with a long recovery time as well. While there is no perfect time for a procedure like this, there are a few guidelines to consider when deciding if the timing is right for your personal Mommy Makeover to begin. While scheduling your surgery, consider the following:
- Are you having any more children? Just as your body could not, the results of your Mommy Makeover cannot withstand a pregnancy. You will experience the same stretching, sagging, and other natural changes that you would have during a pregnancy. While there is no other harm in having more children, you will most likely see your hard-earned results negatively affected.
- Are you done breastfeeding? If you’re still breastfeeding, any of the breast enhancement surgeries can damage the milk ducts. You should be finished with breastfeeding for at least six months before considering a Mommy Makeover. Be aware that if you do plan to breastfeed in the future, these surgeries could cause complications; it’s best to be finished with breastfeeding before altering your breasts in any way.
- Are you in good health? Many moms don’t take the time to eat a proper diet, exercise, and care for their own health because they are so preoccupied with their children. Before considering any surgery, you must be in good health yourself. If you aren’t, take some time to introduce healthy eating, a regular exercise routine, and a check-up with your general practitioner to be sure you’re in top form. Once you’re back to your own healthy self, make the phone call for your Mommy Makeover consultation.
- Do you have support at home? Managing time for herself is difficult for any mom, but your Mommy Makeover recovery time must be taken seriously to avoid potential complications or risks for yourself and to ensure the most optimal result. You must have help at home to get the required rest and care, which is especially difficult when you have children who need your attention. Make arrangements with your partner to take time off and help around the house or at least to take charge of driving the kids back and forth to daycare, school, and other activities. If you’re a single mother, recruit close friends and family to help you with tasks you can’t manage at home, watching the kids while you get your rest, or running errands you aren’t able to do.
- Do you have the time for recovery? Don’t plan your Mommy Makeover two weeks before your high school reunion five states away; you won’t be going. Choose a time on your (and your partner’s) calendar that is convenient, with six to eight weeks blocked off for your potential recovery. Discuss the specifics of your recovery with your physician, which will largely depend on what procedures you’re having done and the extent of work required to correct your concerns. Every body is different and will recover differently and at its own pace; listen to your body and be sure to give it enough time to heal slowly, if necessary.
So, while there is no “perfect time” for a Mommy Makeover, there is a short answer to this question: The perfect time for your Mommy Makeover is whenever you are ready for it. If you’ve been able to answer these questions correctly, then it may be time to schedule that first appointment.
Mommy Makeovers by Dr. Steinbrech
Pick up the phone and make your first phone call to Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, a fully-trained plastic surgeon with board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery under the American Board of Medical Specialties. With a specialty in minimally invasive aesthetics, he has provided countless satisfied clients with results in a range of plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Schedule a clinical consultation appointment at his office today to discuss what changes he can perform for your body. Make your first step with a visit to Douglas S. Steinbrech, MD, FACS at 60 East 56th Street, Suite 3A, in New York, New York, by calling (212) 750-0070.