As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes, including loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone, causing the chest and stomach to simply look stretched as we age. These physical transformations can affect our self-confidence, but there is a treatment that can turn back the body clock. A Mommy Makeover can restore our body after the changes of pregnancy, breastfeeding and aging. It usually involves breast enhancement and abdominal contouring. Here, we explore what the Mommy Makeover entails and how it can help restore a youthful body in one fell swoop.
What is involved in a Mommy Makeover?
According to Thompsonville, PA plastic surgeon Simona V. Paulter, MD a Mommy Makeover consists of several procedures that are tailored to each patient’s needs. For breast contouring, options may include breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, or a combination of these. Abdominal procedures may include abdominoplasty with or without liposuction, liposuction alone, or mini abdominoplasty. Some patients may also opt for an arm lift, thigh lift, or lipoplasty.
Who is a good candidate?
The ideal candidate for a Mommy Makeover is generally a woman who has been through multiple pregnancies or has experienced significant weight loss. “A good candidate is in good health and has some body changes to deal with, such as sagging breasts, loose skin on the stomach, and excess pockets of fat in areas like the thighs and hips,” said Dr. explains Paulter. It is also important to have realistic expectations and not plan to have more children in the future.
Cost and Recovery Time
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Mommy Makeover costs can vary depending on several factors. These include the type and number of surgeries, the experience of the surgeon, and the geographic location of the surgery. In the US, pricing generally ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. If multiple procedures are involved, the cost may be higher.
According to Dr. Paulter, these cases are often long-term and an overnight stay in the hospital may be recommended. Recovery time can also vary, but combining breast and body procedures allows for a single recovery period, minimizing time away from family and work. Generally, patients can expect several weeks of downtime to fully recover. Initial healing usually takes about one to two weeks, during which patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
“Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least four to six weeks to allow the body to heal properly. It is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure a smooth recovery process,” adds Dr. Paulter.
New approaches and advances
Louisville, KY plastic surgeon Chet Mays, MD says he focuses on sculpting 360 degrees when doing a Mommy Makeover, considering the entire body canvas, not just one area. “Using assisted liposuction, I’m able to sculpt the upper back, lower back, hips and waist, creating a three-dimensional shape,” she explains. “I also perform fat transfers, injecting the patient’s own fat into areas such as the buttocks and hips to enhance volume and shape. This approach aims to create natural-looking results while maintaining body proportions.”
Houston, Texas plastic surgeon Olga Bachilo, MD emphasizes the importance of multimodal pain management at Mommy Makeovers. “This approach minimizes drug use, leading to improved patient outcomes,” he says. “Patients feel less pain and discomfort and recovery is accelerated. This has revolutionized the field and transformed the recovery experience for many patients.”
Dr. Bachilo also offers vaginal rejuvenation as a Mommy Makeover option. This comprehensive approach includes surgical procedures such as labiaplasty or vaginoplasty to tighten and tone the vaginal muscles and skin. “Alternatively, they can also choose the non-surgical option of ThermiVa, a painless and non-invasive treatment that uses radio frequency technology to tighten the vaginal muscles without surgery.”
Confidence boost
One thing we know for sure: Mommy Makeovers are safer than ever and more effective, giving patients the opportunity to address multiple concerns at once. This procedure can help create a renewed sense of self-confidence for those who are unhappy with certain areas of their body. Beyond a physical transformation, a Mommy Makeover can boost self-esteem and well-being from the outside in.
