Q: I just gave birth to our third child four months ago and we don’t plan to have any more. I am so ready to get my pre-pregnancy body back! When can I schedule my mommy makeover?
A: First of all, congratulations on the new addition to your family! Although this is an exciting time, we certainly understand your eagerness to get your pre-pregnancy figure back. Pregnancy is a wonderful thing, but there is no denying that it takes an incredible toll on a mother’s body. Women can experience significant weight gain and loss, considerable stretching of skin—frequently past the point of its elasticity—and their breasts may sag after they finish breastfeeding. Unfortunately, even though you may exercise regularly and watch your diet, no amount of crunches can correct lax, sagging skin. We perform many mommy makeovers each year for precisely these reasons.
While you may be ready to get your pre-baby body back NOW, there are some timing considerations that are important in order to get the best results. Keep reading to learn more about what is included in a mommy makeover and when you should schedule yours.
What Exactly is a Mommy Makeover?
At Southern Surgical Arts, a mommy makeover refers to a number of procedures, performed at one time, that are determined by the areas that need correction and enhancement. Generally speaking, mommy makeovers include a breast augmentation, possibly in conjunction with a breast lift, liposculpture to the flanks, abdomen, hips and thighs, and a tummy tuck. During liposculpture, your cosmetic surgeon will remove excess fat with laser technology to create beautiful, shapely contours. The tummy tuck surgery removes excess abdominal skin and repairs and tightens the underlying muscles so that you no longer have a “pooch.”
Timing is Everything
A mommy makeover can make a huge improvement in your body confidence and self-image, and will help you look and feel more youthful. But in order to get the best, lasting results, it’s important to time the procedure correctly.
To be a candidate for a mommy makeover, patients should generally be in good health, up to age 65, non-smokers, and within 10-15 pounds of their ideal weight. Although we do have patients up to age 65 seek mommy makeovers, most of our patients who request this procedure are in their 30s and 40s.
Before you schedule your surgery, you should be finished having children, as subsequent pregnancies and the associated weight gain (and loss) will interfere with your results, causing further stretching and sagging. You should give your body several months to find its “new normal.”
Ideally, you should also wait several months after you have finished breastfeeding so that your breasts will have achieved their smaller, post-lactation size. Once you have allowed your body sufficient time to “reset,” your surgeon will be able to see exactly what he is working with and make appropriate recommendations.
Another important aspect to timing your mommy makeover is to consider recovery time. The surgery takes between 2-4 hours, depending on which procedures are performed. Recovery time is generally 1-2 weeks, but can take longer depending on your general health and the number of procedures performed during your mommy makeover. During this time, you should not do any heavy lifting to avoid disturbing your incisions. You will want to schedule your mommy makeover when you can take as much time as needed to fully recover.
If you would like to learn more about mommy makeovers, please call Southern Surgical Arts at 423-266-3331 to set up a complimentary personal consultation. Dr. Carey Nease and Dr. Chad Deal are board-certified, award-winning cosmetic surgeons who have performed hundreds of mommy makeovers and have the skill, experience, and training to provide the beautiful results you desire.
