When people congratulate you on being a mom, it is normal to crave a complete mommy makeover to make you feel great again. Children are a blessing. They bring so much happiness to our lives but can significantly affect our bodies. The stretching of the stomach muscles and skin, thighs, breasts and other areas can lead to stretch marks, excess fat deposits and loose, sagging skin. Many of today’s moms don’t feel they should sacrifice the way they look just because they’ve had children. More and more women are discovering that there is, in fact, a way to reclaim their bodies – cosmetic surgery.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
Women are counteracting the effects of pregnancy on their bodies by choosing a “Mommy Makeover.” This is a combination of procedures meant to address those effects of pregnancy that cannot be reversed through diet and exercise. A mommy makeover is not just for recent moms — some women wait several years before deciding to treat themselves. Commonly, a tummy tuck is combined with either a breast augmentation, or in some cases, a breast augmentation and a breast lift. Liposuction is also an option for certain areas.
Why Do You Need a Mommy Makeover?
The changes to the body from pregnancy are not all on the outside. As the baby grows and forces the uterus against the inside muscle wall of the abdomen, those vertical muscles get stretched apart and elongate, which results in a “pouch” on the lower stomach that can’t be fixed with diet and exercise alone. A tummy tuck is required to bring those muscles back together.
Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can cause the size of the breasts to change. Some women experience extensive swelling, sometimes causing a difference of one to two cup sizes. In addition to the postpartum loss of fat tissue, swelling can cause the skin to stretch and then sag. No amount of exercise can re-tighten that skin.
A breast lift or mastopexy can be performed to remove the excess skin and “lift” the breasts to reduce the sagging. As the body prepares to nurture a child, milk glands in the breasts swell and replace fatty tissue. After childbirth, these glands shrink and leave extra skin. In this case, a breast augmentation can be performed. You can bring your breasts back to their youthful contour with natural-looking and safe implants.
Another result of breastfeeding can be a change in the size and shape of the nipples. Some women’s nipples become larger in size. Surgery can correct this, and with a mommy makeover in Miami, your problem will be solved.
Are Mommy Makeovers Safe?
Mommy makeovers are generally a safe enhancement option, but as with any surgery, there are some risks to consider. A mommy makeover combines surgeries like a tummy tuck, breast enhancement or reduction and liposuction, and by putting all of these procedures together, you increase your risk and recovery time. While complications are rare, those who report symptoms generally experience issues with wound healing, such as minor infections and bleeding.
The specific risks of a mommy makeover depend on which body and breast procedures you receive. Each surgery offers unique benefits and risks, and it's best to speak with one of our plastic surgeons before undergoing treatment to ensure you fully understand mommy makeover safety before your surgery.
How Should I Prepare for a Mommy Makeover?
You can minimize many potential risks of a mommy makeover surgery by following your surgeon's pre-surgery directions. Some preparation measures include:
- Avoid taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs before your procedure to limit the risk of bleeding. Your surgeon may also ask you to stop or restrict your medications before surgery.
- Based on your current health, you may need to take a blood test, X-ray or EKG before surgery.
- Avoid smoking for at least two weeks before surgery, and do not drink alcohol for at least a week prior.
What is The Recovery Process Like?
Following the correct recovery process can also help minimize any risks associated with a mommy makeover. The recovery period is generally about six weeks, and your specific activity and posture restrictions will vary depending on what procedures you receive. Before surgery, our team of surgeons will take the time to explain your exact recovery timeline and ways to ensure you are safe and comfortable.
Mommy Makeover Services at Miami Plastic Surgery®
Dr. Max Polo and our patient teams strive for high-quality cosmetic care to fit your goals for your body. We offer the following services as part of the mommy makeover at Miami Plastic Surgery®.
Breast Augmentation
A breast augmentation procedure includes inserting implants to increase breast size. We offer saline and silicone breast implants placed over or under the breast muscle. The placement can vary depending on your body type, existing breast tissue and desired results.
Breast Lift
Consider our breast lift procedure if you want to enhance, reshape and raise your breasts. Dr. Polo specializes in the newest techniques to leave minimal scars and encourage a quick recovery.
Breast Reduction
Larger breasts can often cause neck and back discomfort. A breast reduction can help lift some of the weight from your body and allows more freedom for your favorite physical activities.
Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty — also known as a tummy tuck — eliminates excess fat and sagging in the abdomen. With this procedure, you can be bikini-ready in no time!
Liposuction
Liposuction is similar to a tummy tuck but only targets specific body areas to remove fat. With this procedure, you can reshape your body's silhouette to fit your desired goals.
Buttock Augmentation
The buttock augmentation procedure — or Brazilian Butt Lift — is a cosmetic enhancement of your behind. If you have tried to plump up your buttocks with diet, exercise and strength training with minimal success, you may want to consider buttock augmentation.
The Max Makeover: Dr. Polo’s Signature Procedure
In this episode of Slices, Dr. Max Polo discusses his signature procedure, The Max Makeover. The Max Makeover is Dr. Max Polo’s version of the mommy makeover, which is usually a breast lift or augmentation with a tummy tuck/abdominoplasty.
Mommy Makeover Cost
The cost of a mommy makeover at Miami Plastic Surgery® can vary based on your surgical needs. This cost range can depend on several factors, including the procedures involved, the techniques used and your treatment goals. Contact us for a detailed treatment plan including cost estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several major benefits, both physical and psychological, of a mommy makeover. A few of our patients rave about are:
- You’ll be able to have multiple surgeries (including a tummy tuck, breast lift, and liposuction) at the same time, which streamlines scheduling and recovery.
- A mommy makeover gives you long-lasting results that you can typically enjoy for decades if your weight remains stable.
- The procedure can correct things diet and exercise can’t, like sagging skin, stretch marks, or breast volume loss.
- A tummy tuck can repair abdominal muscles that were damaged during pregnancy, making it more comfortable to maintain an active lifestyle long-term.
Additionally, one of the most significant benefits of a mommy makeover goes beyond skin deep. The changes your body goes through during pregnancy are dramatic, rapid, and sometimes feel startling. Many new moms find this procedure helps them feel like themselves again.
We recommend being at or slightly above your desired weight before the procedure. Your desired weight should be one you can easily maintain after the surgery.
Yes! Combining cosmetic procedures allows you to pay certain fees only once and go through just a single recovery period. Additionally, the results will be more noticeable.
It is best to wait until after you are finished having children to plan a mommy makeover. Pregnancy following this procedure may reverse the results.
If you are in overall good health, are not pleased with your appearance following pregnancy and are not currently pregnant, you can be a candidate for a mommy makeover. However, this procedure is not a solution to being overweight.
The length of your mommy makeover will vary depending on the procedures chosen at the time of your consultation. Typically, you can expect the surgery to last between three to five hours. You may be able to go home the same day. However, if extensive procedures were performed or you have other health conditions, we might recommend an overnight stay.
Schedule Your Mommy Makeover Consultation Today!
If you are considering a mommy makeover in Miami, Florida, with the board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Polo at Miami Plastic Surgery®, call 305.595.2969 or fill out the form on this page to book a consultation.
