The Mommy Makeover Takeover
Pregnancy and breastfeeding change the body, and while the result of having a new child is more than gratifying, some new mothers may find themselves displeased with their changed form.
“Some women feel like they lost their sexuality, femininity and attractiveness after having a child. It is not for the husband — it is for the new mother struggling with body image and self-esteem issues. These procedures can truly be life changing both emotionally and mentally.”
When diet and exercise fail to provide results, new mothers have been turning to cosmetic surgery to restore self-esteem and body happiness.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that, more than ever, some women are looking to plastic surgery to return to their pre-baby bodies. This can be contributed to pregnancies at a later age, multiple pregnancies and the desire to continue their fit and healthy pre-baby lives. The average age of a new mom is 26, the highest it’s ever been, leaving some new mothers struggling to get their bodies back to pre-baby shape.
Bruce Mast, M.D., chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine, provides insight into the mommy makeover:
“The increase in popularity likely has to do with the growing acceptance of cosmetic surgery. The expense has come down because more women are choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery, safety has increased and there is a greater awareness of cosmetic procedures.“
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering a mommy makeover. Surgeons recommend that makeover candidates discontinue breastfeeding at least six months before the procedure and are not planning on having any more children. While breastfeeding is possible with breast implants, Dr. Mast recommends waiting until you are done having children to prevent repeated procedures. A mommy makeover is for body contouring, not weight loss, so make sure you are as close to your goal weight as possible before entering any procedures. Diet and exercise should always be the first step to restoring a pre-baby body.
What is the mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover is not just one procedure. It can include procedures for the breasts, tummy and lower body. One or more procedures may be required to restore your pre-baby body. A consultation will determine your individual needs.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
An abdominoplasty drastically reduces loose skin and reshapes the stomach muscles. While the procedure does not ensure the removal of stretch marks, it is possible that stretch marks will disappear as part of the excess skin is removed. A healthy diet and exercise program can increase positive results as well.
Learn more about abdominoplasty
Breast Lift/Breast Augmentation
Stress on the breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause them to sag. Several procedures can be done to improve breast appearance, including breast augmentation and breast lift.
Breast augmentation is more than a procedure to get larger breasts; surgeons use implants to give fuller, more proportioned breasts. A breast lift focuses on lifting the breasts and making them firmer by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. Breast augmentation can change breast size, and breast lifts improve the shape and restore the youthful appearance of breasts. Often, these procedures are performed together for the best result.
Learn more about breast augmentation
Liposuction
Liposuction removes excess fat to reshape specific areas of the body, including thighs, hips and buttocks, abdomen, upper arms, chest area, back and inner knee. The most popular areas for the mommy makeover are the thigh and stomach regions.
About the UF Health Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center
Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer comprehensive care with consultations and support along the way. Our physicians are trusted with a wide range of surgical and nonsurgical solutions for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. Beyond cosmetic surgeries, we perform post-cancer reconstruction, wound healing, scar revisions, hand surgery and pediatric plastic surgery.
Each of the procedures described in the mommy makeover require different preparations, instructions and recovery time, and we encourage candidates for these procedures to explore the details. Positive results from any of these procedures should be experienced when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Always keep in the mind that these surgeries are extremely personal and should be done for you, not to satisfy someone else’s desires or achieve a perfect image.
Learn more about what to expect in a cosmetic procedure.
Call us today at 352-265-8402 or visit us at UFHealth.org/plastics.
If you are thinking about cosmetic surgery, we urge you to ensure your doctor has the following:
- American board certification, preferably with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Experience in the procedure you want.
- Privileges at a local hospital for the procedure you desire.
- Good reputation and minimal malpractice incidents.
- Emotional connection established between patient and doctor.
- Personally dedicates time to answer all of your questions.