Washington DC Mommy Makeover Guide

Pregnancy allows women to enjoy the many benefits of motherhood, but it can also take a toll on the body.

In fact, the expansion and stretching of skin that occurs during this time often leads to sagging breasts, a flabby abdomen, stretch marks, and isolated pockets of fat.

While some moms are able to combat these effects with diet and exercise, others are unable to regain their figure through these methods alone. As a result, many women are undergoing a combination of cosmetic procedures known as a Mommy Makeover to look and feel their best after giving birth.

Because a mommy makeover can vary from patient to patient, it’s important to understand the possible treatment options that may comprise your surgical plan. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about a mommy makeover.

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover consists of one or more plastic surgeries that can help women enhance their appearance and increase their confidence post-pregnancy.

While this process does not help with weight loss, it is able to remove excess skin, tighten damaged muscles, diminish stretch marks, target unwanted fat, improve the size and shape of breasts, and reduce cellulite.

Who’s a Good Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

To be considered as a candidate for a mommy makeover, you need to be at least 18 years of age and physically and mentally healthy.

It’s also important for women to be sure that they are done having children, as a subsequent pregnancy could negatively impact surgery results.

Additionally, patients should be at a stable weight and seeking surgery for themselves and not at the request or pressure of others.

How to Find a Skilled and Qualified Surgeon?

A mommy makeover can be a complex and multi-step process that requires a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring and breast surgery.

The surgeon you select should actively listen to your concerns and goals and conduct a physical exam before creating a customized treatment plan.

Other factors that he or she may take into account include your medical history, budget, and time you have for recovery.

Which Treatments May Be Included in a Mommy Makeover?

Your plastic surgeon will make recommendations based on your specific circumstances, but mommy makeovers frequently include: Liposuction, breast surgery, tummy tuck, cellulite reduction, and stretch mark removal.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction and cannula to extract unwanted fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms.

A breast lift is also known as a mastopexy and allows a plastic surgeon to eliminate loose skin, tighten muscles, and adjust the size, shape, and position of the areola. This treatment may be performed with a breast augmentation to restore volume and increase breast size with saline, silicone, or textured implants.

Additionally, a breast reduction is commonly combined with a lift to make breasts smaller and alleviate associated pain and discomfort. During this procedure, excess tissue and fat are removed to improve breast proportions.

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty helps patients achieve a slimmer waistline and flatter abdomen by excising skin and tightening abdominal muscles. It can be paired with liposuction for optimal sculpting effects.

The appearance of stretch marks and cellulite can also be improved through laser treatments that stimulate collagen production and breakdown fat and connective tissue.

What to Expect From Recovery?

The extent of recovery from a mommy makeover is often dictated by the number and complexity of surgeries. That being said, most patients should plan on taking 2 weeks off from work and arrange for a friend or family member to drive them home and help out for 24-48 hours.

After surgery, women may experience inflammation, swelling, irritation, and discomfort. However, these side effects can be managed with prescription pain medication and typically resolve within a week or two.

It’s also important to rest during this time, but light walking around the house will increase circulation and prevent the formation of blood clots.

Finally, adhere to post-operative instructions from your surgeon, including but not limited to, wearing a compression garment for two-to-three weeks and attending all follow-up appointments to evaluate progress and healing.

For a customized approach to your Washington DC mommy makeover, please call Washingtonian Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation.