Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful journeys a woman can have, but it does leave a noticeable mark on the body. During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a myriad of hormonal and weight changes that can alter the way her body looks long after the pregnancy is over. Fortunately, women who want their pre-pregnancy bodies back have a surgical solution. At Murphy Plastic Surgery in Englewood, CO, and Denver, CO we know that a Mommy Makeover can help every mother feel like her most beautiful self.

What Is Included in a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover is actually a combination of a few common plastic surgery procedures that are customized to help women reclaim the preferred shape of their bodies after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Although new motherhood is a gift, some of the post-pregnancy changes to the body can be difficult to cope with.

Many women try to get back into shape after childbirth through regular diet and exercise. But between sleepless nights with newborns and challenging hormonal changes, losing weight might not be as easy as it once was. With the right combination of plastic surgery procedures customized to your aesthetic needs, you can contour the shape of your body and feel refreshed again. This procedure typically includes:

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is one of the hallmarks of this makeover procedure. A tummy tuck excises loose skin from the stomach and tightens the abdominal wall so the stomach is flat and fits once more.

During pregnancy, the muscles in the abdominal wall and the skin around the midsection stretch to accommodate a baby. Although some mothers may be able to restore this part of their bodies naturally, other mothers may struggle to tighten the core muscles and skin. A tummy tuck makes this process easier.

Liposuction

One significant part of pregnancy is weight gain – specifically, additional fat storage, which is necessary to provide expectant mothers with the resources necessary to endure the strains of pregnancy. Weight gain with excess fat is most noticeable in the breasts and around the stomach. After childbirth, fat in these areas can be difficult to get rid of due to hormonal changes.

Liposuction is commonly paired with a tummy tuck to remove unwanted fat from the midsection. Some women also use liposuction on other areas of the body that may have gained unwanted fat during pregnancy, such as the breasts, thighs, buttocks, hips, and underarms. Your liposuction procedure will be customized to your preferred outcome.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is often the final component of a Mommy Makeover. During pregnancy, a woman typically experiences drastic changes in the size and shape of her breasts due to milk production; these changes are usually sustained while the woman is breastfeeding. However, after you are done breastfeeding, the natural appearance of your breasts may not return.

Breast augmentation procedures will restore the size and shape of the natural breast by removing loose skin or unwanted fat. Augmenting the shape of the breasts can be done with or without breast implants. Some women prefer to have implants and some women do not.

Breast Implant Options

The most common choices for breast implants are saline and silicone, although gummy bear implants are becoming more popular for women who want a more natural feel. Breast implants come in different shapes and sizes and can be placed above or behind the pectoral muscle to achieve a specific aesthetic goal.

Other Mommy Makeover FAQs

1. Can You Lose Weight With This Procedure?

This procedure is not intended to be a weight loss surgery, so you will not lose a significant amount of weight with this procedure. However, when liposuction is involved in your treatment plan, it’s possible you may lose a few pounds of unwanted fat. Some women may even reduce a pants or dress size after this procedure.

That said, this treatment is most effective when women are already at a goal healthy weight. After childbirth, it’s a good idea to try to lose weight naturally. If you have excessive unwanted fat after your pregnancy, you may not yet be qualified for this procedure.

2. Is This Procedure More Cost-Effective?

Plastic surgery is an investment in your appearance, so many women are interested in making sure their procedures are cost-effective. To be frank, combining your plastic surgeries into a single procedure is an ideal way to save both time and money. When your procedures are combined, you can save on the costs of your treatment overall. You will also be able to save time during your recovery.

3. How Long Is Your Recovery?

In general, most women recover from this procedure within two to eight weeks. Your specific recovery time will depend on the combination of surgeries included in your procedure. For example, recovering from a tummy tuck and liposuction procedure may only require two to four weeks for recovery, while recovering from a procedure that includes breast implants may take up to eight weeks.

Instead of having your procedures separately and potentially needing several months for recovery, you complete your recovery in about two months. During your recovery time, it’s important to have someone who can help you complete certain daily tasks, drive you home, and allow you adequate time to rest immediately following your procedure. Your post-recovery instructions may include:

• Light walking
• No swimming
• No hot water or saunas
• No lifting or carrying
• Sleeping on your back
• Using cold compresses
• Wear loose-fitting clothing
• Use compression garments
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption
• And more

4. How Long Will Results Last?

The results of your procedure can last for several years. In fact, most plastic surgery procedures are designed to be permanent – and they are as long as you take care to maintain your body weight and health. Gaining weight after your surgery will undo the results of your procedure.

The best thing you can do to ensure your results last for as long as possible is to implement healthy lifestyle changes. This means eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly to maintain your body shape and weight. You can start making these lifestyle changes about six weeks after your procedure, which is when you will be allowed to resume your regular workout routine.

5. When Is the Best Time for This Procedure?

The best time to have this procedure is after you have fully recovered from childbirth if you only intend to treat the abdominal area. For most women, this means waiting for at least six months after childbirth to have any plastic surgery procedures. If you had a C-section, you may have to wait longer before you can have this procedure. Your abdominal tissue must be fully healed before you can have any abdominal procedures.

If you intend to augment the breast or have breast implants, then you will need to delay your treatment until you are no longer breastfeeding. It’s generally a good idea to wait until the breasts are no longer producing milk before having any type of breast surgery. Again, if you plan to be pregnant again, it may make more sense to delay this procedure since another pregnancy will likely alter the appearance of your breasts.

6. Who Are Good Candidates?

Women who have fully recovered from childbirth and who are no longer breastfeeding are the best candidates for this procedure. A consultation will determine whether or not this procedure is appropriate for your general health and aesthetic goals. To qualify for this procedure, you may need to complete certain labs and exams.

The best candidates for this procedure are women who are no longer planning on becoming pregnant again, as another pregnancy will undo the results of your treatment. If you have good general health and you can maintain a stable weight, then you are likely ideal for this procedure. You may also be a good candidate if you:

• Have changes in breast size and shape
• Have drooping nipples
• Have excessive sagging skin
• Have unwanted fat

Feel More Confident With Mommy Makeover

A woman’s body can change drastically with pregnancy, and sometimes exercise and diet aren’t effective options for new mothers. Luckily, a procedure like a Mommy Makeover can help women restore the shape of their bodies so they can feel more comfortable in their skin. Contact Murphy Plastic Surgery in Englewood, CO, and Denver, CO to schedule your consultation for this set of procedures today.