Answering Your Questions about Mommy Makeovers
Mommy makeovers are one of the most popular trends in plastic surgery today. More and more young mothers, eager to restore their bodies to the condition they were prior to pregnancy and breast-feeding, are undergoing these combination procedures. A mommy makeover generally consists of a tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) to remove excess skin and tighten the muscles of the midsection as well as either a breast reduction, breast lift, or breast enhancement, depending on the size and firmness of the breasts after breast feeding. Many women have questions about mommy makeovers. Here are some helpful answers to some of the most common.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
Every person is unique and each body has its own individual areas of concern, so ultimately the best way to determine if you are a candidate for a mommy makeover procedure is to come in for a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons. In general, however, any healthy woman who is unhappy with the look of their body after the effects of pregnancy and breast feeding is a candidate, although it is recommended that women who plan to have additional children wait to undergo the procedure; as an additional pregnancy can reverse what was corrected during a mommy makeover.
Why is it best to have these procedures at one time instead of individually?
Every surgical procedure takes a toll on the body and requires a period of recovery. While undergoing two or three different procedures at the same time during a mommy makeover does not mean that you heal any faster, it does mean that you only have to go through the healing process once, rather than two or three times. A tummy tuck or breast lift procedure can each require 7-10 days before you can comfortably return to even light work, much less get back to a regular exercise regimen or more intense physical labor. Finding the time to spend a couple of weeks possibly for recovery is difficult enough for a busy mother; making the time to do it on multiple occasions is nearly impossible. Finally, combining procedures and reducing the amount of time spent in the hospital can also translate into significant financial savings as well.
How long do I have to wait after my pregnancy before getting a mommy makeover?
After the birth of a child, it may take several months for your body to return to its pre-pregnancy form. The abdomen and breasts have undergone significant changes to accommodate and care for the new infant, and once these changes are no longer necessary the skin will contract to varying degrees in an effort to return the body to its pre-pregnancy state. Undergoing a breast lift, for example, while the size of the breasts is still changing is not recommended. In order to ensure that you have a long-lasting result, you should be at your goal weight for at least six months and have stopped breast-feeding for 6 months before undergoing a mommy makeover.
If you are interested in learning more details about one of the procedures we perform at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C., contact us at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan offices to schedule a consultation. Additionally, we are proud to provide a variety of options for financing, including CareCreditSM and Alphaeon®, in order to assist you. Please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery with any questions you may have concerning the financial planning of your procedure and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest news.
