What a Mommy Makeover Can & Can’t Do
Pregnancy and childbirth can take a toll on a woman’s body. However, the effects that pregnancy has on the breasts, abdomen, and other areas can occur naturally over time, whether a woman has ever been pregnant or not. In recent years, more and more women have turned to mommy makeover surgery to help regain a more fit, youthful silhouette. A mommy makeover addresses a variety of issues by combining three outstanding body contouring procedures (a tummy tuck, liposuction, and cosmetic breast surgery) into a single surgery session. Despite its surge in popularity, there are still many things patients don’t know about mommy makeovers. That’s why I’ve written this brief primer on what can and cannot be accomplished with a mommy makeover.
A Mommy Makeover Can Be Customized to the Patient’s Unique Needs
Part of the reason mommy makeovers are so popular (in addition to the amazing results and cost savings they are able to provide) is the freedom they give patients to customize their procedures. For instance, a mommy makeover can include either a breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a breast reduction depending on the aesthetic goals of the respective patient. We will discuss all of your potential cosmetic surgery options during your consultation.
A Mommy Makeover Can’t Provide Substantial Weight Loss
A mommy makeover is a tool for body contouring, not weight loss. Although some fat will be removed during surgery, the total amount of excess skin and fat removed will not weigh very much. This is why I advise my mommy makeover patients to reach their ideal weight before undergoing their procedure.
A Mommy Makeover Can Restore a Woman’s Pre-Baby Body
It’s common for hormone shifts that occur during pregnancy to create new deposits of stubborn fat that cannot be reduced with conventional weight loss methods. Liposuction is perfect for removing these small pockets of fat that may not respond to diet and exercise alone. Pregnancy often leads to excess, loose skin and damaged muscles in the abdominal area. A tummy tuck can be an excellent way to safely remove this extra skin and tighten the damaged muscles to provide a trimmer, flatter tummy. Some women may also experience a loss of breast volume or breast sagging after breastfeeding. This is why a cosmetic breast procedure of the patient’s choice is typically included in a mommy makeover.
A Mommy Makeover Can’t Be a Replacement for Healthy Diet & Exercise
Undergoing a mommy makeover is not a substitute for maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. In fact, unhealthy habits can negatively affect the results of your surgery and create the need for additional procedures. Instead of thinking of your mommy makeover as a replacement for eating right and working out, think of it as a complement to a new, healthier lifestyle.
For plastic surgery patients, understanding what your prospective procedure can and cannot help you accomplish is very helpful when planning your surgery. Establishing two way communication between myself and a patient is crucial for setting realistic and attainable expectations for the procedure. For more information or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery news, tips, and more.