The “mommy makeover” is a term that was created to describe a combination of procedures that are done to correct many of the changes that occur to a woman’s body after having children. It is used to describe a combination of various procedures.
The most significant physical changes that occur after pregnancies are to the abdomen and breasts. The abdominal skin is often stretched and loose, and may bear stretch marks. The breasts, especially if a woman breast feeds, may have drooped and lost volume. The classic surgeries that correct these problems are the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and the breast lift (mastopexy) with or without breast implants to add volume. In some cases liposuction is also performed at the same time, most often to the hips, back, thighs and/or arms. When multiple procedures are performed together, they are often called a “mommy makeover”.
It is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon if you are considering these types of procedures. You should be done having children and at a stable weight. Potential patients should be in good general health, and preferably be practicing a regular exercise routine. A general medical clearance is needed before proceeding with this type of surgery. It is done under general anesthesia, and should only be performed in an accredited surgery center or hospital. You will need some recovery time – typically several weeks – and if you have young children, you should plan on having help at home for at least the first week.
