Motherhood changes a woman both mentally and physically. Some of these changes are readily embraced, like the joy of a growing family and the day-to-day wonderment of seeing your child’s personality blossom. But with those remarkable changes in daily life can also come some that make a woman feel unlike herself and diminish her confidence in her appearance. From deflated breasts to stretch marks and a sagging midsection, these physical changes can make a new mom feel unattractive and have a negative impact on this otherwise amazing time in her life. The “Mommy Makeover” Surgery not only reshapes a woman’s body after having children, but it can also reshape her outlook on life and motherhood!
“At first, I hesitated to share how I felt about my body after having kids because I was scared I sounded selfish and ungrateful,” confesses Kristi, a 38-year-old “Mommy Makeover” patient of Edina Plastic Surgery. “I mean, here I had these two beautiful kids that needed me so much and would need so many things in the future like cars and college—but how I felt about my body was starting to affect the kind of mom I wanted to be for them. The day I realized that was the same day I made a surgical consultation with Dr. Philbin at Edina Plastic Surgery to discuss a Mommy Makeover.”
What IS the Mommy Makeover Surgery?
“Mommy Makeover” is a term used to describe combined surgical procedures that focus on rejuvenating a woman’s breasts and abdominal area after childbirth. This surgery most commonly includes breast lift and breast augmentation surgery to address sagging and deflated breasts and a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and stretch marks. Liposuction may also be performed to remove fat and reshape and contour a woman’s body.
“In the last decade or so I have seen women’s attitudes about plastic surgery after childbirth shift,” says Dr. Michael Philbin, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Edina Plastic Surgery. “Moms today are more forthcoming about admitting they love their kids, but simply wish their bodies looked more like they did before their pregnancies,” he continues. “These women aren’t reticent to acknowledge that they need and want more help beyond simple diet and exercise to feel confident about their appearance again, and I celebrate them for that bravery!”
What Procedures may be involved in a Surgical Mommy Makeover?
Breast Lift – Excess tissue is removed, and breasts are lifted into a more youthful positioning on the chest.
Breast Augmentation – If a woman’s breasts have become deflated and flattened after pregnancy and breastfeeding, breast implants may be used to restore lost volume and shape.
Breast Reduction – Some women experience their breasts becoming (and staying) uncomfortably large and cumbersome after pregnancy and request breast reduction surgery.
Abdominoplasty – Also called a “tummy tuck,” this procedure removes excess lower abdominal skin that may be loose and have stretch marks. Abdominal muscles are also tightened to restore strength to the midsection and create a narrower and more desirable waistline.
Liposuction – A form of surgical body contouring, liposuction skillfully removes pockets of fat and simultaneously tightens tissue to reshapes the contours of the body.
What are the Benefits of having a Mommy Makeover over doing each procedure separately?
“Moms are some of the busiest people in the world, and I am saying that as I sit here before you as a surgeon,” smiles Dr. Philbin. “The fact that a Mommy Makeover allows you to address multiple concerns with only one day of surgery is especially attractive to busy Moms,” he explains.
One Downtime for Multiple Procedures: Depending on which procedures are performed with your Mommy Makeover, expect anywhere from two to four weeks of downtime before returning to a desk job. Your surgeon will advise you to not lift heavy objects for at least a month after surgery, which may require you needing child care assistance for one to two weeks. Regardless, a Mommy Makeover prevents you from needing to go through this downtime on multiple occasions.
Better Overall Results: A Mommy Makeover takes the balance and appearance of your “whole” body into consideration. When multiple procedures are performed, the overall outcome is enhanced and more complete.
Reduced Cost of Anesthesia: Addressing multiple concerns during one surgery results in reduced costs for anesthesia.
Improved Appearance of Caesarean or Hysterectomy Scars: Because the incision for abdominoplasty is at the same level on the lower abdomen as these scars typically are, your surgeon may be able to remove these old scars during your tummy tuck.
Why should I choose Edina Plastic Surgery for my Mommy Makeover?
All of the plastic surgeons at Edina Plastic Surgery are board certified in plastic surgery. Why is this relevant? Many physicians who have no training in plastic surgery and have not completed any examination or certification to assess their knowledge and skill of these procedures are now offering “cosmetic surgery.” In fact, they may not even be surgeons. This lack of training can be very dangerous, especially for the specific procedures often included in a Mommy Makeover.
“Yes, I want my patients to achieve the best results possible, but I also want those to be procured by the SAFEST means possible,” says Dr. Philbin adamantly. “Because I believe our patients deserve the highest caliber of care, I have received and continue to receive advanced training on all of the surgeries we perform at Edina Plastic Surgery,” he continues. “Surgical procedures are not a static art; they constantly evolve and improve. It’s important to make sure your surgeon keeps pace with those advancements to ensure you get the best care and surgical outcomes. You deserve that.”
Are you a Mom who is struggling with the appearance of her body after childbirth? If so, know that you are not alone and our team would love to discuss your options with you. Schedule a Mommy Makeover consultation with MSP Magazine “Top Doc,” Dr. Philbin or another Edina Plastic Surgery board certified plastic surgeon by calling (952) 925-1765.
