Should You Have a Mommy Makeover?

As a mom, you no doubt love your child more than anything in the world, but it’s okay to admit if you don’t love the changes pregnancy and childbirth brought to your body, like stubborn fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise (especially in the tummy), excess skin, sagging breasts, and we’re gonna go ahead and say it… a vagina that isn’t exactly the way it was before baby.

That’s where a “Mommy Makeover” can help. You might choose to have a tummy tuck to get rid of excess skin and tighten your abdominal muscles, a breast augmentation and lift to restore volume and perkiness, liposuction to target those stubborn pockets of fat, a Votiva treatment to “rejuvenate” your lady parts– or all of the above!

Whatever your concerns are, a Mommy Makeover can be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. And with Mother’s Day coming up, there’s no better time to treat yourself to the gift of renewed confidence and self-love.

What is a “Mommy Makeover”?

After giving birth, many women’s bodies change permanently (there are just some things crunches and cardio can’t fix). For some, these changes can be very damaging to their self-esteem. A mommy makeover can restore a mother’s body, letting them enjoy having kids and looking great too!

A true mommy makeover is a full-body transformation that consists of a combination of various surgeries and treatments performed in a single session to correct any damage caused by childbirth to help moms regain their pre-pregnancy bodies.

These procedures are customized to meet each mom’s unique needs and goals and can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the areas that need to be addressed. However, the most common procedures included in a Mommy Makeover are a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, and vaginal rejuvenation. These procedures can all be performed simultaneously, making it a “one-stop” to a better body!

Here’s more on each individual procedure and the post-baby body issues they can help correct.

Tummy Tuck and Partial Tummy Tuck

One of the biggest complaints from moms is that their stomach is stretched out after pregnancy, resulting in sagging skin, fat pockets, stretch marks, and diastasis recti. Many call this a tummy “pooch” that won’t go away.

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, can restore a flatter and more toned appearance to the midsection. It is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the muscles in the abdominal wall, restoring and contouring your belly to bring it back to its previous firm and youthful state.

Benefits of a tummy tuck include:

A flatter stomach
Amore toned appearance to the midsection
Improved core strength
Removal of sagging skin and fat
Improved self-image

There are three types of tummy tucks; a full tummy tuck, a partial tummy tuck and the extended tummy tuck. While they all aim to achieve a flatter and more toned abdomen, the three procedures have some key differences. The main difference lies in the extent of the correction needed, which determines the size and location of the incision.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the entire abdominal area, including both above and below the belly button. This procedure involves making a horizontal incision just above the pubic area extending from one hip bone to another. The incision length may vary depending on how much excess skin needs to be removed.

The surgeon then lifts the skin and tightens the underlying muscles to create a flatter and more toned appearance to the abdomen. Finally, the excess skin is trimmed, and the incision is closed with sutures.

Healing from a tummy tuck will take several weeks. Having someone to help you during recovery is a necessity. It is advisable not to drive for two weeks. And to refrain from exercise or strenuous activity for four to six weeks.

Partial Tummy Tuck

A partial tummy tuck, also known as a mini tummy tuck, is a less extensive procedure that targets only the lower abdomen, below the belly button. This procedure involves making a smaller horizontal incision just above the pubic area that is typically shorter than that of a full tummy tuck. The surgeon then removes excess skin and tightens the lower abdominal muscles to improve the contour of the lower abdomen. Unlike a full tummy tuck, a partial tummy tuck does not involve repositioning the belly button or lifting the upper abdominal skin.

There is still a recovery window after a partial tummy tuck, but because it is less extensive than a full tummy tuck, the recovery time is usually shorter. Additionally, the scarring is typically less noticeable.

It is important to note that a partial tummy tuck may not be suitable for patients with significant excess skin or muscle separation in the upper abdomen. A full tummy tuck may be necessary in these cases to achieve the desired results.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck is a more extensive version of a full tummy tuck designed to address the issues faced by individuals with excess skin on their tummy, hips, and lower back. This procedure involves a horizontal incision stretching across the lower belly and around the hips, with the possibility of a vertical incision for wider treatment and removal of more tissue.

The excess fat is commonly contoured and reduced through liposuction, and the belly button is repositioned before closing the incision. The recovery period for patients undergoing this procedure typically takes a few weeks.

Liposuction

Sometimes, stubborn fat lingering post-pregnancy won’t go away even after diet and exercise. If you have persistent fat, liposuction can be the treatment that works. That said, to get liposuction, you should have lost most of the fat you are hoping to lose. Lipo should not be considered a fat loss procedure but rather the final contouring step to get your ideal body.

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes stubborn pockets of fat from various parts of the body, such as the thighs, hips, and buttocks. Even though liposuction is considered minimally invasive and you get to go home the same day, you might be put under general anesthesia depending on the type of liposuction you choose.

Benefits from liposuction:

Removes fat resistant to diet and exercise
Targeted fat removal to improve body contours
Better self-confidence

The most common technique for lipo is called tumescent liposuction. A sterile saline solution is injected with lidocaine and epinephrine to help aid in easier fat removal. Other techniques are ultrasound-assisted liposuction which uses sound waves to liquefy fat, and laser-assisted liposuction, which uses bursts of energy to do the same.

Our preferred method of liposuction here at The Lett Center is VASER liposuction. This minimally invasive body contouring procedure uses ultrasound technology to break down fat cells before removing them from the body.

VASER is more targeted than traditional liposuction, leaving surrounding muscles and tissues unaffected, resulting in more precise and sculpted results. Additionally, VASER can be performed under local anesthesia, making it less invasive and more convenient for patients, with reduced risk and side effects.

Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation

After gaining and losing weight with pregnancy and breastfeeding, you’ve probably noticed your breasts aren’t the same. They may now sag from loose skin or look deflated after volume loss.

To correct sagging or deflated breasts after pregnancy, you can opt for a breast lift, a breast augmentation, or both for lift and volume.

The benefits of these procedures include:

Restoration of perkiness to breasts from a lift
Corrected nipple size and placement from a breast lift surgery
Reverses volume loss with an augmentation
Creates a more full and firm look and feel
Improves self-confidence
Makes certain clothes available for wear

We will go into more detail about each procedure below, but it’s important to note that a breast lift and breast augmentation are two very different procedures.

The primary goal of a breast lift is to tighten breast tissue to lift sagging breasts. Breast augmentation, on the other hand, does not address sagging or drooping of the breasts and is intended solely to enhance their size and shape. That said, if there hasn’t been a lot of stretching of the breast tissue, it is possible that an implant could serve as a lift as well.

Many women opt to have both procedures done for complete breast reconstruction. Together, they can help make your breasts yours again… and in most cases, even better than they were pre-baby!

Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that many women get after giving birth, as it works wonders to raise and reshape sagging breasts that may have dropped after childbirth.

During a breast lift procedure, the plastic surgeon will make incisions on the breast and around the areola, and then remove excess skin and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher position on the breast mound. The surgeon will then reshape the breast tissue and tighten the remaining skin to create a firmer, more lifted appearance. An “anchor” or “lollipop” incision will often pull tissue together and shape it simultaneously.

Breast lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Patients may experience discomfort and swelling for a few days following the procedure. Most patients can return to work and resume normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Still, they should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves the use of implants to restore the volume and firmness that may be lost during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are numerous styles of implants to choose from. Fat transferred from liposuction is another option to refill breasts and restore their shape.

During a breast augmentation procedure with implants, the plastic surgeon will make an incision in the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit, depending on the individual case and the type of implant chosen. The surgeon will then create a pocket in the breast tissue, either above or below the chest muscle, and insert the implant into the pocket. The implant can be filled with saline or silicone gel and comes in various shapes and sizes to achieve the desired results.

Once the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and apply dressings or bandages to support the breasts as they heal. Patients may experience discomfort and swelling for several days following the procedure and should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks.

During breast augmentation with fat transfer, sometimes called natural breast augmentation or autologous fat transfer, there are several steps. First, the plastic surgeon will perform liposuction to remove fat from the donor area (typically the abdomen, hips, or thighs.) The harvested fat is then processed to remove any impurities and excess fluid. It is carefully injected into the breasts using a specialized cannula.

The surgeon will use a careful and meticulous technique to ensure that the fat is distributed evenly throughout the breast tissue, creating a natural-looking and proportional enhancement. Because the procedure involves using the patient’s own fat, it can create a very natural-looking and feeling result, with no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.

Patients typically experience some bruising and swelling in both the donor area and the breasts following the procedure. They may need to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Still, most patients can return to work and resume normal activities within 1-2 weeks.

Votiva Vaginal Rejuvenation

It’s no secret that pregnancy and childbirth can wreak havoc on a woman’s body – and let’s be honest, things often don’t look or feel quite the same “below the belt” as they used to. Votiva is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to rejuvenate and tighten the tissues of the vagina and vulva.

Many women undergo Votiva vaginal rejuvenation after childbirth, as giving birth can cause significant changes to the vaginal tissues. Vaginal rejuvenation can help restore the tightness and elasticity of the tissues, improve sexual function and pleasure, and enhance overall vaginal health and comfort. Additionally, the procedure can address various other vaginal health concerns, including vaginal laxity, dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary incontinence.

During a Votiva vaginal rejuvenation procedure, a small wand is inserted into the vagina. Radiofrequency energy is used to heat the tissues and stimulate collagen production. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes, and patients can return to normal activities immediately afterward.

You can expect to experience mild discomfort, swelling, or redness in the treatment area for a few days following the procedure, but these side effects are usually mild and short-lived.

Because Votiva vaginal rejuvenation is a non-surgical procedure, there is little to no downtime associated with the procedure. Patients can typically resume normal activities immediately afterward, and most patients can resume sexual activity within a few days to a week.

When Should I Get a Mommy Makeover?

Moms are often the ones who put everyone else’s needs before their own. Between late-night feedings, endless diaper changes, and juggling work and family life, it’s easy to forget your needs. But now it’s time to put yourself first and prioritize your own well-being.

You’ve been through so much– pregnancy, childbirth, and the demands of motherhood. You deserve to feel confident and beautiful in your own skin. A mommy makeover can help restore your body and boost your self-confidence.

Mommy Makeovers are becoming increasingly popular. That said, deciding to get a mommy makeover is a personal and important decision that should be made carefully, and there are a few things you need to know about timing your mommy makeover.

It’s best to wait at least six months to a year after giving birth to allow your bones, muscles, and skin to tighten back up naturally. Additionally, if you are still caring for a young child, the demands of motherhood can make it difficult to properly rest and recover from a surgical procedure. After a mommy makeover, you will have limitations on how much weight you can lift and how you can move, which can be challenging with a young child who requires constant holding and attention.

It’s also important to note that if you are breastfeeding, it is not advisable to undergo a breast augmentation procedure until you have stopped nursing. This is because the milk ducts may become damaged during the surgery, which can interfere with milk production and lead to subpar results. Additionally, the size and shape of your breasts can change significantly while breastfeeding, affecting the procedure’s outcome and leading to further complications and discomfort.

You should also take into consideration if you want to be pregnant again. Generally, it is recommended to wait until you are finished having children before undergoing a mommy makeover procedure. This is because pregnancy and childbirth can significantly alter the body, and it’s essential to allow your body time to heal and return to its pre-pregnancy state before pursuing any cosmetic surgery.

The decision to undergo a mommy makeover should be made in careful consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon. Our surgeons here at The Lett Center will be able to help you determine the best timing for the procedure based on your individual needs and goals and work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that will help you achieve the best possible results.

Schedule a Mommy Makeover With The Lett Center in TN

Becoming a mother is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences a woman can have, but the toll it takes on your body can sometimes leave you feeling self-conscious and unhappy with your appearance. A Mommy Makeover could be just what you need to regain your confidence and feel like yourself again, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

The Lett Center for Plastic Surgery is committed to providing you with the highest quality care. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience performing Mommy Makeovers. We are confident we can help you achieve your desired results.

Don’t put off taking care of yourself any longer. Treat yourself to a special Mother’s Day gift that lasts longer than flowers or a day at the spa. Let our experienced and highly reviewed aesthetic and cosmetic surgeons at The Lett Center help you regain your pre-baby body and confidence. Schedule a consultation today at our convenient Mt. Juliet or Lebanon, Tennessee locations by calling 615.443.0901.