If you’ve been thinking about getting a Mommy Makeover after having children and feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount of information available online, you’re not alone. It can be difficult to find a resource that provides an easy-to-understand overview of what patients should know, besides that the procedure usually includes a tummy tuck and breast augmentation and lift. Our Portland, Oregon, plastic surgery specialists want to help women better understand the procedure by summarizing some helpful information here.
Are You Considering a Mommy Makeover?
Even though most Mommy Makeover patients are women who have had children, combining body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck and breast lift surgery is also a solution for women who have lost weight or have seen their bodies change with age.
If you’re thinking about getting a Mommy Makeover, it’s important to consider several factors as you make your decision. These issues include:
Recovery Time
A Mommy Makeover is major surgery, so you want to be sure you’re prepared for what you can expect regarding the time you need to recover. There are different recovery milestones, such as when you can expect to return to work or resume exercising. A tummy tuck, specifically, requires a fairly lengthy downtime that usually involves taking 2 weeks off from work and avoiding any strenuous exercise for at least 2 months.
Having a Support System
As you can see from the discussion about recovery, it’s essential that you have a reliable support system to help out with childcare, errands, housekeeping, and encouragement during this time. It’s important to plan for your recovery, from having meals prepared to taking care of any pressing matters. For patients with young children at home, be prepared to avoid lifting anything heavy—including toddlers.
Financial Security
The recovery after getting a Mommy Makeover can be stressful in the best of circumstances. The last thing you want is to add financial worries. We offer financing through companies that offer attractive terms for qualified plastic surgery patients, which can help give you peace of mind.
Managing Your Expectations
Even though the results of a Mommy Makeover can be dramatic, it’s important to understand the tradeoffs involved. A tummy tuck incision extends from hip to hip, and the incision is usually low enough to be concealed by bikini briefs. Breast lifts usually include an incision down the middle of the breast from the nipple to the crease. The resulting scars fade over time, and the vast majority of patients believe the tradeoff is well worth regaining their pre-pregnancy bodies.
Is One Operation Enough?
One of the primary benefits of a Mommy Makeover is that it combines multiple procedures in a single operation, which means only having to plan for one recovery. But safety is always our top priority and, in some cases (especially when patients have lost significant weight), it may be necessary to stage the operations.
Are You Finished Having Children?
It is possible to become pregnant after getting a Mommy Makeover, but pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding likely will undo many of the changes created by plastic surgery. We recommend postponing cosmetic surgery until you’re no longer planning to have additional children.
A Mommy Makeover Isn’t Weight-Loss Surgery
The best candidates for a Mommy Makeover are already in good overall shape, at their target weight, and just need plastic surgery to address the toll taken by pregnancy or previous weight gain. Liposuction removes some fat, but it’s important that you’ve lost the “baby weight” before scheduling a consultation.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
Your choice of a plastic surgeon is the most important decision you’ll make—other than choosing to get the procedure. It’s important that the surgeon is experienced performing combined procedures and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You can request a consultation using the online form or call our Portland, OR, plastic surgery practice at (503) 292-9200 to schedule an appointment.
