For women who are done having children, a mommy makeover can be a life-changing set of surgeries.
A mommy makeover includes a customized combination of breast surgery, abdominal contouring, and body sculpting procedures. It may also include an arm lift, thigh lift, or fat transfer. It’s designed to help restore a woman’s body following pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Given the numerous surgeries involved, many wonder what to expect after a mommy makeover. Much of maintaining results comes down to living a healthy lifestyle.
What to Expect After a Mommy Makeover
Recovering from surgery will always have both short-term and long-term results.
It’s natural to be excited about seeing your results. But during the first few weeks, your anticipated contours may be obscured by swelling, bruising, and tightness. And your scars will be firm and pink. This is normal.
Managing swelling is crucial during this part of the healing phase. You will likely be advised to wear compression garments and restrict your activities to focus on pain control, mobility, and wound care.
As healing progresses and your body heals, you’ll begin to notice results. The swelling will subside, and the tissues will settle so your contours become smoother and more apparent. Your abdomen will become flatter and firmer and your breasts more lifted.
With proper care and attention, your scars will continue to fade but will never disappear completely. A skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon will employ strategic incision placement, however, to make them more discreet and easier to conceal.
Depending on several factors, results of your mommy makeover may take six to 12 months.
Getting the Best Results
Several factors influence the quality and longevity of mommy makeover results. One of the most important is maintaining a stable weight. Any significant weight loss or gain can alter the results.
Getting exercise and insisting on good nutrition will impact the success of your mommy makeover. Regular physical activity, once your surgeon gives you the go-ahead, will support muscle tone. And eating a balanced diet will help you maintain the above-mentioned weight stability. It’s also beneficial for your skin.
In addition, preserving breast results may require you to wear support bras, particularly during exercise. And core-strengthening exercises such as those done in Pilates support the abdominal muscles.
Keeping your scars protected from sun exposure and following scar care recommendations will deliver better outcomes. In fact, you should adhere to all of your aftercare instructions. This includes attending post-op and follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your healing.
If you’re able to commit to ongoing healthy habits, follow your aftercare instructions, go to scheduled appointments, and view your surgery as part of a broader wellness plan, you will experience smoother healing and better results.
Benefits Beyond the Physical
Of course, the benefits of a mommy makeover go beyond physical transformation. If you’re troubled by how much pregnancy and breastfeeding has altered your body, a mommy makeover can give you a new lease on life.
You’ll feel more comfortable in your body, more confident in social situations, and a renewed sense of self. But you need to go into the procedure(s) with realistic expectations. Not everyone will have the same results. And while the surgery will reshape your body, it’s not a permanent fix and won’t stop your body from aging.
Even so, many patients who’ve had a mommy makeover talk about the transformative and empowering results they experience in the years following the surgeries. And that’s worth a lot.
Restore Your Confidence with a Mommy Makeover
Now that you know what to expect after a mommy makeover, you may be ready to take the next step.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
With clear expectations, proper support, and open communication, our highly experienced team will ensure that your surgical plan reflects both your aesthetic goals and safe surgical practices.