Common Components of a Mommy Makeover

Once you have finished childbearing and nursing, it may be time to think about getting your body back to its former shape — or better! Sacramento board-certified plastic surgeon Debra J. Johnson MD explains the different components of a mommy makeover and how to choose the best options for your needs.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is just what it sounds like. The idea is to restore your body to its pre-childbirth state. Think of it as getting your old body back, or enjoying a new, improved version.

Every mommy makeover is different, and depends on the woman’s individual needs. The procedures are performed at the same time, or are scheduled separately according to the patient’s desire.

Breast Augmentation or Reduction

Some women may want to augment their breast size with implants as part of their mommy makeover. During pregnancy, their breasts were bigger and fuller. That is a look they would like to retain. The breast skin may have gotten stretched out by breastfeeding. Adding an implant can fill the skin envelope and regain lost cleavage.

Other women may want their breast size reduced. Their large breasts may cause discomfort, and a breast reduction offers neck, back and shoulder relief. The breast size is reduced, the nipple is repositioned and the entire breast is brought back up to a more normal position, providing a pleasing appearance.

Breast Lift

Pregnancy and nursing take a toll on the breasts. They may begin drooping, and keeping them upright may require push-up bras. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, raises those saggy breasts. The patient may also have the size and contour of her breasts adjusted.

Tummy Tuck

Technically known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck involves tightening the stretched-out abdominal wall and removing the excess skin and fat. Liposuction, a minimally invasive procedure, is often used in conjunction with a tummy tuck to improve the abdominal, hip and flank contours.

Considerations

It is important to be certain you are finished having children before undergoing a mommy makeover. While there is no harm to the baby if you do get pregnant again, the breasts and abdomen may negatively change again. While you might be able to have additional surgery to improve things, it’s better to only go through this process one time.

No matter which procedures you choose, expect recovery to take two to four weeks. As with most surgeries, the full effect of your mommy makeover may not be evident for six to 12 months.

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about your options for a mommy makeover, contact Sacramento plastic surgeon Debra J. Johnson MD today and schedule a personal consultation. Always a pioneer, Dr. Johnson was the first female plastic surgeon in Sacramento. She was also the second woman to lead the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons.