Pregnancy and childbirth can be amazing experiences. However, they can permanently change a mother’s body. Many mothers find those changes undesirable and long for their pre-pregnancy figures, making the “mommy makeover” a popular plastic surgery option.
At Cohen Plastic Surgery in Nassau County, NY, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian D. Cohen offers women the opportunity to restore the shape of their bodies through mommy makeover surgery.
Those looking for a mommy makeover should be sure they’re entirely comfortable with their surgeon and surgical plan. Below, we address some common mommy makeover questions so that you can be prepared for your procedure.
- What procedures are part of a mommy makeover?
Most mommy makeovers consist of a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, and breast lift since these procedures address the common physical changes that occur throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
First, however, patients should discuss their goals and feelings about their bodies to determine which procedures will provide the best results.
Breast augmentation involves inserting implants into the breast pockets, adding volume and shape to the breasts. Some patients also get a breast lift if they find their breasts droop after breastfeeding.
A tummy tuck restores the abdominal muscles that are weakened and separated through pregnancy and remove the loose skin that causes a flabby-looking stomach. In addition, most patients add liposuction to the procedure to reduce any pockets of fat in the abdomen.
- How long is the recovery from a mommy makeover?
The recovery from a mommy makeover depends on your chosen procedures and overall health. However, most women take two to three weeks off of work after their mommy makeover to recover.
In the first couple of weeks, it’s essential to avoid heavy lifting and increase activity slowly. Most patients can return to their complete pre-surgery activity levels about six to eight weeks after their mommy makeovers.
- When will I see results from my mommy makeover?
You will see results immediately after surgery, when your fuller, lifted breasts, and flatter stomach are initially revealed. However, some post-surgical swelling and fluid will take three to four months to dissipate.
Seeing the full results from your mommy makeover takes six to twelve months as your new body settles in. Surgical scars should be well hidden in most clothes and bathing suits. Still, they won’t be fully mature until about 18 months after surgery, so you can expect their appearance to improve steadily.
- Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover?
Any woman in good health who wants to change her silhouette can be a good candidate for a mommy makeover, even if she hasn’t had children. However, there are factors you may want to consider before the procedure.
A mommy makeover is not recommended for women who want more children, recently had a baby, or are currently breastfeeding. Since a mommy makeover targets pregnancy’s effects on the body, another pregnancy often reverses the procedure’s benefits.
Mommy makeovers do not affect your ability to conceive, as the procedure doesn’t involve any of your reproductive organs.
Suppose that you hope to have more children later but still want to address cosmetic concerns. In that case, there are other procedures that Cohen Plastic Surgery can offer, such as liposuction or a breast enhancement without a tummy tuck.
- How do I choose the right surgeon?
Choosing the right surgeon is essential for a successful mommy makeover. The first thing to look for in a plastic surgeon is certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
A board-certified surgeon like Dr. Brian Cohen undergoes a comprehensive vetting and certification process and is determined to have the training and knowledge necessary to perform cosmetic surgeries successfully.
When choosing a surgeon, you should also read patient and peer reviews and look at before and after photos. If all of this research leads you to a consultation, consider your surgeon’s interaction with you as your final determining factor.
At Cohen Plastic Surgery, we’re confident you’ll find the surgeon you need with Dr. Cohen.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Cohen in Nassau County, NY, when you’re ready to restore your pre-pregnancy figure.