Mommy makeover regret: Considering a Mommy Makeover?
Pregnancy-related physical changes can have a significant impact on a woman’s body image. Over the course of nine months, the body changes in ways that can’t always be controlled. In many cases, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to fully get back to how it once was.
Dealing with these changes can be hard. That’s why many mothers seek out a surgical solution to the permanent changes left behind by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
A mommy makeover is a term that describes a series of cosmetic surgeries and treatments bundled together to restore a woman’s body to what it was like pre-pregnancy. For thousands of women, a mommy makeover can be the ideal solution for loose skin, separated abdominal muscles, stubborn fat and deflated breasts*.
If you’re considering getting a mommy makeover surgery, here are some things you should know about a mommy makeover:
Each Mommy Makeover Is Unique
There is no one standard combination of procedures done during a mommy makeover. Every woman’s body changes from pregnancy in different ways, so a mommy makeover is tailored to your needs. During your mommy makeover consultation, you and your surgeon will talk in detail about what procedures are recommended for you.
Mommy Makeover Procedures Included
It’s estimated that between ⅓ to ⅔ of women will have some degree of permanent abdominal muscle separation. Changes to the breasts, following breast feeding, and changes to the skin on the tummy are common areas of concern for women.
To address these common concerns, mommy makeovers usually include one or more of the following procedures: breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, tummy tuck, and brazilian butt lift. These procedures are usually performed in a single surgery to reduce recovery time and to achieve optimal results.
Your Body Could Be Better Than It Was Before
Some women simply want to get their bodies back to their form and function before they had children. An added benefit to undergoing a mommy makeover surgery is that many women find that their post-mommy makeover bodies are firmer and more toned than even before they became pregnant*. Having a mommy makeover is a good opportunity to address areas of the body that may cause one to feel self conscious, and refine it to one’s ideal aesthetic.
Yes, It Really Is All About You
Moms are notoriously hesitant to do things for themselves. They prefer instead to devote as much time and energy as possible to their families. That means that many mothers will put off or not even consider surgeries or other procedures designed to improve their self-esteem*. But it’s not selfish to do things for yourself that make you feel beautiful and confident.
How you feel about yourself affects every aspect of your life, including how you interact with your family.
It Might Improve Your Sex Life
Many couples report having issues in the bedroom after they have kids. Fatigue, hormonal changes, and physical changes can all diminish sex drive. Getting intimate can especially be challenging for moms who feel very self-conscious about their bodies.
Of course, they should never feel this way, but for many, that is the reality. A mommy makeover can be a way to restore a more positive body image and improve confidence, in and outside the bedroom!
You Should Already Be Close to Your Ideal Weight
You Should Already Be Close to Your Ideal WeightA mommy makeover is not a weight loss procedure even if it includes liposuction or a tummy tuck. You may lose a few pounds, particularly if you have excess skin that needs to be removed. The best candidates for mommy makeovers are those who are within 10-15 pounds of their ideal weight.
You Should Be Done Having Kids
If there’s any chance you may want to have more children, you should wait until you’re certain that you are done. Mommy makeovers often include tightening skin and muscles that become stretched out by pregnancy. If you become pregnant after your mommy makeover, you risk undoing the results from your surgery.
You’ll Need Lots of Help Around the House
A mommy makeover is a big deal. Everyone reacts to surgery differently and heals at a different pace, but recovery can be especially long for women who have several procedures at once. As a part of your mommy makeover recovery, you’ll have restrictions on how much you can lift and how active you can be for at least a few weeks after your surgery.
It’s important to note that this isn’t something you can, or should, power through, as is the instinct of most moms. Your ability to relax and focus on healing process will largely depend on having help with everyday tasks until you’re able to resume your normal activities. You’ll want to make sure you have help lined up before the day of your procedure.
A Mommy Makeover Shouldn’t Be Your First Resort
After childbirth, it’s important to give your body time to recover after a mommy makeover on its own. You’ll need to wait a minimum of 6 months after giving birth. It’s best to make sure that you’ve done the work of eating well and exercising regularly before having surgery. If you can shed a few pounds and tighten some areas of your body, you may find you need fewer procedures. Ensuring your body is as healthy as possible is the best way to prepare yourself for surgery and the long recovery.
Your Youngest Child Should Be a Toddler
If your mommy makeover includes procedures on your breasts, this could impact your ability to breastfeed your children. Because of this, it’s best to wait until your youngest child has been fully weaned for at least six months. Every family is different, but for most parents, this means waiting until your youngest child is about three years old.
What You’re Feeling Is Normal
The changes to a body that come with pregnancy can be a total shock, especially for first-time moms. After all, you’ve been used to seeing a specific body in the mirror, and now may see something you didn’t see before. According to a survey by BabyCenter.com, nearly two-thirds of new moms felt surprised that they still had baby weight by their child’s first birthday.
Emotional difficulties related to the changes motherhood brings to their bodies affects moms of all ages. Understandably, this can be hard to deal with, but you’re not alone!
Questions and Answers
Will I regret a mommy makeover?
While most women find post-surgery satisfaction, occasional moments of doubt often occur during the healing phase before final results emerge.
What are the cons of a mommy makeover?
Mommy makeover drawbacks encompass infection, bleeding, and scarring as potential risks. Mommy makeover cost is a factor, with no guaranteed satisfaction.
Does a mommy makeover include breast implants?
Today, it can encompass various procedures, including: Breast augmentation, lift, or reduction, depending on individual needs and preferences.
Book Your Mommy Makeover Consultation
The joy you get from being a mother is, of course, well worth the physical changes your body endures. But those changes don’t have to be permanent.
Women who have tried to shed all of their baby weight and return their bodies to their pre-pregnancy state but can’t quite get over all the hurdles should consider a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and mommy makeover patients testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.
References
https://www.babycenter.com/0_the-new-mom-body-survey-7-000-women-tell-it-like-it-is_3653252.bc
