The decision to undergo a mommy makeover is rooted in boosting self-confidence for women who have given birth. The series of cosmetic procedures targets the areas most often impacted during and after pregnancy. While these procedures vary with each patient, a mommy makeover may typically include:
- Breast Restoration: During pregnancy, breasts can become deflated after loss of volume or may increase to an uncomfortable size. The restoration process may include an augmentation to increase volume, a lift to heighten the breasts’ position on the chest, or a reduction to remove excess fat, tissue, or skin. For patients who wish to avoid the use of implants, surgeons are able to excise fatty tissues from elsewhere in the patient’s body and inject them into the breasts, increasing their volume while providing a lifted look.
- Liposuction: After pregnancy, the body may retain stubborn, excess fat deposits that seem to not go away with diet and exercise. Liposuction will permanently remove this fat from targeted areas while contouring them simultaneously. This procedure is often done on the stomach area, the thighs and the arms.
- Abdominal Restoration: Often referred to as a “tummy tuck,”, this procedure removes stubborn fat and excess skin of the abdominal wall. This procedure results in a firmer, tightened abdomen area, as well as a contoured waistline.
“It’s definitely an exciting opportunity to help people feel good on the outside, as well as the inside,” said Dr. Kent Higdon, one of Vanderbilt’s plastic surgeons specializing in all areas of cosmetic and breast surgery. Dr. Higdon noted that it is “extremely rewarding” to encounter happy patients during their post-operative visits. “It’s amazing to make a difference in someone’s life this way.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it safe to combine multiple cosmetic procedures in this way?
Your physician will provide you with individualized attention to properly and thoroughly assess your personal risk. While these cosmetic procedures are generally very safe, your doctor will always let you know whether or not the mommy makeover is the right choice for you after your consultation.
Q. What is the recovery time?
While it depends on the individual, most patients are able to return to normal activities 1-4 weeks after their procedure. Your physician may also advise you to stay away from heavy lifting or intense exercise for several weeks following surgery.
Q. Does it hurt? How will any pain be managed?
As mentioned above, most candidates are able to return to work and normal activities typically within 2 weeks, depending on the individual. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is committed to reducing unnecessary opioid prescriptions and often employs nerve blocks and multimodal medication plans to alleviate any discomfort patients may feel after their procedure.
Vanderbilt Cosmetic Surgery
When choosing cosmetic surgery to enhance your appearance, it is important that you choose the best team that will help you determine your unique needs and develop a safe, appropriate and personalized treatment plan. Vanderbilt’s Cosmetic Surgery Clinic can assess to see if you would be a good candidate for a mommy makeover. Call (615) 936-2700 or click here to schedule a consultation.
