There is no doubt about it; pregnancy and childbirth are hard on a woman's body. Add to the strain a few months of breast feeding and a whole lot of sleepless nights caring for a little one, and your appearance is sure to be a casualty of the "mom job". If you have experienced serious changes to your body since having children, there are options available. A "Mommy Makeover" uses a variety of cosmetic procedures to help restore your body to what it was pre-pregnancy.
What is Included in a Mommy Makeover?
The term "Mommy Makeover" is coined for any surgery, or collection of surgeries, that is designed to help restore your pre-pregnancy physique. Some of the most common procedures seen with a Mommy Makeover include:
In some cases, the required procedures are done all at once, in a single surgery. Other patients may prefer to get some of the procedures completed in the first round of surgery, leaving the rest for a later session. The decision of what and how much surgery to do rests with the patient and her doctor.
Who is a Candidate?
While many women have seen stellar results with a Mommy Makeover, the process is not right for everyone. The best candidates for these procedures will be:
While some women are anxious to begin the process of a Mommy Makeover shortly after giving birth, others wait a number of years until their children are older and more independent before taking on the time commitment of surgery.
What is the Procedure Like?
Surgery experiences vary greatly based on what procedures are done. Patients are usually given a list of pre-operative instructions prior to the surgery. Close adherence to the instructions will make a big difference in the outcome of your surgery. If more than one procedure is done at a time, both the time of the procedure and the recovery time will be longer. Most Mommy Makeovers are done in an outpatient facility or hospital, and many require general anesthesia.
How about the Recovery?
Recovery also varies on Mommy Makeovers, depending on the procedures you have done. Most women will probably need someone with them full time for at least the first 24 hours at home to help with meals and medications. Patients are often restricted from showering for the first couple of days, until sponges and bandages are removed. If you receive drainage tubes during surgery, they are often removed at a visit to your doctor around a week later.
Patients may be required to wear a surgical garment after surgery to prevent blood clots and promote healing. Most patients are on pain medication for at least the first few days. Many patients report that the pain after surgery is at its worst for the first 24 hours after surgery, but subsides quickly after the first day. Swelling usually subsides within a month or two and results can be seen shortly thereafter. Physical activity may be restricted for some time; up to six weeks for heavy lifting, jogging or other strenuous activities.
Are there Risks?
Like any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with the various surgeries included with a Mommy Makeover. These risks include:
Fortunately, these risks are relatively rare and can be further diminished by choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon and following pre- and post-surgical instructions to the letter. It is also important to go into your surgery with realistic expectations about the outcome, so you are more likely to be satisfied with the results of your procedure.
A Mommy Makeover has helped many moms gain a new lease on life, with more self-confidence and a greater satisfaction with their physical appearances. If you want more information about the Mommy Makeover, contact us today to schedule a private consultation with a plastic surgeon in your area.
A consultation with a plastic surgeon like those at these liposuction experts in Sacramento will answer all your Mommy Makeover questions.
"Most of our tummy tuck patients and breast surgery patients are mothers who want to restore their youthful shape..."And later:
"And, with the increasing awareness of plastic surgery, we find more are discussing their surgeries publicly."
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