According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 62 percent of moms look to plastic surgery when it comes to helping them get as close as possible to their pre-pregnancy bodies. One of the most common procedures today is the mommy makeover, and it’s gaining popularity fast.
So, what exactly does a mommy makeover include?
There’s no universal standard for what procedures are included in a mommy makeover. Some practices offer specific packages including a variety of procedures, while others tailor their packages to each patient’s individual needs.
“Every woman is different,” said Dr. Christy Walker, a cosmetic surgeon in Plano, Texas. “Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding change each woman’s body differently, so the areas of concern are different for each woman.”
This is especially apparent when you consider the weight gain and loss of each individual woman before and after childbirth. Metabolisms and body structure and shape are unique for each individual, making each person’s experiences unique. For this reason, most cosmetic surgeons offer a variety of packages that include a mix of tummy tucks, breast lifts, breast augmentation and vaginal rejuvenation.
Tummy Tuck
Known as an abdominoplasty in the medical world, a tummy tuck is one of the most common procedures included in mommy makeovers. The gaining and losing of weight, along with the abdominal stretching that occurs from the growing baby, can make the stomach muscles struggle to get back to their former tightness after childbirth, Walker said.
“During a tummy tuck, we remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen along with tightening the muscles and connective tissue. The results are a flatter and firmer abdomen,” she said.
Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation was the No. 1 most popular cosmetic surgery last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. There are several types of implants available today. These include saline, silicone, form-stable, round, smooth and textured. Saline implants are unique in that they’re filled with sterile saltwater. On the other hand, silicone implants are filled with silicone gel like their name implies.
Some women request a combination of both a breast lift and a breast augmentation, while others just choose one or the other.
“Some women who have retained volume in their breasts but are experiencing sagging may only need a lift to reach their ideal goal,” Walker said. “If sagging and volume loss are a concern, a combination of implants and a lift can produce great results.”
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Cosmetic gynecology surgery is not new, but it has seen a surge in popularity in recent years as the taboos surrounding elective surgeries have begun to fade.
“Many women choose to have surgeries like a vaginal rejuvenation due to a combination of cosmetic and medical reasons,” Walker said. “During the procedure we re-tighten the vaginal muscles and reshape the outer appearance of the vagina. This can help with incontinence issues that are common after childbirth along with intimacy and aesthetic concerns.”
