Mommy Makeover is one of the most transformative procedures in the world of plastic surgery. That’s because it combines multiple procedures during a single surgery to dramatically rejuvenate a woman’s body. Each year, tens of thousands of women reclaim their body confidence after childbirth, significant weight loss, and/or natural aging by combining the customized Mommy Makeover surgery procedures tailored to their unique needs and goals. If you have been considering this life-changing surgery, here are ten tips to maximize your results from Dr. Nathan Leigh, a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Edina Plastic Surgery who has helped thousands of women reshape their bodies and confidence with Mommy Makeover surgery.
Tip #1 – Educate yourself about Mommy Makeover surgery.
“I absolutely love performing Mommy Makeover surgeries,” says Dr. Leigh, a MPLS. St. Paul Magazine TOP DOCTOR for eight years running. “Mainly because there is so much customization, skill, and artistry involved,” he explains. “Mommy Makeover is never a one-size-fits-all procedure. I think of it more as an extremely individualized plan for each woman designed to target the specific areas of her body that she has seen change after pregnancy, dramatic weight loss, or just from natural aging. For most women, that includes her breasts, abdominal area, and stubborn pockets of fat that give her body an undesirable shape. Hence, breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction are the three most popular procedures included in a Mommy Makeover.”
Breast Surgery – Depending on a woman’s specific needs, Mommy Makeover may include a breast lift to correct sagging or drooping breasts and enlarged areolas, breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer to restore volume and shape to deflated breasts, or even breast reduction surgery to alleviate the weight and discomfort of overly large breasts. A combination of breast surgeries may also be included, such as breast lift with implants to improve the overall aesthetics of the breasts.
Tummy Tuck Surgery – Abdominoplasty surgery focuses on creating a smoother, flatter, and firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and, when necessary, repairing and tightening abdominal muscles that may have separated during pregnancy.
Liposuction Surgery – Many women are frustrated by stubborn pockets of fat throughout the body that seem resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction targets and removes this fat via a vacuum-assisted cannula. It can help slim and recontour virtually any area of the body, but it is most commonly performed on the abdomen, hips, arms, and thighs during a Mommy Makeover.
“Although breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction are the foundational procedures of a Mommy Makeover, a woman may prioritize other concerns and decide to have a different combination of procedures to customize her experience. I often perform arm lifts, facelifts, and even eyelid lift surgery as part of a woman’s Mommy Makeover.”
Tip #2 – Set realistic expectations of what Mommy Makeover can achieve.
It’s crucial to set realistic expectations for your Mommy Makeover. For instance, while a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat on the abdomen, it’s not a substitute for weight loss. If you’re 30-40 lbs. overweight, it’s best to lose this weight first and then proceed with surgery. Understanding these realities will help you prepare for the journey ahead.
“Your body is a sum of its parts, and those parts have functional and aesthetic relationships with one another,” explains Dr. Leigh. “So, when you correct and improve one body part, your overall result can be significantly improved by enhancing another area close to it. For example, tummy tuck and liposuction are commonly performed together because liposuction can recontour the hips, flanks, and low back to enhance and compliment your new, flat belly.”
“Please don’t be disheartened if your plastic surgeon makes multiple recommendations during your initial consult. Understand that we are anticipating your future happiness and satisfaction with your results. We know that additional procedures may be needed to help you achieve your ultimate goals and attain the most balanced, natural-looking results. I promise – It’s not personal, and it is not an upsell. We are surgeons giving you a realistic forecast of what will be needed to deliver optimal results.”
Tip #3 – Check out your potential surgeon’s before and after Mommy Makeover photo gallery.
There is artistry involved in plastic surgery. You may have an ideal aesthetic in mind that you are trying to achieve. Plastic surgery is not cookie-cutter and completely standardized. A particular plastic surgeon may have a specific aesthetic they achieve with their breast lifts or tummy tucks that resonates with your goals. Checking out a surgeon’s before and after gallery is a great way to see if their approach is aligned with your aesthetic goals. When you consult with your surgeon, point out the images in their gallery you like and explain why. This will give your surgeon both functional and aesthetic insight into your desired results.
Tip #4 – Reach your ideal weight and maintain it before your Mommy Makeover surgery.
Before scheduling your Mommy Makeover surgery, get serious about reaching your ideal weight and implementing the lifestyle habits to help you maintain it. This is vital for several reasons.
“A Mommy Makeover is designed to enhance your body’s natural, ideal shape,” says Dr. Leigh. “So, we need you as close to that ideal shape before your surgery day so we can tailor your procedures to be proportionate and in good balance with your overall physique. Having good weight stability before surgery can also reduce the risk of post-operative complications and set you on a course to enjoy the integrity of your results for a long time.”
Tip #5 – Prioritize your health before and after your Mommy Makeover surgery.
A smoking habit can be a deal breaker for having plastic surgery. If you are a smoker, you must quit for at least two months before and after your Mommy Makeover surgery. Why? Smoking has a huge impact on how your body heals after surgery. It reduces vital blood flow and oxygen delivery to the very tissues that we’re trying to heal after your procedure, and smoking dramatically increases your risk of complications after surgery.
“Making the decision to have plastic surgery is a big one; you need to honor it by prioritizing your health,” stresses Dr. Leigh. “The healthier you are going into surgery, the smoother your recovery will be and the better your outcome. Partake in regular exercise that gets your body moving, and eat a healthy diet that meets your macro and micronutrient needs. These things will boost your circulation, enhance your immune system, and make your body more resilient. Plus, keeping these lifestyle habits will enhance your aesthetic result and help maintain it!”
Tip #6 – Take preparing for your Mommy Makeover recovery seriously.
Recovery time after Mommy Makeover surgery will vary from patient to patient and depends on which procedures you had performed. For example, someone who has had muscles repaired during a tummy tuck will have longer lifting restrictions and more severe movement restrictions after surgery. Remember that your overall results are greatly influenced by how well you recover.
“Recovering from a Mommy Makeover should be a well-planned and executed affair, not a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants operation,” advises Dr. Leigh. “Take at least two weeks off from work, prepare your family on how to assist you, cook meals ahead of time and freeze them, download books to read, add to your Netflix watch list, line up your team of friends and family members who will assist you with driving, cleaning, errands – all the everyday life things that will still need to be done while you’re resting and recovering.”
Tip #7 – Follow your Mommy Makeover PRE & POST-OPERATIVE CARE INSTRUCTIONS without exception.
You will be given guidelines and instructions to help you prepare before your Mommy Makeover surgery. These will instruct you on what medications and supplements to avoid before surgery and even give tips on how to prepare your home for recovery. Follow these like a road map, and contact Edina Plastic Surgery if you have any questions.
“PRE and POST CARE instructions aren’t up for interpretation,” stresses Dr. Leigh. “They minimize your risk of complications and are there to ensure you have a safe and successful surgery and recovery. If you have any questions, ask your surgeon and/or care team. At Edina Plastic Surgery, we have an easy texting system that allows you to reach out to our team any time of the day with questions before and after your surgery. No question or concern is too big or too small. We want to keep that line of communication open to ensure you feel informed and confident and recover comfortably and well.”
Tip #8 – Be a good steward to your skin after Mommy Makeover surgery.
Diligent incision care is vital after Mommy Makeover surgery to avoid infection and ensure that any resulting scars will be as minimally noticeable as possible. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines for cleaning incisions, changing and maintaining post-surgical taping, and when to start applying topicals to scars that enhance their healing and future appearance.
Tip #9 – Be patient. Your results will take time after Mommy Makeover surgery.
“I would love to tell my patients that they will see the final results of their Mommy Makeover within three months, but that just isn’t the case, and it can vary patient by patient and based on which procedures were performed,” explains Dr. Leigh. “It’s so important to be patient and not push boundaries, especially the first three months after surgery while your body is still recovering. Yes, initial swelling and bruising will subside within the first few weeks, but it is normal to have some slight swelling and numbness, especially after tummy tuck surgery, for six months to a year. Your results will come in phases and waves. Celebrate each victory and build upon your new healthy lifestyle with each passing month to compound and enhance your overall results!”
Tip #10 – Choose the BEST surgeon for your Mommy Makeover surgery.
Your Mommy Makeover results will heavily rely on your plastic surgeon’s skill, experience, and artistry. To maximize your results, seek out a board-certified surgeon who has performed hundreds if not thousands of these procedures, like Dr. Nathan Leigh! Understand that a plastic surgeon doesn’t just bring their technical aptitude and proficiency to the operating table; they bring an acquired knowledge and understanding of aesthetics, a tailored approach to each patient’s anatomy, a deep-rooted commitment to your safety, and a vested interest in how happy you are with your final result.
Have you been considering Mommy Makeover surgery? Edina Plastic Surgery would love to discuss your options with you! Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Nathan Leigh or another board-certified plastic surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery by calling (952) 592-5766, texting (952) 925-1765, or CLICKING HERE.
