Pregnancy is wonderful for both mommies and daddies, we all agree. The joy of having little “selves” running around, and the opportunity to teach them and bring to the world those bursts of energy — what could be better?
But yes, pregnancy can take its toll on a woman’s body.
The mommy makeover is a very popular request in my Toronto cosmetic surgery clinics.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
The mommy makeover refers to any combination of procedures meant to address the body changes that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding, most commonly a tummy tuck and some form of breast surgery. The aim of the mommy makeover is to help a woman look and feel more like she did prior to pregnancy and childbirth by restoring her youthful silhouette.
I do offer many different types of abdominoplasty procedures (aka tummy tucks): the mini tummy tuck, the classic one, and the extended version. Sometimes the tummy tuck is combined with a buttock lift or belt lipectomy (aka body lift), for major weight loss patients. The technique used or required depends on each patient’s anatomy. After pregnancy, most patients require liposuction to the love handles and abdomen, muscle plication repair (repair of the loosened abdominal muscles, which will bring back the hourglass shape), repositioning and rejuvenation of the belly button, and skin or fat excision.
As for the breasts, the mommy makeover may involve a breast lift (aka mastopexy) alone, breast implants alone, or a combination of lift and implants. I use the NATRELLE® INSPIRA implants, the MENTOR® implants, and the IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants.
Although what I have just described is the common combination of procedures, the mommy makeover can also include liposuction to the neck, bra rolls, saddlebags and inner knees, as well as arm lift or inner thigh lift.
It is advisable to wait at least 6 months after delivery and the termination of breastfeeding before considering the makeover, to allow the soft tissues to recover as much as possible.
Recovery and Cost
Recovery is a minimum of 2 weeks (prior to going back to work) for a non-physical job (desk work) and 3 weeks is very comfortable. For physical jobs, such as a nurse or flight attendant, one may plan on 3 weeks, perhaps 4 weeks. That being said, most people can do work at home after day 5 (internet, emails, phone, etc.) The recovery time is mostly related to the tummy tuck component.
Costs vary according to the exact combination of procedures and if implants are required. An overnight stay may also be indicated.
A mommy makeover is a good option for our Toronto women, for, in one surgical setting, most of the tell-tale signs of pregnancies can be erased. If you’re interested in exploring your mommy makeover options, please reach out to me online today.
Dr. Marc DuPéré, Toronto Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
