August 19, 2019

The Mommy Makeover Trend: Recovery, Results, Scars & More

A growing number of mothers are undergoing mommy makeover surgery. While it used to be referred to as a trend, this procedure has gained popularity year after year. What exactly is a mommy makeover ?

A mommy makeover describes a group of procedures a woman uses to regain her pre-baby body—and possibly even improve it. Usually done in a single surgical session, it typically involves:

It may also include vaginal rejuvenation or a Brazilian butt lift.

What Can a Mommy Makeover Do?

A mommy makeover can help reverse the effects of childbirth. Many new moms tell us that months after their baby is born, they have been asked when their baby is due. Realizing your body has lost its original shape can be devastating, leaving you with a feeling of helplessness and frustration. No amount of exercise can tighten ripped fascia, join separated muscles, or remove loose skin. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause major changes in your breast, including loss of volume and sagging skin.

Get your pre-baby body back. Just be sure to do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Pictured below is one of our patients, a 35-year-old woman who had a tummy tuck, breast implants, a left crescent breast lift, and liposuction to her back and flanks. Scroll through her before and after pictures to see all that a mommy makeover can do.

WARNING:

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Who Can Have a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy makeovers aren’t just for moms. Many women who have lost a good deal of weight and now have sagging breasts, loose skin on the abdomen, and stubborn pockets of fat can also benefit. You may be a candidate for a mommy makeover surgery if you meet the following criteria:

  • Are in good medical health
  • Are at your ideal body weight
  • Have a positive outlook and realistic expectations
  • Are finished with childbearing

What Happens After Surgery?

Following your surgery, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or surgical bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts. A compression garment may also be used to control swelling in the abdomen, waist and buttock areas.

Mommy Makeover Recovery Time

Recovery time for a mommy makeover depends on what combination of procedures you’ve had done, but you’ll probably need at least 2 weeks off work—up to 6 weeks if your job is highly physical. Swelling will start to subside in 2 to 3 weeks, though you won’t see your full results for up to 6 months. Over time, the implants will settle, usually taking 3 to 6 months to “drop and fluff.”

What Are Mommy Makeover Scars Like?

With any surgery, you will have some scars. Your mommy makeover scars will never disappear completely; however, the scar lines will improve over time. Your surgeon will take care to place incisions in concealed locations:

  • Tummy tuck scar : The incision is very low on the abdomen, so even tiny bikini bottoms and underwear will hide it.
  • Breast augmentation scar : Our surgeons usually recommend an inframammary incision placed beneath the fold of the breast. This location makes the scar imperceptible to most people.
  • Liposuction scar : Liposuction incisions are very short—about a quarter of an inch in length. These incisions are often placed in natural creases, when possible, so they’re easily hidden.

Scars are the trade-offs, but most women feel these scars are small compared to the large improvement in their self-confidence after surgery.

Mommy Makeover Results

Feel like a new person, wear that two-piece bathing suit again, and regain your confidence. Your results should last 10 years or more, provided you maintain a healthy lifestyle and don’t gain a lot of weight. As with any surgery you are considering, make sure you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Many patients are also naturally interested in what a mommy makeover costs. You can learn about the potential cost of a mommy makeover in our related blog post.

If you’re considering a mommy makeover, we are here to discuss your options. Use our online form to request a consultation or call us at (770) 421-1242 to schedule an appointment.

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Beyond the CC: Understanding the Mechanics of Proportion Many patients begin their journey by researching a specific volume, often measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). However, focusing solely on a numeric value is a common pitfall. A "300cc" implant will look radically different on a tall, athletic frame than it will on a petite, narrow-shouldered individual. As your dedicated partner in aesthetic health, our approach prioritizes your specific anatomy. We evaluate several critical factors: Chest Wall Width: The diameter of your breast tissue and the width of your ribcage dictate the "footprint" of the implant. An implant that is too wide can lead to unnatural contours, while one that is too narrow may not provide the desired cleavage. Existing Breast Tissue: The amount of natural tissue available to cover the implant affects the final aesthetic. This is a critical consideration when discussing the nuances of silicone vs saline options. Torso Length: A longer torso can often accommodate more projection without appearing "top-heavy," whereas a shorter torso requires a more subtle profile to maintain a balanced midsection. Selecting the Right Catalyst: Silicone vs. Saline The choice of material is often a matter of tactile preference and long-term maintenance. Both silicone and saline implants have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall proportion and feel of the breast. Silicone Gel Implants - Silicone is frequently the preferred choice for patients seeking the most natural mimicry of human fat and breast tissue. Modern "form-stable" or cohesive gel implants maintain their shape exceptionally well, which is vital for maintaining a consistent profile under professional garments. They are particularly beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, as they are less prone to "rippling." Saline Implants - Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and offer the benefit of a smaller incision, as they are filled after insertion. While they can feel slightly firmer than silicone, they allow for precise, intraoperative adjustments to volume, ensuring that symmetry is achieved to the milliliter. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we provide a comprehensive breast augmentation size guide through physical "sizers" and expert assessment, helping you feel the weight and see the projection of each option before your procedure. The Professional Silhouette: Symmetry and Clothing Fit For many of our patients in the business community, the primary motivation for surgery is the "proportional fit" of professional attire. When the bust is out of proportion with the hips and shoulders, blazers, sheath dresses, and tailored button-downs rarely fit off-the-rack. A successful augmentation achieves "The Balanced Profile": Shoulder Alignment: The bust should complement the width of the shoulders, creating a classic hourglass or athletic V-taper. The Lateral View: Proper projection ensures that the profile is feminine yet understated, avoiding an aggressive appearance that may feel out of place in a conservative corporate setting. Upper Pole Fullness: We focus on a natural slope rather than an artificial roundness, ensuring the results are indistinguishable from natural anatomy. Establishing Expertise: Why Local Specialization Matters At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, Dr. Corey Harkins, MD, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon in greater Atlanta is committed to his core values of ethics, integrity, honesty and education. His practice draws patients from Atlanta and across the U.S. The geographic context of his practice allows him to understand the lifestyle of his patients. Whether you are prepping for a keynote presentation or maintaining an active lifestyle your results must be durable, comfortable, and visually seamless. Long-Term Considerations for the Executive Lifestyle Breast augmentation is a long-term investment in your self-image. It is important to consider how your results will evolve over time. Longevity: While implants are not lifetime devices, choosing the right size and weight initially can prevent premature sagging or the need for a lift (mastopexy) later in life. Overly large implants can strain the skin envelope over time; choosing a proportional size ensures longevity. Recovery Management: For the busy professional, we utilize recovery protocols designed to minimize downtime, allowing you to return to your leadership role with minimal disruption. Health and Wellness: We prioritize your systemic health, ensuring that your implants do not interfere with mammographies or physical fitness routines. Actionable Takeaways for Your Transformation If you are considering breast augmentation, keep these strategic points in mind: Prioritize Dimensions Over CCs: Focus on how the breast will look in relation to your shoulder and hip width. Test Your Wardrobe: Bring a favorite professional blazer or dress to your consultation to see how different "sizer" volumes change the garment's fit. Consult the Experts: Avoid "template" surgeries. Ensure your surgeon provides a customized plan based on your unique chest wall measurements. Understand the Material: Weigh the benefits of silicone's natural feel against saline's adjustable volume and smaller incision. Your Path to Proportional Balance At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we believe that aesthetic procedures should empower you to feel more like yourself. By moving beyond the simple metric of size and embracing the philosophy of proportion, you can achieve a result that enhances your confidence both in your personal life and your professional career. Our practice is dedicated to providing an executive-grade experience, from your initial private consultation to your final post-operative milestone. We invite you to explore how a tailored approach to breast augmentation can refine your silhouette and bolster your professional presence. To schedule an expert consultation and develop your personalized surgical plan, contact Plastic Surgery Center of The South today. Call us at (770) 421-1242 and let us help you find the perfect balance for your frame!
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