Many women have children only to find that the changes that child-bearing can have on their body are not so easily reversible. While each woman experiences it differently, it’s common to experience stretched skin, loss of breast volume, and additional fat in the midsection after having a child. These are just some of the ways that a woman’s body can be affected by pregnancy and childbirth. Even if you’re someone that has healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle, it can be difficult to achieve your desired fitness goals after giving birth, and there isn’t anything wrong with wanting to get back to your pre-baby aesthetic. 

One of the benefits of a mommy makeover is that it can be tailored to fit your specific needs, which is important since pregnancy doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Whether you are hoping to have your breasts lifted or your skin tightened, you can work with your plastic surgeon to achieve the outcome you’re hoping for. Here’s a quick guide to your customized mommy makeover.

What Surgeries are Involved in a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover can be as comprehensive as it needs to be to achieve your goal, which can vary greatly from one person to the next. Some of the more common types of surgeries involved in a mommy makeover include a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction. The reason these are common surgeries is that breastfeeding often causes breasts to deflate and sag. Sometimes more than one of these procedures is performed. For instance, a breast reduction and a breast lift are procedures that are often completed back to back.

Other types of surgeries that are often part of a mommy makeover are the tummy tuck and fat reduction in a predetermined area of the body. When a woman gains weight from pregnancy and then loses that weight, it’s common to have excess skin in the abdominal area that can be removed through surgery. In addition to the additional skin, there’s an opportunity to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the back, thighs, stomach, and hips.

How Long Does it Take to Recover After a Mommy Makeover?

Generally speaking, the recovery for a mommy makeover is about two weeks, but it’s possible for the recovery to take twice as long. A key determining factor is which procedure you’ve received and how many procedures were completed. Multiple procedures will likely increase the amount of time it takes to recover. Some patients take a couple of months to get back to normal. 

It’s worth mentioning that more complex procedures can significantly lengthen the amount of time it takes before you are 100 percent back to normal. There are some procedures and techniques that are not as invasive as others, which makes the recovery time shorter. Bruising and swelling often occur as a result of surgical procedures performed for a mommy makeover.

What Can I Expect During and After a Mommy Makeover?

Generally speaking, you won’t experience any pain during these surgeries. After you wake up from surgery, you will probably notice the effects of the anesthesia, which generally makes people feel slightly groggy. It’s common to experience bruising and swelling during the healing process, as well as difficulty getting around. Our medical team is always careful to ensure effective pain management after your procedure. You’ll receive all of the information needed, such as the type of pain medication to take during recovery.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Michael F. Bohley is a Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in the Greater Portland area. Dr. Bohley and a team of professionals provide exceptional service and care to every one of their patients. Contact our office for a consultation or for more information about whether a mommy makeover is right for you.