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A unique experience -

Indeed, motherhood is a unique period in a woman's life, and a wholly rewarding experience. But motherhood is also very challenging. In fact, it's one of the hardest trials in life.

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Physical and mental toll -

Besides the emotional whirlwind it creates, motherhood can also take its toll on the body.

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The shape of things to come -

Actually, the physical consequences of becoming pregnant and giving birth can alter the shape of the body. So much so that some women choose to undergo what's known as a "mommy makeover" to restore the shape and appearance of their bodies after childbearing.

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Contemplating a mommy makeover? -

A mommy makeover is essentially a combination of cosmetic surgery techniques designed specifically to address common issues faced by women who have been through pregnancy. These procedures typically refer to the rejuvenation of the breasts and abdomen.

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Breast augmentation -

Pregnancy often leaves breasts sagging and deflated. A breast augmentation increases the fullness, size, and symmetry of your breasts.

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Breast lift -

A breast lift is a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to change the shape of the breasts. The technique effectively reduces the breast skin envelope and repositions the areola and nipple to a more naturally anatomical location.

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Breast reduction -

Conversely, breast reduction surgery removes fat, breast tissue, and skin from the breasts to achieve a breast size more in keeping with the proportions of your body.

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Tummy tuck -

A tummy tuck is one of the most popular mommy makeover procedures. A typical pregnancy induces a large fluctuation in weight over a short period of time, usually nine months. This can leave the belly flabby and infirm. A tummy tuck restores weakened muscles to improve the shape and appearance of the abdomen.

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Liposuction -

Simply put, liposuction is a cosmetic procedure to remove unwanted fat. By doing so it slims and reshapes specific areas of the body.

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Circumferential abdominoplasty -

Circumferential abdominoplasty is a more advanced and invasive tummy tuck procedure that addresses both the lower and upper abdomen along with the entire waistline.

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Thigh lift -

A mommy makeover can also include a thigh lift. This involves surgery to remove excess skin on the inner thighs.

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Arm lift -

Similarly, an arm lift tightens loose, sagging skin to improve contour to the upper arms and connecting area of the chest wall.

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Buttock augmentation -

A mommy makeover can extend to improving the contour, size, and shape of the buttocks.

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Vaginal rejuvenation surgery -

Vaginal rejuvenation surgery consists of surgical and nonsurgical treatments that firm up the skin around the vagina or tighten the vaginal canal. These procedures treat various medical issues, including vaginal injury due to childbirth.

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Where is a mommy makeover performed? -

It's quite usual to undergo a mommy makeover as an outpatient. A surgeon may recommend a 24-hour stay in hospital for observation purposes, but otherwise being treated as an outpatient allows for recovery at home.

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Do's and don'ts of the recovery period -

Recovering from a mommy makeover can take up to two weeks, depending on the procedure carried out. Expect to feel sore, bruised, and swollen.

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Help in the house -

Indeed, your mommy makeover will leave you feeling tired and tender. Given your limited mobility after surgery, enlist assistance around the house, from your spouse for example, or from family or friends.

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Don't get in front of the wheel -

Forget about driving while recovering from a mommy makeover. In fact, put the brakes on getting behind the wheel period, especially if you've been prescribed painkillers that could leave you feeling drowsy and uncoordinated.

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Sore and swollen skin -

Surgery of any kind leaves skin sore and swollen, and a mommy makeover is no different. Bare in mind that procedures such as tummy tucks and breast augmentations can induce swelling that can last for six months or longer. Be prepared to put up with considerable short-term discomfort.

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No heavy lifting -

Recovering from a mommy makeover means no heavy lifting. And moms, this includes your newborn! The good news is that cuddling your little bundle of joy is still allowed.

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Risks from smoking -

Smokers are at increased risk of surgical complications following any medical procedure, including a mommy makeover. Risks associated with anesthesia include a delayed recovery, which is elevated in those who smoke.

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Maintain a healthy lifestyle -

Following a balanced diet reinforces recovery from any surgical procedure. After your makeover, be sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. And drink lots of water, too.

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Work it out -

Likewise, make time for the gym once you're up and running again. Sticking to a regular exercise schedule does wonders for post-mommy makeover care.

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Consult a professional -

If you're considering a mommy makeover, it's essential to choose a fully qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. In the United States, your consultant should be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. In the United Kingdom, the equivalent professional surgical organization is the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

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What are the risks of a mommy makeover? -

If you're having a surgical mommy makeover, your consultant will remind you of any inherent risks associated with the procedure. This will include assessing any possible adverse reactions to anesthesia. As a rule, general anesthesia is not required for a mommy makeover.

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Infection and delayed healing -

Fortunately, few of the more common risks associated with surgery are applicable to a mommy makeover. That said, there is always a chance that an infected wound may delay healing.

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Hematoma -

Hematoma, an extreme form of bruising, often occurs in the wake of a surgical procedure, including a mommy makeover.

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Change in skin sensation -

Another side effect associated with a mommy makeover is a change in skin sensation. Tummy tucks and liposuction can cause a loss of skin sensation on your abdomen; and any type of breast surgery can affect nipple and breast sensation.

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Worried about breastfeeding? -

An often asked question is whether breast surgery has an effect on future breastfeeding. Studies on this topic are so far inconclusive. However, if you're worried about this, then hold off on your mommy makeover until you're done having children.

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Outlook for new moms and their makeover -

When all is said and done, the benefits of a mommy makeover far outweigh the risks. It tightens loose skin, has the potential to get rid of stretch marks, and goes a long way in reinstating your pre-pregnancy figure. But perhaps most of all, it boosts self-confidence and restores pride in your appearance.

Sources: (Stanford Medicine) (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) (American Board of Cosmetic Surgery) 

See also: Under the knife—celebrities who have had plastic surgery

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