Mommy makeover (otherwise known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck, or mommy makeover) surgery can be life-changing for both mothers and their children. The magic of this type of surgery lies in its ability to allow new mothers to recover from childbirth quickly and resume their lives with enhanced confidence, self-esteem, and attractiveness. Before-and-after pictures are the best way to showcase the dramatic effects that mommy makeover procedures can have on women’s lives.
Why Have a Mommy Makeover?
The goal of cosmetic surgery is to make you feel better about yourself. If you had a baby, chances are your body changed more than you expected, leaving your self-esteem in shambles. In many cases, it can take years to recover from significant weight gain during pregnancy. On top of that, skin loses elasticity over time, making it difficult to get back into shape even if you shed pounds. A mommy makeover can be a wonderful way to restore confidence that was lost after pregnancy. Here’s how four different women felt before and after their procedures…
What is Involved in a Mommy Makeover?
Although every mommy makeover procedure is different, these are some of the most common surgeries associated with it: Breast enlargement or reduction. Many moms want to undergo breast augmentation or breast reduction, so it’s common for plastic surgeons to perform both at once. Liposuction. Some doctors recommend removing fat from the mom’s stomach, hips and thighs if she has difficulty losing weight after giving birth. Tummy tuck. This can be performed in conjunction with liposuction on a patient’s outer thighs (the love handles). Abdominoplasty removes excess skin from mom’s abdomen after her uterus shrinks back down post-pregnancy.
How Do I Choose Between DIEP Flap or Tummy Tuck?
The cosmetic surgery team at your plastic surgeon’s office can provide you with plenty of information about both procedures. You might have to consider mommy makeover cost, or whether you prefer a system that includes liposuction. Some things to think about before making your decision include: How much skin needs to be removed? What is my pain tolerance? How much downtime do I want (if any)? Are my stretch marks severe enough to warrant additional skin removal? Do I prefer recovery time in an outpatient center or in-home care?
Think carefully through these issues, because your choice could mean selecting between a full tummy tuck or DIEP flap surgery. Whether you choose one option over another will depend on which method meets all your cosmetic goals.
Where Can I Find the Best Doctor for My Procedure?
Find out how much mommy makeovers cost. Then call a few plastic surgeons who specialize in such surgeries to set up consultations. You’ll want to ask them questions about what can be done, how long recovery will take, as well as costs.
A reputable surgeon will be willing to give you some idea of what your surgery might cost in advance so you have time to save up for it. If he isn’t willing to tell you outright, chances are he isn’t that good at his job or won’t do a very good job on you. Whatever price he quotes may change depending on various factors (such as complications during surgery), but it should at least be an accurate starting point for your research.
How Much Does It Cost and Is Insurance Covered?
The cost depends on whether you choose to have an in-office procedure or undergo surgery as an outpatient. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a traditional mommy makeover costs between $20,000 to $25,000; insurance often covers 50 percent of that cost after out-of-pocket deductibles are met. Some additional procedures not included in a standard mommy makeover may be required (e.g., liposuction for a tummy tuck); these can range from $4,000 to $10,000 each.
Check with your surgeon regarding financing options so you know how much you’ll need to be saved before making any decisions about surgeries and medical procedures!
Will I Need a Recovery Period?
Recovery times differ from one patient to the next. Talking with your plastic surgeon about what to expect post-surgery in terms of recovery time is best. Even after you’ve had surgery, he or she can still recommend stretches, exercises, and ways for you to take care of yourself so that you get back on track as quickly as possible. Many patients who have abdominoplasty also opt for liposuction at some point during their procedure, which typically means added recovery time is needed. However, if your surgeon uses dissolvable stitches (or staples) instead of regular sutures, recovery time might be cut in half because dissolvable stitches do not require removal.
What if I Have Complications After My Surgery?
Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but with proper diet and exercise, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll have to face many complications. If you’re determined to achieve your new body after mommy makeover surgery, it helps to prepare for how it might be more challenging. For example, you may have some trouble putting on muscle if breastfeeding—breastfeeding burns 400 calories per day, so put off those crunches for later. And even if you’re not breastfeeding, eating well is essential to post-surgery recovery. Remember that nutrition is important at any age! Talk with your doctor about what foods will help give you energy during your recovery period.
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