When you’ve grown another human being in your body, you can expect a certain amount of physical change. Most of these changes won’t be a big deal for you–some stretch marks, a little extra abdominal skin, and some differences in your chest size and shape after breastfeeding. A lot of women experience–and embrace–the changes motherhood brings to their bodies.
But it isn’t that simple for everyone. Some mothers have a difficult time getting back in shape after having a baby. You may find yourself with a pooching stomach that makes it hard to complete a workout. You might have weak abdominal muscles that cause back pain or posture problems. It’s possible you’re having a personal battle with your self-confidence and the way you feel about your post-pregnancy body.
There’s no shame in wanting to improve your physical figure. In fact, you can see a lot of positive physical changes in your body through plastic surgery–improvements to things that aren’t just aesthetic concerns–not to mention a boost in your mental health.
What Are The First Steps To Take When Having A Mommy Makeover?
Once you decide that a mommy makeover is right for you, it’s time to schedule a consultation. Start your search by reviewing surgeons in your area and making a list of possibilities. Websites, patient reviews, galleries of before and after photos–all of these things are great tools to help you make your choice. Pick a few surgeons off the list. If your first consultation doesn’t bring you a feeling of comfort and peace about the procedure and the surgeon, try the next one. A mommy makeover can be a fabulously transforming procedure if you put yourself in the right hands.
Tips To Prep Your Body For Your Mommy Makeover
You can prime your cells for regenerating your body after surgery by supplying them with a generous amount of water. Break out your thermal cup and fill that baby to the brim!
The food you eat is just as important to your body’s ability to recoup after surgery. Keep a stash of healthy foods in your fridge–especially those high in protein. Fight your cravings and limit your intake of foods that are fatty and greasy. You may want to skip the ice cream and candy bars before surgery since processed sugar can elevate inflammation levels. Veggies and fruits are good for you to grab in between meals when you’re feeling snacky.
Whether you hit your ideal weight through diet or exercise (or both), try to find a routine that works for you and stick to it. If you can maintain your weight before surgery, you’re more likely to keep the results of your operation longer.
Mommy Makeover: The Procedures
The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing your mommy makeover. Okay, maybe not exactly the sky, but you know what we mean. Your surgery can focus on two areas or more, and you have several different options for each. Let’s start your mommy makeover journey by looking at a few of these choices and how to make them suit your unique needs.
Tummy Tuck
You’ve more than likely heard of this cosmetic procedure. Its worldwide popularity has rocketed the tummy tuck to the top of the list of most common cosmetic procedures, where it’s been comfortably hanging out for a while now.
You’ve exercised, dieted, and tried everything under the sun to help you get rid of the extra skin after your pregnancy. If this skin is still making you self-conscious–or making it hard to find a pair of jeans that fit well–you can add a tummy tuck to your mommy makeover.
You will immediately see how flat and contoured your stomach is after surgery. The removal of extra skin and tissue and the tightening of what’s left create a naturally flat abdomen. You should let your surgeon know if you’ve had any problems with lower back pain or poor core strength. You may need to have your abdominal muscles tightened to help with these problems.
Breast Surgery
Your second choice and another popular addition to a mommy makeover is breast surgery. There are a few different options for this, so let’s dig deeper into them to see what all the fuss is about.
Breast Augmentation: Up first, we have breast augmentation. This procedure can offer to alter your breasts to a new shape and size, giving more bounce to your chest. You’re the boss when it comes to breast augmentation options. You’ll decide what type of implant, how big you want the implants to be (though your surgeon may advise you based on your size and figure), and even where your incisions will be on your body.
If you’re interested in a more natural breast augmentation, ask your surgeon about fat transfer to the breast to see if you might be a good fit.
Breast Lift: Next on the list is a breast lift. You can think of this surgery as a breast augmentation, only without the implants. If your breasts have sagged, changed size, or even gotten a little lopsided after pregnancy and breastfeeding, your surgeon will realign everything during your breast lift. You’ll find yourself with a chest that sits higher and looks perkier.
Breast Reduction: Last but not least is breast reduction surgery. Maybe your breasts have grown uncomfortably big after you’ve had kids. This extra tissue can cause pain and make it hard to dress the way you want. Your surgeon will help by removing the extra tissue and making sure your breasts are symmetrical and well-positioned.
After a reduction, you will have a more comfortable and manageable figure. Breast reductions are very common among modern women who not only want to look good but also want to feel their very best.
Liposuction
There is nothing on earth as stubborn as human fat cells–unless, of course, it’s a child in a store refusing to leave the toy aisle without a souvenir. Getting fat cells to vacate the premises is almost as difficult as getting your screeching little angel into the car while passersby look on in judgment. Liposuction helps make your life a little easier by suctioning out pockets of body fat that won’t budge otherwise.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
While too much fat may be the reason you choose liposuction, there may be parts of your body you wish were a little more plump and full. If your butt feels kind of flat or even flabby, a BBL can make your figure pop by moving fat from other parts of your body to your rear.
Post-Mommy Makeover: Care And Recovery
Taking care of yourself after surgery is important for your body, mind, and even your results. You can set yourself up for a successful and smooth recovery by prepping your house. Be sure you stock your fridge so you don’t have to worry about food immediately after surgery. Have your home clean(ish) so you don’t stress about the mess and that you aren’t able to clean it. Take off work and ask your spouse, family member, or friend to take over any household chores and childcare needs, especially during the first week or two.
Post-Operative Care
You won’t have to figure out post-op care on your own (or just by looking at blog articles). Your surgeon will have a long list of do’s and don’ts for you. You and your spouse or other temporary caregivers should look them over and know how to prepare for your at-home care and recovery.
- Take good care of your incisions when you get home. If you keep your incisions clean and covered, you can avoid infections and bacteria that could set back your recovery.
- You can continue the same diet you adopted before surgery while you’re recovering. Start with small portions before working up to normal meals. Greasy and fatty foods could upset your stomach. Don’t eat a lot of salt since sodium can make post-op swelling worse. Your best bet to heal quickly and keep your results long after surgery is to eat lots of natural foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and lean meats.
- You know that thermal cup we mentioned earlier? Keep it handy while you’re recovering. Water gives your regenerating cells even more energy to heal your body. So fill that cup full of water and start sipping.
- Once you can get up and move, walk around your home to start getting your strength back. As you start feeling better, take short trips outside for some fresh air.
- Don’t push yourself or rush through your recovery. Take your time and heal at your own pace.
Maintain Your Results After Your Mommy Makeover
Around six to eight weeks after your surgery, you can enjoy the results of your mommy makeover. You may still have some swelling, and there might be a few things you still need to avoid. For the most part, after this time, you can expect to be back to your role of best mom ever with renewed confidence in your body and yourself!
Self Care Is Important
Motherhood is a joy–and a real test of physical and mental strength. This role can push you to your limits in all areas. That’s why self-care is so important for moms. Taking care of your needs can help you take care of your family. Following these tips and instructions, along with your surgeon’s, can help you look and feel your best for many years after your mommy makeover.
