Mommy Makeovers: What You Need To Know

The Mommy Makeover: Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift

During pregnancy, the uterus and lower abdominal wall expand. That lower abdominal wall then stretches to make room for the baby, and this weakens those abdominal muscles. Even with diet and exercise after the birth of your baby, this may not return to what it once was. Because this wall is weakened, it’s also possible to accumulate a significant amount of fat in this area. 

Another common concern among new moms is that breasts often become larger to prepare for breastfeeding. After breastfeeding is complete and the breasts are no longer filled with milk, there is occasionally some reduction in the elasticity of the breasts, called “breast ptosis.” 

Women often seek to treat these two concerns together through an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, for their abdominal problem, and either a breast lift or breast augmentation for their breast ptosis. These procedures make up a mommy makeover. 

When Diet and Exercise Aren’t Enough

The goal of an abdominoplasty is to remove excess fat and skin, with the added possibility of restoring weakened muscles. Typically, the result of this procedure is a strengthened abdominal wall and a smoother abdomen. This procedure is not a substitute for diet and exercise, nor will it eradicate stretch marks. 

The breast lift procedure both lifts and firms the breasts by removing extra skin and tightening surrounding tissue. Breast augmentation can increase fullness, restore volume, and improve symmetry. This is accomplished surgically by the addition of breast implants. If a patient’s breasts are suffering significant breast ptosis, breast augmentation will likely not correct the problem as successfully as a breast lift. 

The bottom line here is that pregnancy can be extremely rough on a mom, both mentally and physically. If you’re having trouble rejuvenating your body with diet and exercise, it might be a good idea to make an appointment to talk about how we might be able to help. 

Do you have questions about mommy makeovers? Have you had a mommy makeover and want to share your story with others who might want some guidance? Leave a comment below and join in the conversation.